Pocket Sergeant Podcast

• Brendan O'Brien | The Crisis in Policing and Recruitment | Pocket Sergeant Podcast Ep 08

  Send us a textIn 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-centered recruitment process for future police officers. In this conversation, the speakers go into the complexities of policing, focusing on emotional intelligence, retention, recruitment, and the cultural challenges within law enforcement. They discuss the importance of finding the right fit for police roles, the generational shifts in attitudes among new recruits, and the critical need for police leadership to listen to their officers. The conversation also addresses the issues of misconduct and the impact of culture on police behaviour, emphasising the need for integrity and accountability within the force.To find out more about how Brendan can help you in your policing journey, visit the Blue Light Consultancy website. Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

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• Jay Darkmoore | Domestic Violence, Arrest, and Mental Health | Pocket Sergeant Podcast Ep 07

  Send us a textIn 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 officers, the importance of training, and the conflict between his advocacy for domestic abuse awareness and the police force's response to his efforts. Ultimately, he questions the ethics and accountability within the police force and reflects on the consequences of speaking out. In this conversation, the he shares a deeply personal account of their experiences as a police officer, including a traumatic incident of domestic violence that led to his arrest. They discuss the mental health struggles that followed, the challenges within the police force, and Jay's decision to leave the job. Jay also reflects on his journey into writing and advocacy, aiming to shed light on the issues within the policing system and support others facing similar challenges. Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

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• Patricia Sutcliffe | Ghostwriter | Trauma & Truth | Real Stories | Pocket Sergeant Podcast Ep 06

  Send us a textIn 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 writer’s true voice. They explore how indie publishing is making storytelling more accessible, offer practical tips for aspiring authors, and highlight how writing can be deeply therapeutic, particularly for those who’ve lived through trauma.This honest conversation explores the emotional impact of real-life stories, the differences between fiction and non-fiction, and how sharing lived experiences can bring about transformation for both the writer and the reader. Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

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• Ian Cook | Policing Mental Health | Blue Light Lifestyle Mission | Pocket Sergeant Podcast Ep 05

  Send us a textIn 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 officers face but rarely talk about - mental health, work-life balance, leadership failures, and the emotional toll of constantly serving others while neglecting yourself.This conversation dives into the importance of community, peer support, and the need to change the culture of silence in the emergency services when it comes to well-being.You can find Ian Cook here:https://bluelightlifestyle.com/links📧 Suggest a guest / Get in touch: [email protected]🔗 Download the Pocket Sergeant app: www.pocketsergeant.co.uk📚 Learn more about Paul Cooper's book, From Trauma To Triumph: https://amzn.eu/d/gMzKnov Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

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• Professor Jane Monckton-Smith | Homicide Timeline | Coercive Control | Pocket Sergeant Podcast Ep 04

  Send us a textIn 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 signs, protect victims, and prevent murders. She discusses the chilling patterns that repeat across domestic homicides, the systemic failures in police training, and why many victims never get the protection they urgently need.Jane also shares harrowing real-world examples, the limitations of protective orders, and how policing and society must change to better respond to victims of domestic abuse.Do you think you could be a victim of domestic abuse? If so, you can all the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

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