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In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 18, Cannibal Dad, from his upcoming book:

Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop

Fresh off probation and officially a "real cop," Patrick rides for the first time without a senior officer alongside his academy classmate, Tommie. What starts as an exciting milestone—two rookies on top of the world—turns into one of the most disturbing calls of Patrick's twenty-five-year career when they respond to a family trouble call at 7:00 AM.

All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence involving a father and daughter. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

🎧 This episode includes:

• Patrick received his District Five Honor and Valor tie bar after getting off probation.
• The first shift riding with Tommie—no training officer, just two rookies.
• A family trouble call that starts with the smell of booze and a blood-stained shirt.
• "My daddy bit my nose off!"
• The head-through-drywall moment: "Holy shit, O'Donnell! We k*lled him!"
• A father who swallowed part of his daughter's nose and "smacked his lips as if he'd just finished a steak dinner."
• The moment two rookie cops realize just how dark the job can get.

📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during Milwaukee's crack wars in the 1990s.

Book release: March 2026

Book Update: The introduction and book description are complete! We're on track for the March 2026 launch. Subscribe to be notified when pre-orders go live.

📧 Contact Patrick:
Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com
Website: copsandwriters.com
Facebook Group: Cops and Writers

👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who can handle the truth about what cops see behind the badge.

🎙️ New chapters every Wednesday night.

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What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? Not today. Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Jenn Benjamins.

Jenn Benjamins is a retired sergeant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with nearly 22 years of real-world experience in patrol, case investigations, and covert/undercover operations.

Her interest in undercover work led her to the Vice Section, where she refused to be limited by traditional expectations. While excelling in female undercover roles, Jenn was determined - and succeeded - in working undercover alongside her male counterparts. She developed a specialized training program within the Vice Section, implemented policy, and conducted department-wide training on vice crimes and related laws.

Throughout her career, Jenn worked a wide variety of undercover assignments throughout Las Vegas, collaborating not only with specialized units such as narcotics but also with federal partners, including the ATF, DEA, and FBI.

Recognizing a critical need, Jenn founded Covert Blue, where she makes it her mission to provide specialized training for women in undercover roles - programs that build technical expertise while also addressing the unique dynamics and challenges women face in the field.

Please enjoy this very real and informative interview with someone who has lived a life that is found more often in movies and books. Vegas baby!

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· How long did she work in Vice as a cop and sergeant doing UC work?

· Where did these prostitutes come from?

· What’s a trick roll?

· What’s the difference between a carpet ho and a renegade ho?

· The most memorable arrests or situations she had during her career?

· Your company Covert Blue LLC, why start this and who is it for?

· The personal toll that working vice takes on a cop.

· Best advice for someone who wants to work as an undercover cop.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out Jenn's website!

Visit the Cops & Writers Website!

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In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O’Donnell reads Chapter 12, Pistol Packing Grandma Moses, from his upcoming book:

Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & My Life as a Big City Cop

While still a rookie cop "warhorsing" (filling in for other officers), Patrick partners with DJ, a 6'5", 300-pound gentle giant and former Chicago Bears. What starts as a routine 911 hang-up call and a tree branch banging on a roof turns into one of the most terrifying moments of Patrick's early career.

All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary.

🎧 This episode includes:

-A drunk college kid learning why you don't refuse entry to cops on a welfare check.

-An elderly woman is convinced someone is breaking into her attic.

-A cocked .38 revolver aimed at a rookie cop's back.

-The moment Patrick realizes Grandma Moses almost "put a cap in his ass."

-Dark humor, near-death by a sweet old lady, and another day on Milwaukee's streets.

📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years, True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during the 1990s. Book release: March 2026.

📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Social Media: [your handles]

👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who appreciates real stories from behind the badge.

🎙️ New chapters every Wednesday night.

Visit the Cops & Writers Website!

Support the show