The Detectives Podcast

Mental Health Awareness Isn’t Enough

Dave and Steve take an honest look at why conversations about police mental health continue to repeat themselves year after year. During Mental Health Awareness Month, they break down the reality that most officers already know these struggles exist, yet many departments and individuals still feel stuck in the same cycle. From emotional suppression and command presence to trust gaps, surface-level wellness initiatives, and the fear of speaking up, they examine how the culture of policing was built and why changing it is far more complicated than simply raising awareness. Mental Health Resources National Mental Health & Crisis Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text: 988 24/7 confidential support for mental health crises, emotional distress, substance abuse concerns, or suicidal thoughts. Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free 24/7 confidential crisis counseling by text message. SAMHSA National Helpline Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Free and confidential treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use support. Available 24/7. Law Enforcement / First Responder Resources CopLine Call: 1-800-267-5463 24/7 confidential hotline staffed by retired law enforcement officers for officers and their families. Safe Call Now Call: 206-459-3020 Confidential 24/7 crisis referral service for law enforcement, first responders, and their families. ResponderStrong Mental health, PTSD, stress, and resilience resources specifically for first responders. https://responderstrong.org/ Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast [https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast] Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives [https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives] Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast [https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast] Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives [https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Squad Meeting: May 2026

In this May 2026 Squad Meeting, we break down our full weekend at PopCon Indy 2026 from Friday through Sunday. We talk about the convention, the PopCon Podcast Awards, and the incredible conversations we had throughout the weekend. We also share some funny stories, memorable moments, and some of the great food we tried while we were in Indianapolis. Most importantly, we want to thank all of you. None of this would be possible without the support of our listeners, Patreon members, family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who continues to support The Detectives Podcast. We are incredibly grateful to PopCon for having us. We also appreciate every person who stopped by the booth, asked questions, shared stories, or spent time talking with us. Thank you for making this such an unforgettable weekend! Want to see exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus pictures from the weekend? Click the link below and join our Patreon for bonus content, extra photos, and more! Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast [https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast] Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives [https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives] Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast [https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast] Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives [https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Inside Detective Units: Generalist vs Specialized

Dave and Steve tackle a listener-requested episode on the differences between investigative units. They walk through units like homicide, violent crimes, property crimes, narcotics, cyber, and financial investigations, explaining who handles what and how cases are divided. Speaking from their experience as generalist detectives, they break down the difference between generalist and specialized units and how each approach investigations. Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast [https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast] Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives [https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives] Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast [https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast] Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives [https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Line Between Kid and Criminal

In this episode of The Detectives Podcast, Dave and Steve are joined by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Alex and Josh as part of the First Call to Final Verdict series, focusing on the juvenile justice system from the prosecution side. They walk through how these cases are handled, what factors drive decisions, and what it really means to certify a juvenile to adult court. The conversation covers the balance between accountability and rehabilitation, the challenges inside and outside the system, and the reality of cases involving families, victims, and young offenders. Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast [https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast] Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives [https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives] Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast [https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast] Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives [https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Not Every 911 Call Needs a Cop: Inside the Dual Response Reality

Dave and Steve sit down with Patience Smith, a Social Service and Crisis Response Specialist embedded with a police department, responding to calls alongside officers. Together, they explore the reality behind dual response policing, where mental health, addiction, and crisis situations intersect with traditional law enforcement. From dispatch to arrival, Patience shares what these calls actually look like, what success means in the moment, and how her presence can change the outcome. Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast [https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast] Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives [https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives] Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast [https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast] Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives [https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].