The nation was shocked by the vicious and senseless murder of schoolteacher Stephanie Scott in Leeton NSW in 2015. Two detectives involved in the investigation give their unique insights into the early days of the case, from the moment they were called upon to assist in what was initially reported as a missing person case, to when they arrested the offender and charged him with murder. This episode begins a three-part must-listen series for any aspiring detective.

The crime case story this conversation references – Merciless and Cold Blooded: The Murder of Bride to Be Stephanie Scott – is in the September 2019 edition of the APJ. It can be read at www.apjl.com.au.

Host: Jason Byrnes

Guests: Tim Clark and Justin Milne

This episode is about how the actions of Australian police can have a diplomatic effect, when police personnel are deployed overseas. The deployment of police to another country is as much a statement about the sending nation’s intent and values, as it is about the police duties being performed.

Dr Martin Hess is a retired police officer who has just published a book titled ‘The Politics of Police Diplomacy – the Australian Experience’. It’s an analysis of six decades of Australian police activities in places such as Indonesia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific.

In these locations, Australian police have performed duties ranging from criminal investigations to disaster victim identification, capacity building, liaison, stability support and peacekeeping. In his book, Martin examines these activities through a diplomatic lens.

Martin served in the Australian Federal Police for 33 years, during which time he worked in several Australian cities as well as overseas, in Afghanistan, Cyprus and East Timor. Before retiring in 2021, Martin was awarded a doctorate of philosophy from the Australian National University. His doctoral thesis is titled ‘The Australian Federal Police as an international actor: diplomacy by default’.

Host: Jason Byrnes APM

Guest: Dr Martin Hess

Learn how police were able to identify and apprehend a serial sex offender and burglar in northern Adelaide. When the offender was eventually sentenced in court, the judge declared the man had 'no control over his sexual instincts'.

Retired Detective Senior Sergeant Carl Whitaker returns to the podcast to talk about the investigation, which he previously wrote about in an APJ article titled ‘Uncontrollable Urges’ (September 2011). It can be viewed at www.apjl.com.au.

Host: Jason Byrnes

Guest: Carl Whitaker