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PODCAST

Pocket Sergeant Podcast

Hosted by former police officer and award-winning app creator Paul Cooper, this podcast explores the untold realities of frontline policing in the UK.Each episode features honest conversations with current and former officers, legal professionals, experts, and those with lived experience – covering everything from policing culture and mental health to groundbreaking innovation and criminal justice reform.Whether you’re a serving officer, aspiring recruit, or simply curious about life in uniform, the

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All Episodes

55:21

BONUS EPISODE | Ian Cook | Code Zero & The PSD U-Turn...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/11/12

Ian Cook from Blue Light Lifestyle returns for another powerful discussion. We kick things off with an update on Code Zero, the brand-new mobile app Ian is developing alongside Ben Pearson, designed to support those working in the emergency services. We then get into the latest controversy involving North Yorkshire Police, where nine graduate officers were referred to the Professional Standards Department over alleged uniform breaches during their graduation ceremony. We unpack the Chief Co...

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59:21

Claire Lilly | The Forcer Protocol: Turning Tragedy...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/11/09

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Claire Lilly shares the poignant story of her late husband, Alan Forcer, a war veteran whose struggles with mental health and addiction led to tragic consequences. Claire discusses the impact of Alan's experiences during his military service, the challenges they faced as a couple, and the development of the Forcer Protocol, a new policing strategy aimed at improving the response to veterans in crisis. Through her advocacy, Claire aims to create ...

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70:22

Hannah Bailey | Talking Trauma and Transformation |...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/11/02

In this conversation, Hannah Bailey shares her journey from a police officer to a wellbeing coach, discussing the challenges of facing trauma, undiagnosed PTSD, and the impact of her cancer diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support in policing, the concept of moral injury, and her mission to help others navigate their struggles. Hannah also highlights the need for systemic changes in policing to better support officers' mental health and wellbeing. Find out more about ...

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59:55

Catherine Davey | From the Beat to Channel 4’s The...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/10/26

In this episode, Catherine Davey — star of Channel 4’s The Inheritance — shares her journey from joining the police at a young age to her experiences on the front line, the challenges she faced due to injury, and her transition to life after policing. She reflects on her time in the force, memorable stories, and the impact of her reality TV experience on her perspective of trust and alliances. Catherine also discusses her aspirations for the future and the lessons learned from her uniqu...

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50:23

Ian Cook | North Yorkshire Police Graduation Fallout...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/10/19

In this conversation, we highlight the challenges of communication and leadership within police culture, especially in light of recent incidents such as the North Yorkshire Police graduation controversy. We also disucss the ongoing efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing in policing, particularly through the proposed development of a new app, Code Zero. The discussion emphasises the need for better support systems, open dialogue, and a shift in culture to foster trust and confide...

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84:48

Andy Chapman | Coping with Trauma & Mental Health in...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/10/12

Send us a text TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ This episode discusses suicide and associated trauma. If you have been affected by anything in this episode, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Andy to explore the profound impact of trauma and mental health challenges faced by police officers. Through personal stories and expert insights, we shed light on the emotional toll of the job and the importance of mental health support within law enforcement...

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85:52

Gary Hayes | Sent to the Temporary Mortuary | 7/7...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/10/05

Send us a text TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ This episode discusses suicide and associated trauma. If you have been affected by anything in these podcasts, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 In this episode, we sit down with Gary Hayes, a former British Transport Police Officer, to hear his honest and moving story of living through trauma and finding a way forward. Gary talks about his time on the front line, including the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings, and how those experiences led him to ...

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57:48

Mike Neville | Rise of Super Recognisers | Future of...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/09/28

Send us a text Join us for a fascinating conversation with Mike Neville, a pioneer in forensic investigation and the mastermind behind the world’s first super recogniser unit. Discover how Mike’s groundbreaking approach to human-based facial recognition has transformed policing, helping to solve high-profile cases such as the 2011 London riots and the Novichok poisoning. We explore the extraordinary abilities of super recognisers, their collaboration with AI technology, and the ethical ques...

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69:37

Rebecca House | From Police Officer to Mental Health...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/09/21

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Andy to explore the profound impact of trauma and mental health challenges faced by police officers. Through personal stories and expert insights, we shed light on the emotional toll of the job and the importance of mental health support within law enforcement. Andy shares his experiences navigating these challenges and offers perspective on the steps being taken to foster resilience and well-being in the force. Don’t just hear Rebe...

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45:27

Lee Broadbent | Why Police Officers Need Their Own...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/09/14

Send us a text In this conversation, Paul Cooper and Lee Broadbent discuss the critical differences between the Police Federation and trade unions, the implications of union membership for police officers, and the ongoing legal challenge to allow police officers to form their own unions. Lee shares his experiences with the Federation, highlighting its failures and the need for change. They also touch on the importance of funding for the legal challenge and the support from the policing commun...

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60:04

Emma Louise | Policing, Trauma, and the Need for...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/09/07

Send us a text In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Emma Louise shares her journey from aspiring police officer to leaving the job for her mental health. She discusses her early fascination with policing, the reality of working as a detective, and the overwhelming pressure that led to her decision to prioritise her well-being. Emma highlights the lack of support for officers dealing with trauma and the need for cultural change within policing. Now working in business management, sh...

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32:35

Paul Cooper with Laura Loy | Supporting Police...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/08/31

Send us a text In this conversation, Laura Loy and Paul Cooper discuss the pressing issues surrounding police welfare, particularly focusing on the mental health impacts of professional standards investigations. They explore the inconsistencies in how investigations are conducted, the psychological toll on officers, and the need for a more supportive and accountable system. The discussion emphasises the importance of caring leadership within police forces and the necessity for reforms to impr...

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80:32

Matt Homan | Former Police Officer, Arrested,...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/08/24

Send us a text In this conversation, Matt Homan shares his journey through policing, the challenges he faced, and the impact of trauma on his mental health. He discusses the importance of humour in dealing with dark situations, the struggles of navigating personal relationships, and the consequences of domestic abuse allegations. Matt reflects on his experiences with PTSD and the support (or lack thereof) he received during his career. He emphasises the need for compassion and understanding w...

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74:14

Brendan O'Brien | The Crisis in Policing and...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/08/17

Send us a text In this conversation, Brendan O'Brien of Blue Light Consultancy shares his extensive journey in policing, reflecting on his motivations for joining the force, memorable experiences, and the challenges he faced with target-driven policing. He discusses the importance of community engagement and the Peelian principles, emphasising the need for authenticity in police recruitment. Brendan also reflects on his transition to civilian life and advocates for a more rigorous and human-c...

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68:29

Jay Darkmoore | Domestic Violence, Arrest, and Mental...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/08/10

Send us a text In this conversation, Jay Darkmoore, an ex-police officer, shares his journey through nearly a decade in policing. He discusses the stark contrast between his initial expectations of policing and the reality he faced, including the moral dilemmas and challenges of modern policing. Jay reflects on his motivations for joining the police, humourous anecdotes from his time on the beat, and the evolution of response policing. He also addresses the struggles faced by frontline office...

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46:19

Patricia Sutcliffe | Ghostwriter | Trauma & Truth |...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/08/03

Send us a text In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper reflects on how many police officers and emergency service workers have asked him how he managed to write his book. The answer: ghostwriter Patricia Sutcliffe. Patricia not only helped Paul tell his own story but also co-wrote the powerful memoirs of former police interceptor Ben Pearson. Together, they unpack the world of ghostwriting - discussing the process, the importance of authenticity, and how to maintain a wri...

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54:16

Ian Cook | Policing Mental Health | Blue Light...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/07/27

In this eye-opening episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper speaks with Ian Cook, former police officer and founder of Blue Light Lifestyle, a powerful well-being movement built to support those working in emergency services. Ian shares his deeply personal journey from the pressures of front-line policing to confronting burnout, imposter syndrome, and a lack of emotional support within the job. After leaving the force, Ian grew Blue Light Lifestyle to tackle the issues that most ...

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49:15

Professor Jane Monckton-Smith | Homicide Timeline |...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/07/20

In this powerful episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper is joined by leading criminologist and former police officer Professor Jane Monckton Smith, whose ground-breaking work on homicide timelines is transforming how the criminal justice system approaches domestic abuse and coercive control. Drawing from years of research, frontline policing, and academic study, Jane breaks down the 8-stage homicide timeline she developed—used across the UK and internationally to identify danger...

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58:57

Joanne Caffrey | Former Cop | Fighting Injustice |...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/07/13

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Paul Cooper sits down with Joanne Caffrey, a nationally respected expert witness in police custody and safer detention. Joanne shares her compelling journey from her early years as a frontline officer to becoming a sought-after authority in police procedures. She opens up about facing bullying and discrimination within the police service, and how those experiences shaped her mission to improve policing from the outside in. From discussing the ...

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66:51

Ben Pearson | Life on the Frontline | PTSD | Life...

Pocket Sergeant Podcast ·

2025/07/06

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Ben Pearson shares his powerful journey from childhood dreams of becoming a police officer to front-line reality and fame on the hit TV series Police Interceptors. He opens up about the emotional toll of policing, the pressures of working on camera, and the long-term effects of trauma and PTSD. Ben discusses the hidden struggles behind the uniform, the mental health challenges faced by officers, and the importance of raising awareness around po...

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21 results

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