Small Town Dicks

Small Town Dicks Season 15 Starts Friday, September 20!

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Attention: Today's episode was made for listeners who have already heard the entire "Beyond Recognition" series. If you haven't yet, or want to refresh your memory, we urge you to listen to all six episodes before you listen to today's episode. There are SPOILERS GALORE AHEAD!

Ever wonder what Detectives Dan and Dave, Paul Holes, and Yeardley Smith would make of the police work in "Beyond Recognition?" Well, the team recently sat down to discuss all the fascinating twists and turns at the heart of one of the most consequential murder investigations in modern history. Join them as they discuss the momentous strides made in forensic science and crime scene management, the tireless and often inspired work of the detectives trying to solve the grisly case, and a few missteps made along the way.

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Lead prosecutor Joseph Cooksey Jackson sits with his right-hand man, Maxwell Fyfe, discussing their mounting concerns about the forensic evidence. Jackson knows the stakes are high. The success of their case hinges on presenting complex forensic evidence in a way that a jury of laymen can understand. They don’t want any doubts, reasonable or otherwise, sneaking in. Despite the damning evidence against Ruxton, the case is entirely circumstantial, and the defense is poised to challenge the identification of the bodies.

Branded as the Trial of the Century by the newspapers, the Ruxton case captures global attention with its sensational details and groundbreaking forensics. With 106 witnesses, 213 exhibits, and 126 graphic photos, the prosecution faces the challenge of making their case comprehensible and compelling.

"Beyond Recognition," hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into this pivotal episode where modern forensics and legal strategy collide. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the Ruxton trial and the monumental efforts to bring a double murderer to justice. To support Small Town Dicks, visithttps://smalltowndicks.supportingcast.fm/

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John Milligan, a reporter from the UK's biggest tabloid, News of the World, finds himself in the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, now the prime suspect in the disappearance—and likely murder—of his wife Isabella and their nanny Mary Rogerson. Since the women vanished nearly a month ago, Ruxton has spun a web of lies, claiming they ran away to Scotland - or was it Blackpool? But with the discovery of the mutilated body parts found in Moffatt, suspicion has focused squarely on Ruxton. Milligan notes the doctor's panic as he clings to his fabricated stories, unaware that the police are closing in.

As the investigation intensifies, Ruxton's arrest becomes inevitable. The authorities have identified the bodies and they are now racing to build a solid case against the doctor. From fingerprinting mutilated fingertips to using advanced photography and even maggots to tell the time of death, this case marks the birth of modern forensics. But how will all this newfangled science go down in a courtroom in 1935 England?

"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into this sensational case that has gripped the UK, drawing unprecedented media coverage. Join us as we uncover the truth behind Ruxton's heinous crimes and the forensic breakthroughs that brought him to justice.

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Peter Rogerson is desperate and furious. His sister Mary, the Ruxton family’s nanny, has been missing for nearly two weeks. Peter, defying social norms, confronts Dr. Buck Ruxton at his doorstep, demanding answers. Despite Ruxton's attempts to deflect him with tales of theft and a trip to Scotland for an illegal abortion, Peter is not convinced. He fears something terrible has happened and that Ruxton is behind it. Meanwhile, top forensic experts in the UK have begun to unmask the identities of the dismembered bodies discovered in a Scottish ravine. Using groundbreaking techniques, they piece together a puzzle as complex as any in the history of modern forensic science. And, in doing so, they begin to find a tragic answer to Peter Rogerson’s desperate query. 

Hosted by Yeardley Smith, "Beyond Recognition" delves into the chilling details of this case. Featuring insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode uncovers the revolutionary advances in forensic techniques that were employed and the critical mistakes that nearly let a killer go free. As the press begins to circle, Ruxton faces an adversary he never anticipated: the most powerful voice in the United Kingdom—the media. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visithttps://smalltowndicks.supportingcast.fm/

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In the early morning of September 15, 1935, Agnes Oxley, a housekeeper at the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, is roused from her sleep by an unexpected visitor. Ruxton, usually composed and well-groomed, stands disheveled and agitated at her door. Oxley finds his nervous behavior and insistence that she stay away from the house for the day odd to say the least. Little does she know, this is the beginning of a macabre tale.

Dr. Ruxton, a respected physician, is hiding a dark secret. His increasing paranoia and jealousy have culminated in a violent outburst, leading to the brutal murder of his wife, Isabella, and their young nanny, Mary Rogerson. Over the course of a gruesome night, Ruxton dismembers their bodies, utilizing his knowledge of medicine and police forensics to meticulously conceal his crime.

As the narrative unfolds, you will be taken through the chilling events of that fateful Sunday. You will hear Ruxton's elaborate efforts to cover up his actions. How he deceived friends and lied to authorities. And how his ingenious plan to cover up the murders slowly unravels.

"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into one of the most shocking murder cases of the early 20th century. With insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode not only recounts the gruesome details but also examines the psychological and forensic aspects of the case. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visithttps://smalltowndicks.supportingcast.fm/

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The leading forensic scientists from Scotland have traveled to the tiny village of Moffatt to examine the body parts discovered in a ravine by a sister and brother out hiking. Authorities do not yet know how many people were killed, or by what method, or where or when; they certainly do not know who the victims are. 

Whoever carried out this act of evil took great care to hide the victims’ identities, dissecting them until they were beyond recognition. It will take a monumental, groundbreaking investigation to solve this gruesome puzzle. The first order of business is to collect the evidence and, lucky for all involved, the right policeman had arrived to do just that.

Meanwhile, in the northern British town of Lancaster, we meet an unusual couple. He’s a prim and proper doctor from Bombay, intent on becoming a true English gentleman. She’s a charismatic, outgoing woman ahead of her time - perhaps dangerously so. Their romance appears to be the envy of everyone in town. But their passionate relationship swiftly turns to jealousy and violence. What, if anything, does this volatile domestic situation have to do with the bodies found in the ravine?

"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into one of the most shocking murder cases of the early 20th century. With insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode not only recounts the gruesome details but also examines the psychological and forensic aspects of the case. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visithttps://smalltowndicks.supportingcast.fm/

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It’s a crisp autumn morning in a serene Scottish town called Moffatt. A brother and sister have gone out for a stroll through the woods. As they cross an old stone bridge, they see something in the dry stream bed below. It appears to be a severed arm, the hand reaching up from the dirt. It looks like it’s waving at them. To their horror, they learn the hand is just one of dozens of pieces of human remains scattered across the ravine.

This grisly discovery, made on September 29, 1935, will trigger a murder investigation like something out of an Agatha Christie novel. News of the dismembered bodies and speculation of who they are and what happened to them, will draw the kind of global media coverage not seen since Jack the Ripper. The drive to solve the murders will spark a new era in crime scene management and forensic examination in what might very well be the first modern homicide investigation of the 20th century.

"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into one of the most shocking murder cases of the early 20th century. With insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode not only recounts the gruesome details but also examines the psychological and forensic aspects of the case. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visithttps://smalltowndicks.supportingcast.fm/

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It was a crime like no other, unleashing horrors not seen since Jack the Ripper. 

On a crisp autumn morning in 1935, a brother and sister out for a walk in the Scottish countryside stumbled upon dozens of packages containing dissected human remains. Who - or what - could have done this? Now largely forgotten, the Ruxton case grabbed worldwide attention. A real-life Agatha Christie mystery, the gruesome details of the murders would shock the public and test the ability of police to keep the public safe.

The case was also the birthplace of modern forensic science. It would alter the course of how murders are investigated.

Hosted by Yeardley Smith of Small Town Dicks, “Beyond Recognition” is a 6-part series that delves into one of the most important murder cases of the early 20th century. Inspired by a book from famed Scottish police detective Tom Wood, it features the insights of Paul Holes, Dame Sue Black, and other leading experts who not only recount the grisly crime but examine the psychological and forensic aspects of the case.

To binge the series and support Small Town Dicks., visitpatron.com/smalltowndicks

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Today we bring you a replay of a case from Season 8. It's called The World's End and the detective who told us the story is Tom Wood. Tom was part of the investigation and recently wrote a book about it called, "The World's End Murders: The Final Verdict."

Tom wrote another book, "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder," which is the basis of a series that will launch July 19 here on the Small Town Dicks feed. It's hosted by Yeardley and features Paul Holes and a range of other forensic experts. If you want to binge it, go over to Patreon and become a member. Otherwise, we'll see you here in two weeks!

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As you know, we take pride in celebrating the diligent work law enforcement performs everyday on Small Town Dicks. But sometimes, it's the selfless act of a well-meaning citizen who saves the day. And that’s what happened on the day we pick up this case and an older couple decided to step-in when they saw something wrong. This story has everything - a car chase, a remote cabin full of hair-raising evidence, a suspect on the verge of a terrible crime, and, most importantly, a little girl who is alive today because two people decided to do something.

The detective: Detective Jamie

Jamie has been in law enforcement for over eight years. She worked patrol for two and a half years before landing in her position as a detective, where her primary caseload is child abuse and sex crimes. Jamie is a member of her county's Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), Inter-Agency Deadly Force Investigative Team (IDFIT), and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force (CSEC). She loves reading, concerts, and beach vacations.

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Detective Lindsey is back with a case she's called her "worst nightmare." An unknown man has committed a series of home break-ins that include terrorizing of victims and violent sexual assaults. Each time, the suspect only gets more brazen and police are anxious to find a lead. Working with a task force of local agencies, and a specialist who has learned the art of tracking human, Lindsey and her team rush to stop the perpetrator before anyone else gets hurt.

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The detective: Det. Lindsey

Past bio - Lindsey served as a Tacoma Police Officer for twenty-one years. During her fourteen years as a detective, she investigated sexual assaults, child abuse, missing persons, and homicides. In 2010, Lindsey discovered serial killer Ted Bundy’s DNA was not in CODIS. She worked with authorities in Florida to track down a sample ofBundy’s DNAand finally entered it into the national database in 2011. In 2012, Lindsey’s work on collecting DNA from convicted sexual predators in Washington state who’dslipped through the cracksled to an arrest in the 1980 homicide of a teenage girl. Lindsey retired in 2018 as the Tacoma Police Department’s cold case detective and joined the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a senior investigator assigned for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. She is a former member of the FBI ViCAP National Advisory Board and teaches child abduction response and cold case investigations for the National Criminal Justice Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College. Lindsey has been a speaker at numerous law enforcement conferences around the country, lecturing on cold cases, sex crimes, DNA, and child abduction response. She recently published a true crime memoir titled, “In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares”.

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A body discovered in a public green space leaves detectives puzzled - and a community of unhoused folks lobbing blame at each other. As Deputy Brandon investigates, he encounters increasingly wilder stories about what might have happened. A bloody axe, Satanic rituals, and an astonishing discovery made at the bottom of a burn barrel, all come into play to as Brandon delves into this most unusual case.

The detective: Deputy Brandon

Deputy Brandon has been in law enforcement for 17 years; 9 of them as a detective. He was a member of his county's major assault death investigation unit and a neighboring county's major crime team. He's investigated more than 60 murders, as well as major assaults, rapes, robberies, and other felony crimes. He is currently employed with his county Sheriff's office.

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No one wants to feel unsafe in their home and no one understands this better than Detective Dan. So when an older couple returns from vacation to find their house has been burgled, he jumps on the case. Dan discovers two young men in the neighborhood whose stories aren't adding up and he won't let up until he gets to the truth. Bonus: Dan shares practical tips for anyone looking to protect their home and property.

The detective: Detective Dan

Det. Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.

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An inexperienced young detective is sent to a small island in Scotland, where he discovers a string of over a hundred assault cases that have yet to be closed. Everyone on the island - including his superiors - knows exactly who committed the crimes, but they're unable to bring him to justice. Suddenly, Detective ConstableSimon is asking questions - and ruffling some feathers in the process. Good old-fashioned detective work helps him break open a case that he says cemented him as a respective detective.

The detective: Detective Constable Simon

Simon joined the force in 1978 and retired in 2006. During his tenure, Simon worked in the drugs and major crimes unit, in the Serious Crime Squad, did surveillance and undercover work, and worked in anti-terrorism, organized crime and corruption. After his retirement, he ran his own investigation business for a number of years. Simon is the founder of LEAP Scotland, part of a global campaign to change laws to end the 'war on drugs.' He has own community radio show and YouTube Channel, and is co-host of the Crime Time Inc. podcast with Small Town Dicks's favorite Tom Woods.

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A dangerous American expat living in the cold, unforgiving lands in the extreme north of British Columbia is on the loose after stealing from a fellow survivalist. Keenly aware of the danger this man poses, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police launch a manhunt. This is a place of snow shoes and dogsleds, trappers and hunters. Constable Garry and his team set out to capture this man, known as Oros. It's late winter, and Oris is armed and dangerous. And he knows the area better than the men charged with catching him.

The detective: Constable Garry

Garry Rodgers has lived the life he writes about. He is a retired homicide detective, coroner, and SWAT Team sniper with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He has written and published 21 books as well as hosting a popular blog site called DyingWords.net.

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A violent double murder that made headlines in a far away town has Detective Matt going undercover. After hearing the suspect might be on the run in his town, Matt posts up near a seedy motel to track him down. But the suspect escapes with the help of a family member. This leads Matt to do one of the most brazen acting jobs of his career in hopes he can catch a killer.

The detective: Detective Matt

Detective Matt grew up in Pennsylvania. He joined the police department shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. He went on to join a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a group threatening a major political party’s national convention. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He moved to another state and worked as a deputy for several years and is now retired from law enforcement.

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McNeil Island off the coast of Washington state is inaccessible by any road and not welcome to most visitors. Once the site of a state prison, the island is now home to a most unwelcome and dangerous inhabitant: Violent sexual predators who have served their prison sentences but are deemed too dangerous to return to society. These men have been banished from society and largely forgotten about. And that last part, Detective Lindsey Wade finds out, is a problem. Lindsey specializes in DNA cold cases and she knows that some of the men of McNeil Island might be responsible for other crimes. She wants to test and record their DNA. As she works to make this happen, she stumbles upon a decades-old murder. Will she find the answers on the island of the banished?

The detective: Lindsey Wade

Lindsey served as a Tacoma Police Officer for twenty-one years. During her fourteen years as a detective, she investigated sexual assaults, child abuse, missing persons, and homicides. In 2010, Lindsey discovered that serial killer Ted Bundy’s DNA was not in CODIS. She worked with authorities in Florida to track down a sample ofBundy’s DNAand finally entered it into the national database in 2011. In 2012, Lindsey’s work on collecting DNA from convicted sexual predators in Washington state who’dslipped through the cracksled to an arrest in the 1980 homicide of a teenage girl. Lindsey retired in 2018 as the Tacoma Police Department’s cold case detective and joined the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a senior investigator assigned for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. She is a former member of the FBI ViCAP National Advisory Board and teaches child abduction response and cold case investigations for the National Criminal Justice Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College. Lindsey has been a speaker at numerous law enforcement conferences around the country, lecturing on cold cases, sex crimes, DNA, and child abduction response. She recently published a true crime memoir titled, “In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares”.

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Detective Sgt. Robert catches a young man soliciting sex from a middle school girl. A careful investigation leads to the suspect's arrest and conviction. Robert is hopeful that the victim is now safe but a few years later, he discovers that another man has targeted the same girl. And the identity of the suspect has the detective shaking his head. Fortunately, he is once again able to get the victim a measure of justice.

The detective: Sgt. Robert

Sgt. Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert was promoted to sergeant.

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Police get what is a far too common call: A grown man has snuck into the DMs of a child and is now soliciting sex. The perpetrator is quickly caught and swears he'll never do it again and in doing so, he escapes prosecution. Three years pass and Detective Jaime gets another call about an online predator - and it turns out to be the same suspect following the same script. Jaime goes undercover to lure the suspect out for a meeting. Along the way, she dodges close calls that might give away her identity and scare off the predator before he's caught. Through excellent police work, the detective is able to confirm: Revenge is sweet.

The detective: Detective Jamie

Jamie has been in law enforcement for over eight years. She worked patrol for two and a half years before landing in her position as a detective, where her primary caseload is child abuse and sex crimes. Jamie is a member of her county's Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), Inter-Agency Deadly Force Investigative Team (IDFIT), and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force (CSEC). She loves reading, concerts, and beach vacations.

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At the end of our first episode, Lieutenant John had apprehended a suspect in a brutal, but seemingly random home invasion murder. Now, after trying to find out what might have motivated the suspect, John hears an innocent question from a neighbor about what John assumes is an unrelated death. Always the dogged investigator, John starts to piece together a disturbing puzzle. He launches a new investigation and makes a chilling discovery that had been overlooked by local authorities. Now his suspect is looking less like a violent opportunist and more like a calculating serial killer.

The detective: Homicide Lieutenant John

Homicide Lieutenant John spent more than two decades as a police officer, including 17 years as a Senior Homicide Inspector. Following his retirement from the force, John spent eight years as senior inspector in the homicide unit of his county’s District Attorney's Office. He was then promoted to Lieutenant and now supervises other senior inspectors. He has investigated more than 400 homicide cases in his career.

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After receiving a 911 call from a concerned neighbor, police come upon a violent home invasion in a normally quiet neighborhood. One person is dead and another is struggling for her life. Lieutenant John, a homicide investigator with the DA's office, is called out to the scene to help local authorities. In one of the many twists in this case, a chance meeting with a bystander leads John down the foreboding path of a suspect who is far more cunning and dangerous than he first appears.

The detective: Homicide Lieutenant John

Homicide Lieutenant John spent more than two decades as a police officer, including 17 years as a Senior Homicide Inspector. Following his retirement from the force, John spent eight years as senior inspector in the homicide unit of his county’s District Attorney's Office. He was then promoted to Lieutenant and now supervises other senior inspectors. He has investigated more than 400 homicide cases over the course of his career.

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See you soon!

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What's it like to be married to a law enforcement officer? How about being married to a celebrity? Funny thing, two of our Small Town Dick hosts are learning exactly what being "married to" means!

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There is a criminal code. Not the one that's made up of statutes, but one that is followed by criminals. In today's special bonus, our usual suspects talk through the rules that criminals crime by, followed by a short discussion about the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in policing.

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The final episode of the season takes us to a small town in Canada, where a violent suspect named Billy Ray, is on the loose after he attacks his ex-girlfriend, Maria. A manhunt begins but authorities are unable to track him down. When Detective Constable Garry receives a disturbing report that Billy Ray has broken into Maria’s house, authorities continue the search but it turns out they've been looking in all the wrong places, as they race against time to save Maria from Billy Ray’s obsession.

Guest detective: Garry Rodgers

Garry Rodgers has lived the life he writes about. He is a retired homicide detective, coroner, and SWAT Team sniper with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He has written and published 21 books as well as hosting a popular blog site called DyingWords.net.

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Police receive a phone call from a desperate daughter, who says her father is threatening to take his own life. Officers arrive and find the man sitting in his garage with the car running. They risk their own lives to break in and rescue the man. While the man is recovering in the hospital, he starts to mutter “she deserved it”. An alert Detective Bryson is there to hear it and begins to investigate - he quickly finds that the victim is also a suspect.

Guest detective: Retired Corporal Bryson

Ret. Corporal Bryson served 21 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and retired in 2022 with the rank of Corporal. Bryson’s career was split evenly between patrol and the drug squad. In addition, he spent three years working on a Major Crime team as a detachment commander. As part of the RCMP, Bryson worked in communities as small as 1,400 people and as large as 90,000 people.

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In quiet, suburban neighborhoods, illegal marijuana grows can be hidden in plain sight - even in states that have legalized the plant. They also are sometimes connected to other nefarious activities, as Detective Nick finds in today's episode. Through dogged work, Nick and his team discover two substantial illegal marijuana operations and in so doing uncover a dark web of abuse that's far more insidious and inhumane.

Guest detective: Detective Nick

Detective Nick has been a police officer for just over 10 years. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Arrest Control Instructor, and was a detective for 4.5 years before being promoted to the rank of corporal where he now serves in the patrol division.

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A desperate 911 call leads police to the home of a wealthy man and his live-in girlfriend. What they find is one of the most tragic scenes officers encounter, the death of a child. The adults maintain the death is a terrible accident, but investigators suspect something far worse. Chief Investigator Tye doggedly follows the trail of evidence until he's finally able to get Justice for Wilder.

Guest detective: Chief Investigator Tye

Chief Inspector Tye is a certified Texas Peace Office and has been since 2003. Currently, he works in the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office. He’s been police officer for the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD) for approximately 17 years, and spent 13 years assigned to the Special Operations Division, which includes the Organized Crime Unit, Tactical Unit, Gang Task Force, and SWAT. For approximately 13 years, he was dually assigned as a Task Force Officer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Street Task Force. Tye has assisted the FBI, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Homeland Security (HSI), and The United States Postal Service (USPS) with long term narcotic investigations that resulted in numerous arrests, convictions, and sizable seizures. In the course of his duties he has also assisted in many homicide investigations, including case murders resulting in convictions.

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Hello, Small Town Fam! Today we share a Small Town Classic, Mother's Day, which is really an episode about the importance of family and the healing that can come when we choose to open up to one another. Normally we would be off this week for the holiday, but we wanted to give our listeners a little something special as you recover from your turkey hangovers, heat up the cold mashed potatoes, wash a sink full of plates and pans, or prepare to make your way home from wherever it is you celebrated this year. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all, and we'll be back next week with a brand new episode of Small Town Dicks!

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Officer Patrick gets called to investigate a complaint about stolen wages at a local restaurant and as he stumbles upon a decades-old DNA mystery that involves his own family. This is the story of how a small town detective, through a series of wild coincidences and lotto-level good luck, manages to solve the case of his life.

Guest detective: Officer Patrick

Officer Patrick has over 20 years in law enforcement. Nearly half of the time was spent investigating financial crimes. As of this recording, he was back on patrol as a field training officer. He speaks Spanish and teaches an emergency vehicle operations course. Patrick’s hobbies are unusual: He’s an aerobatic pilot (currently looking to upgrade to a more badass airplane). He is raising a child with Type 1 diabetes.

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In Detective Matt's small town there is a spot called Fisherman's Cut. It's not easy to find - off the main highway, down a dirt road you'd probably never notice if you hadn't been there before, around a bend you can't see until it's too late. It's where, as Matt is getting ready to leave work for the holidays, someone reports finding a woman's dead body. Through a combination of keen observation and some good luck, Matt and his team find a suspect. The suspect is brought in for an interview. As Detective Matt begins his interrogation, he starts to wonder, 'Am I looking into the eyes of a serial killer?'

The detective: Detective Matt

Detective Matt grew up in Pennsylvania. He joined the police department shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. He went on to join a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a group threatening a major political party’s national convention. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He moved to another state and worked as a deputy for several years and is now retired from law enforcement.

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The usual suspects traveled to Orlando for CrimeCon ‘23 and took the stage for a special live episode - and we got you a front row ticket to the show! Our co-host and CrimeCon veteran, the one and only Paul Holes, leads the team in their live-show debut.

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Your favorite Scottish detective, retired chief constable Tom, brings us a gruesome case from the 1820s of how two depraved criminals went on a year-long killing spree while the rich and powerful of Edinburgh, Scotland all but turned a blind eye. Ultimately, the crimes of these two men brought about police reforms and social change but not before there were bodies everywhere.

Guest detective: Ret. Deputy Chief Constable Tom

Ret. Deputy Chief Constable Tom was one of Scotland’s most senior police officers. A graduate of Edinburgh University and The FBI Academy, his last role was as commander of a linked murder investigation, commonly known as The World's End Murders. He writes a regular "Inside Justice'' column for The Scotsman newspaper and has authored several books, including "The World's End Murders: The Final Verdict" and a groundbreaking study of forensic science called "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder." He is currently working on a new book examining the sex industry. He lives in Edinburgh.

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In today’s episode, our team looks back on the case that led off our second season. It's called “Girl for Rent” and it illustrates a critical part of policing: if the hair on the back of your neck is bristling, trust your instincts and investigate.

Original episode description:

Sgt. David and his officer-in-training are working the graveyard shift on a cold winter night when they scout out an abandoned lot in their small town that’s a well-known spot for illegal activity. As they approach, they see a car with its lights off and two passengers inside: a man in his 50’s and a young girl seated on the passenger’s side. Though there’s no crime in just sitting in your car, Sgt. David has a gut feeling that something is very wrong. What he discovers is even worse than what he suspected.

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Police officers are asked to check on a bickering mother and son who live together in a private home in their small town. As officers attempt to calm the situation, things quickly and unexpectedly spin out of control. It‘s a reminder of the unfortunate reality that danger can find you anywhere.

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Paul Holes has spent years trying to track down the killer responsible for the brutal deaths of four women. Today, he talks about his obsession with a suspect he was convinced was responsible - and the important lessons of both listening to your instincts and always following the evidence no matter where it leads, even when it leaves you frustrated.

Guest detective: Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in 2022 he launched a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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Police in a small town respond to the report of a severely injured child. She's rushed to the hospital and police begin to investigate what happened. Not long into the inquiry, the story from the caretakers is not adding up. Detective Chris begins the delicate task of uncovering the truth from adults who have no inclination to tell the truth.

Guest: Detective Chris

Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for over 28 years. He has been at his current department for 25 years where he's been a detective for 12 years. He spent 15 years on his agency's TAC team, 8 years as a K9 handler, and is a certified Control Tactics instructor at the state and federal level. Before joining law enforcement, Chris was a Military Police Officer in the Army National Guard. He’s married, with 3 kids. 

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On August 4, 1986, a young girl took a bike ride through Point Defiance Park near Tacoma, Washington. She never returned home. Investigators conducted a desperate search but came up empty handed. The case went dormant for decades and eventually ended up on the desk of cold-case detective Lindsey Wade. Through the application of emerging DNA testing and hard work, Wade and her fellow detectives were finally able to piece together what happened that day and bring closure to the family.

Guest detective: Lindsey Wade

Lindsey served as a Tacoma Police Officer for twenty-one years. During her fourteen years as a detective, she investigated sexual assaults, child abuse, missing persons, and homicides. In 2010, Lindsey discovered that serial killer Ted Bundy’s DNA was not in CODIS. She worked with authorities in Florida to track down a sample ofBundy’s DNAand finally entered it into the national database in 2011. In 2012, Lindsey’s work on collecting DNA from convicted sexual predators in Washington state who’dslipped through the cracksled to an arrest in the 1980 homicide of a teenage girl. Lindsey retired in 2018 as the Tacoma Police Department’s cold case detective and joined the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a senior investigator assigned for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. She is a former member of the FBI ViCAP National Advisory Board and teaches child abduction response and cold case investigations for the National Criminal Justice Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College. Lindsey has been a speaker at numerous law enforcement conferences around the country, lecturing on cold cases, sex crimes, DNA, and child abduction response. She recently published a true crime memoir titled, “In My DNA:  My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares''.

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Here comes lucky Season 13 of Small Town Dicks. Episode 1 will drop Friday, Sept. 22!

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Small Town Dicks presents The Briefing Room, Season 2. The new season launches Wednesday, August 30. The show now has its own feed - so please subscribe on Apple, Spotify, TuneIn, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or head over to our website, thebriefingroompod.com.

This show examines the real lives of law enforcement and the challenges they face keeping communities safe. An unvarnished look at what's working and what needs changing. If you want to delve into the minds of true crime luminaries like Roo Powell, Lindsey Wade, Paul Holes, and more, then subscribe now. And tell a friend!

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In October 1981 in the small town of Carmel, California, a young mother named Sonia Stone is raped and murdered in her home. The prime suspect is her neighbor, Michael Glazebrook. He is tried for the crimes but the trial ends in a hung jury. In episode two of The Weight, pressed by Sonia’s family and their own sense of duty, the detective who investigated Sonia’s murder and the prosecutor who tried Glazebrook continue to look for any new evidence or lucky break that would trigger new charges. There are moments of hope and years of frustration. Four decades pass and then they get the call that changes everything.

Guests: Judge Bob and Detective Lins

Judge Bob served as Monterey County Deputy District Attorney for major crimes from 1972 to 1986. A graduate of UC Davis and Hastings Law School, and a U.S. Army veteran, Bob was elevated to municipal court judge in 1987 and then elected to the Superior Court for Monterey County in 1997. He served on the court until 2006 and now works as a temporary judge, assigned to cases across northern and central California.

Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served in the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and later commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord. Later Lins spent two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes. His final years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for Monterey County, where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. Over his career, he investigated more than 40 deaths, the majority being homicides.

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Today's case spans more than 40 years. In the first of two parts, we take you back to 1981 and the senseless rape and murder of Sonia Stone, a young mother living with her daughter in the tony town of Carmel by the Sea on the California coast. A close friend has found Sonia's body and has called the police. The responding detectives quickly focus their attention on a shifty neighbor whose constantly changing story feeds their suspicions. But this was a time before DNA testing, and the evidence, though solid, is circumstantial. When the prosecutor in the case finally gets some corroboration about the neighbor's whereabouts the morning of Sonia's murder, he brings murder charges against Michael Glazebrook. But an adverse ruling and an unreliable witness derail the trial - and start a decades long search for justice.

Guests: Detective Lins and Judge Bob

Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served in the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and later commanded the first post stockade annex at the now-defunct Fort Ord in California. Later Lins spent two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes. His final years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for Monterey County, where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. Over his career, he investigated more than 40 deaths, the majority being homicides.

Judge Bob served as Monterey County Deputy District Attorney for major crimes from 1972 to 1986. A graduate of UC Davis and Hastings Law School, and a U.S. Army veteran, Bob was elevated to municipal court judge in 1987 and then elected to the Superior Court for Monterey County in 1997. He served on the court until 2006 and now works as a temporary judge, assigned to cases across northern and central California.

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When forensic specialist Paul Holes arrives at the scene of a violent attack, he immediately collects and compares all the evidence to build a case against the attacker. What he finds both shocks and surprises him - and teaches him a lesson that he still teaches budding investigators today.

Guest: Forensic Specialist Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. In his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Lee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in 2022 he launched a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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A predator hides behind her gender and her husband's profession to keep targeting victims. A frustrated detective exhausts every lead until he has what he needs to put her away. Today's story is one of persistence and believing the victims. It's a case that will have you exclaiming, "OMG!" at every twist and turn.

The guest: Sgt. Robert

Sgt. Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant.

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Detective Brad continues the painstaking work of building a case against a murderer. But even when he thinks the job is done, there is still more to do: He wants to get closure for the victim's family. Is that even possible? This is part Two of Two.

The guest: Detective Brad

Detective Brad has worked in law enforcement for over 24 years, serving in a wide range of capacities. In the first half of his career, he worked as a patrol officer, a member of the Gang Enforcement Team, a narcotics investigator, and a detective in the Child Abuse Unit. After all of that, he earned a special assignment to a federal Fugitive Task Force, where he served five years, and then returned to the detective squad, where he’s spent the last six years investigating violent crime and serving on the county's Major Crimes Team.



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A tip comes in about the possible murder of a young woman. If true, police have a pretty good idea who did it. But solving a case in the right way is far trickier than acting on a hunch. And so begins Detective Brad's long journey to try to find answers for a victim's family. This is Part One of Two.

The guest: Detective Brad

Detective Brad has worked in law enforcement for over 24 years, serving in a wide range of capacities. In the first half of his career, he worked as a patrol officer, a member of the Gang Enforcement Team, a narcotics investigator, and a detective in the Child Abuse Unit. After all of that, he earned a special assignment to a federal Fugitive Task Force, where he served five years, and then returned to the detective squad, where he’s spent the last six years investigating violent crime and serving on the county's Major Crimes Team.



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A serial killer is loose in the early 1980s. His attacks are increasingly brutal and his choice of victim is seemingly random. Then, after he commits his crimes he does something confounding: He calls the police and, while seeming to cry, asks them to stop him. But despite his apparent guilt, he continues to kill, while the police desperately try to track him down.

Guest: Prosecutor Tom

A native of Minnesota, Tom Foley spent twenty-one years in law enforcement, including four terms as Ramsey County Attorney (1978- 1995) in St. Paul, Minnesota. As County Attorney, he was the chief prosecutor for the jurisdiction. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections (1976-1978) and Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Minnesota (1973-1976). He's a founding member of Foley & Quigley Law, a Minnesota-based firm focused on gaming and Native American legal issues. He's also vice president of Lowry Strategies Inc.,. a Washington-based government affairs company.

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In a small town, one act of arson can be devastating. Detective Chris gets the call early one morning to investigate the cause of a fire at a family-owned arcade. The case quickly evolves into a burglary investigation and then a manhunt when the men thought responsible hit another business. Their destructive path finally leads to a deadly showdown.

Guest: Detective Chris

Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 28 years. He has been at his current department for 25 years where he's been a detective for 12 years. He spent 15 years on his agency's TAC team, 8 years as a K9 handler, and is a certified Control Tactics instructor at the state and federal level. Before joining law enforcement, Chris was a Military Police Officer in the Army National Guard. He’s married, with 3 kids. 

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In another stunning case from fan-favorite Sgt. Robert, a mother and child are rushed to the hospital in what appears to be the case of a childbirth gone wrong. But almost immediately, emergency staff begin to question whether the woman was ever pregnant at all. Police are called to investigate and uncover a shocking truth.

Guest: Sgt. Robert

Sgt. Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant.

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Forensic specialist Paul Holes recalls the case of a mass-murdering stockbroker bent on stealing his clients' money to start a new cult. The plan goes horribly wrong, as does the initial forensic investigation.

Guest: Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history.  In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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There are people in the world who, no matter how many chances they get, behave with cruelty and indifference. In this episode, Detective Dave recounts his frustrations in dealing with just such a man named Jeremy, who seemed unable, or unwilling, to control his habit of abusing people he deemed weaker than himself, despite multiple "second chances.”

Guest: Detective Dave

Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022.  He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012.  Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse.  Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career.  During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.

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Detective Dan talks about a case that has haunted him for years. A young woman is attacked while in the home of a well-to-do couple. She breaks free and scrambles to a neighbor's house to call for help. Dan is the first officer on scene and his investigation turns up disturbing clues that lead him to believe the victim narrowly escaped a couple with deadly intentions.

Guest: Detective Dan

Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother, Dave. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.

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Small Town Dicks, Season 12 launches on April 21. Be sure you're subscribed!

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Detective Dan takes us on an epic small-town manhunt as he tracks down a notorious car thief who makes the mistake of stealing the rims off a teenager's prized possession: his first car. This one has it all: burner phones, face tattoos, and a golden Honda Accord. This is the season finale!

The detective: Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother, Dave. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.

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Detective Matt returns to share his more than year-long undercover investigation into a fringe environmental group with dangerous designs on an upcoming political convention. This is the kind of story we never get to hear. Told by a detective who mastered the art of disappearing from his own life in order to thwart a violent plot.

The detective: Detective Matt joined the police department in the town where this story takes place shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. After he worked this case, he went to a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a major political party conference. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He had been a deputy in another state, but recently retired from law enforcement.

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Crime scene investigations are rarely as dramatic - and definitive - as what you see on TV shows like CSI. That does not make them any less crucial to solving the case. Host Paul Holes takes us through a case he worked on in the late 1990s, where a claim of self-defense was ultimately turned on its head after a thorough and objective look at the nearly invisible trace evidence left behind after the body of a gay man was found dumped in a ditch.

The detective: Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history.  In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 



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A gunshot rings out in the middle of the night in a small town in rural Australia. Detective Graeme is quickly on the case and soon learns not one but two additional drive-by shootings have occurred this early morning. Such things don't happen where he lives and all he has to go on is some grainy footage of a dark car out looking for targets.

The detective: Detective Graeme. After witnessing a bank robbery, Graeme decided to join the Victoria Police where he graduated from the police academy in 1994. He worked the ‘beat’ across many suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne before being promoted to Detective in 2003. In 2006 he transferred to the prestigious Homicide Squad, honing his skills from the legends of Victoria Police Homicide. He has also led small teams in the pressured world of armed robbery investigations. Graeme is the recipient of the National Emergency Medal (Black Saturday Bushfires 2009), National Medal (25 years service), National Police Service Medal and Victoria Police Ethical Service Medal. After an esteemed career as a Detective Sergeant with Victoria Police, Graeme went on to establish Peregrine Consultancy and Investigations in 2021.



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So glad to have you with us on this day after Thanksgiving (aka Black Friday). Here's something special from the Dream Team to our Small Town Family: Detectives Dan and Dave, Investigator Paul, and Citizen Yeardley talk about traffic stops, driving while hearing impaired, and their dream jobs. Enjoy! 

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In the conclusion of One Dark Night, Detective Justin has identified his suspect in the senseless murder of Larry, who provided security for a community garden in Justin's small town. As Justin closes in on the suspect, the stakes couldn’t be higher when the suspect makes clear he will not be going quietly.

The detective: Detective Justin is approaching his 15th year in Law Enforcement. Currently a Major Crimes Detective, Justin has also worked patrol, been a K9 Handler, and is a Team Leader on SWAT. He previously served as a Field Training Officer, was on Bike Patrol, and has been a Firearms Instructor since 2014.



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In Pt. 1, Detective Justin gets an early morning call to respond to a community garden where a man's body is found slumped over at the base of a tree. The first assumption is this is a tragic, but all too common suicide. But the evidence starts to tell a different story, and soon Justin finds himself hot on the trail of a murderer. Pt. 2 drops tomorrow!

The detective: Detective Justin is approaching his 15th year in Law Enforcement. Currently a Major Crimes Detective, Justin has also worked patrol, been a K9 Handler, and is a Team Leader on SWAT. He previously served as a Field Training Officer, was on Bike Patrol, and has been a Firearms Instructor since 2014.

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A man calls 911 to say his toddler is in distress: he's not breathing. As paramedics rush to the scene, so does Detective Terry. He knows for this kind of incident, it is all hands on deck. As he begins to investigate what happened, a series of red flags go up and Det. Terry confronts every parent’s worst nightmare.

The detective: As of 2022, Det. Terry will have over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. He spent the majority of his career in a small, rural coastal town. Over the course of his career Det. Terry has been a patrol sergeant, had special assignments as a School Resource Officer (SRO), a Field Training Officer (FTO), and a narcotics detective. He also spent a year consulting as an advisor to the Iraqi police, working in the Western Al Anbar Province. Det. Terry has been at his current agency for the past six years. For the last five, he has been assigned to the Major Crimes Team investigating suspicious deaths, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Det. Terry enjoys the outdoors and spending summer days on a boat at the lake surrounded by family. He and his wife are expecting a son in the winter of 2022.



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In a split second, your entire life can change. Detective Aaron is a school resource officer. As he does his daily patrol, he stops a man who appears out of place near the local high school. Indeed, this routine stop turns dangerous as the man, who is found to have warrants and is carrying weapons, runs directly onto school property. A confrontation outside classrooms forces Aaron in a split-second decision.

The detective: Detective Aaron started in law enforcement 24 years ago. His current duties include property crimes investigations, firearms instructor, and member of the SWAP team. He spent 15 years on patrol and eight years as a school resource officer before moving over to detectives. He’s also worked as a Field Training Officer and a member of the bicycle-mounted crowd control team. Before joining the police force, Aaron served in the US Army Airborne division from 1994 to 1998. He lists “spending as much time as I can with my kids” and hiking as his hobbies.



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Police discover the body of a woman near the bottom of a flight of the stairs that lead to her bedroom. She’s been shot in the head and the main suspect is the man she just broke up with. Her young children are also in the house, hiding in a closet. Detectives Chad and Greg hunt the suspect down and find a pattern of dangerous domestic abuse that had never been reported to police.

The detectives: Detective Chad went to school with Detectives Dan and Dave. In high school, Chad started as an Explorer/Cadet with his local police department. He was hired by the Sheriff’s office after college, and has been in law enforcement for 24 years. He’s worked in corrections and patrol and has been a detective for 9 years.

Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.

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A young mother gets a strange visit from a neighbor. He tells her his security cameras have captured her daughter doing inappropriate things. Shocked and suspicious, the mother calls the police. Detective Dave arrives and begins to investigate. He discovers the neighbor’s story does not hold up, and the truth is alarming.

The detective:Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022.  He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012.  Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse.  Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career.  During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.



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A bloody murder scene along a California highway leads Investigator Paul Holes on a generational journey, as he discovers a killer’s past could shine a light on a long-dormant cold case. Along the way, Paul finds that the impulse for violent crime sometimes runs in the family.

The detective: Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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This is the second part of Officer George’s response to the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. This episode covers one of the most horrific school shootings in American history. It would come to be known simply as “Parkland.”

The detective: Officer George has lived in South Florida his entire life. He’s a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he played baseball. He moved on to the minor leagues and met Detective Dan, also a professional minor league player. After baseball, he decided in his mid-30s to become a police officer. He worked 5 years as a patrol officer in one jurisdiction and joined the SWAT team there, and then moved to Coral Springs, where he worked an additional 5 years. George retired from law enforcement in 2020. He’s married with two children.



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On February 14, 2018, Officer George was working patrol with his local PD. He'd met some fellow officers for lunch. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then he heard the radio traffic: shots fired at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He immediately headed to the campus. This is Officer George's story of responding to one of the most horrific school shootings in American history. One that would come to be known simply as “Parkland.”

The detective: Officer George has lived in South Florida his entire life. He’s a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he played baseball. He moved on to the minor leagues and met Detective Dan, also a professional minor league player. After baseball, he decided in his mid-30s to become a police officer. He worked 5 years as a patrol officer in one jurisdiction and joined the SWAT team there, and then moved to Coral Springs, where he worked an additional 5 years. George retired from law enforcement in 2020. He’s married with two children.

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Small Town Fam, the new season of Small Town Dicks drops on Friday, Sept. 30. Oh, and that's not all. We've added a new co-host to the team: Detective Paul Holes. He'll join Yeardley, Detective Dan, and Detective Dave as we explore real, true crime cases told by the detectives who investigated them.

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Once again, Detectives Dave and Dan take a deep dive into case law that governs how law enforcement operates in this country. Today, they discuss Brewer v. Williams, which is better known as "The Christian Burial Speech". It's a fascinating and disturbing tale about the limits of interrogation after a suspect invokes his right to counsel: even when, or especially when, the stakes are incredibly high.

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If you've ever watched a television crime drama, chances are you could recite the Miranda warning by heart. Today, Detectives Dan and Dave continue their law enforcement briefing with a review of the case that brought us the Miranda warning: Miranda v. Arizona. The detectives also delve into a precursor case, Escobedo v. Illinois, which helped define what rights a person has when they're arrested.

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In today's briefing, we discuss the case law that defines what is considered reasonable when a police officer uses force. These cases are used by departments nationwide as a foundation for use of force policies. The two specific cases you'll hear about today, if you want to read further, are Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor.

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Over the next few weeks, we're sharing a few episodes of The Briefing Room. The series began on our Patreon feed but is going to become a brand new show in January. Today, we discuss situational awareness: Detective Dave and Detective Dan talk about ways to increase your safety by paying closer attention to what's going on around you.

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Yeardley invites you to enjoy a special preview of a new documentary series called Lords of Soccer. Join veteran foreign correspondent Conor Powell as he digs deep into the murky world of international soccer, or football as most of the world knows it, to expose the graft and corruption that brought down the elite businessmen behind the World Cup. Lords of Soccer: How FIFA Stole the Beautiful Game is the unbelievable true story of how a corrupt few turned the world’s most popular game into a criminal con job. You can listen to the first five episodes right now athttp://link.chtbl.com/lordsofsoccer

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A young couple go missing after heading out to a local camping spot. A search party discovers their bodies - both have been shot to death. Investigators from this rural town turn over every stone in search of the killer but come up empty. Over 40 years pass before a DNA test points to a suspect. Detectives scramble to arrest him and get justice for the victims.

The detectives: Detective Chad went to school with Detectives Dan and Dave. In high school, Chad started as an Explorer/Cadet with his local police department. He was hired by the Sheriff’s office after college, and has been in law enforcement for 24 years. He’s worked in corrections and patrol and has been a detective for 9 years.

Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.

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A brutal murder. A primary suspect. But small mistakes made by fellow officers in the early hours of the investigation hinder Detective Lins’ pursuit of the man he believes is responsible for bludgeoning a woman to death in her driveway. But the investigation continues until Lins receives word that his prime suspect is dead. Or is he? Even in retirement, Detective Lins says he’s not ready to give up the ghost.

The detective: Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served two years at the United States European Command in Stuttgart Germany, where he was promoted to first lieutenant, and commander of the military police station. Later, as a captain, he commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord in CA. His most memorable investigation in Europe was solving the case of the bananas missing from a 4-star general’s kitchen. Det. Lins went on to spend two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, first as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes for 14 years. His final 7 years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for the Monterey County DA, where where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. During his law enforcement career he investigated over 40 death cases, with the majority being homicides.\



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The stories about Sam are almost unbelievable. He’s wealthy, successful, and a family man. But look closer and you’ll discover a deeply disturbed predator with a dangerous habit of victimizing kids. When Detective Robert and his team take over the case, they find themselves  crossing state lines and international borders in the pursuit of evidence which ultimately confirms Sam is exactly what they thought he was: the very worst. WARNING: This episode deals with the sexual abuse of children.

The detective: Detective Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant, where he currently supervises a graveyard patrol shift.

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An attentive security guard confronts a rowdy group outside a bar. One of the group pulls out a gun and shoots the security guard, killing him. As investigators try to sort out what happened, they discover the security guard was wearing a body camera that recorded the whole event. Detective Chris leads a manhunt to apprehend the suspect.

The detective: Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 10 years. Over the course of his career he has been on patrol and served on his agency’s SWAT team. As a detective Chris has been assigned to property crimes, as well as violent crimes detective, which include crimes against children. Chris grew up playing sports and currently enjoys playing golf, poorly. He also enjoys spending time with his wife.



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Detective Dan gets called to an apartment complex to investigate a hit and run. But he quickly discovers there’s much more to the case than just property damage, when a young girl in the house discloses that she was touched inappropriately during an alcohol-fueled party that night. Detective Dan's brother, Detective Dave, is called in to investigate the crime.

The detectives: Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022. He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012. Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse. Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career. During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.

Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.



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An undercover drug investigation leads to a web of political corruption that has ties to an international crime syndicate. As the case unfolds, our two detectives, Matt, who’s working undercover, and Blake, his handler, begin to wonder if the corruption reaches into their own department, too.

The detectives: Detective Matt grew up in Pennsylvania. He joined the police department in the town where this story takes place shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. After he worked this case, he went to a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a major political party conference. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He is now a deputy in another state.

Detective Blake started working as a police officer in 1987 after serving four years in the Marine Corps. He worked in one department for 26 years and then moved to the area where this story took place. There he started out as a patrol officer and then took a role in vice and narcotics. He finished his career as a lieutenant while in the same area. He was married for 35 years and has two grown children.

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A mother calls police to her condominium over concerns that her son, Mike, is acting erratically and is a threat to both himself and his own son. Because Mike is armed with a gun, police attempt to isolate him. A stand-off ensues which turns violent.

The detective: Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 10 years. Over the course of his career he has been on patrol and served on his agency’s SWAT team. As a detective Chris has been assigned to property crimes, as well as violent crimes detective, which include crimes against children. Chris grew up playing sports and currently enjoys playing golf, poorly. He also enjoys spending time with his wife.

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A German couple comes to hike and enjoy the beautiful Big Sur coastline. As they wander through the backroads, they encounter their worst nightmare - a couple of predators out looking for a soft target. Detective Lins is called to investigate the aftermath and finds a story of tragedy as well as miraculous survival.

The detective: Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served two years at the United States European Command in Stuttgart Germany, where he was promoted to first lieutenant, and commander of the military police station. Later, as a captain, he commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord in CA. His most memorable investigation in Europe was solving the case of the bananas missing from a 4-star general’s kitchen. Detective Lins went on to spend two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, first as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes for 14 years. His final 7 years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for the Monterey County DA, where where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. During his law enforcement career he investigated over 40 death cases, with the majority being homicides.

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This case takes us to Main Street, Small Town, Australia, where *Detective Graeme is called to investigate an early morning blaze in the local business district. Fortunately, firefighters put out the flames before anyone is hurt, but the shops suffer extensive smoke damage. As Graeme picks through the debris, he discovers evidence that the fire was no accident. A bit of luck and good old-fashioned detective work help Graeme and his team zero in on the culprit.

The detective: Retired Detective Sgt. Graeme. After witnessing a bank robbery, Graeme decided to join the Victoria Police where he graduated from the police academy in 1994. He worked the ‘beat’ across many suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne before being promoted to Detective in 2003. In 2006 he transferred to the prestigious Homicide Squad, honing his skills from the legends of Victoria Police Homicide. He has also led small teams in the pressured world of armed robbery investigations. Graeme is the recipient of the National Emergency Medal (Black Saturday Bushfires 2009), National Medal (25 years service), National Police Service Medal and Victoria Police Ethical Service Medal. After an esteemed career as a Detective Sergeant with Victoria Police, Graeme went on to establish Peregrine Consultancy and Investigations in 2021.



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Our own Detective Dave investigates a shockingly violent attack on two guards in a small town jail. It’s a case that brings into sharp focus the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to keep others, and themselves, safe.

The detective: Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022. He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012. Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse. Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career. During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups. 

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An estranged spouse calls 911 to say she shot her husband in self-defense. But as detectives look at the crime scene and begin digging into the history of the relationship, they start to doubt the caller’s story. Was this a fatal case of domestic violence, or did something more sinister take place? Detective Robert investigates.

The detective: Detective Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. Robert has since been promoted to sergeant, where he currently supervises a graveyard patrol shift.



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Police in a small town come across a grisly scene - an elderly woman beaten and stabbed in her own bed. As Detective Greg sets out to find out who is responsible, and bring them to justice. One of their leads comes from a young boy who tells them a story of a ginger-bearded man. A story all the more chilling when detectives discover the real truth.

The detective: Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.



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Hey Small Town Fam, a new season of Small Town Dicks drops next week. We are thrilled to be back!

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Detective Dan takes the mic to recount a couple of wild cases involving some very crafty crooks. Thieves can be clever, so it takes some real police work to break the case. In part one, you'll get to know a couple of key fob bandits. It'll remind you to keep close watch on your gym locker. In part two, you'll meet the charming but dangerous members of Stu's Crew.

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Detectives Dan and Dave talk about what Hollywood gets right - and gets wrong - about police work, and which shows are their favorites. Then they take a quiz to see if they know which obscure laws are from which state. It's a blast!

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Detectives Dan and Dave take you into The Briefing Room for a candid conversation about online safety.

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In this special episode, retired Detective Dawn goes undercover as a customer after hearing reports of a fish store owner with busy hands. In the course of her investigation, Dawn uncovers clear evidence that the owner has had a long history of victimizing women, including underage girls.

Oh, and check out our Patreon at patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

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Today, a gift from our Small Town Family to yours.

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Detective BK is called to a grisly murder scene at a local motel. The fact that the victim, himself, has a criminal past has no bearing on how hard detectives work the case, their job is to see that justice is served. As BK drills down on a possible suspect, the search becomes a manhunt across multiple states, and the detectives are reminded that you can never have enough evidence.

The detective: Detective Sergeant BK has worked in law enforcement since 1998. Over the course of his career he worked patrol. He spent seven years as a detective working Major Crimes: murders, rapes, drug crimes, and felony thefts. Three years ago he was promoted to sergeant and is currently the Detective Sergeant at his police agency. BK lives in the city he works in. His wife is a school teacher and they have four children who are currently attending college.

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In a case that feels like it’s out of the 1800s, a detective in Australia’s famed “Gold Squad” gets an anonymous tip that something fishy is going on at a gold mine in remote Western Australia. An investigation turns up a crime ring that’s pocketing tens of thousands of dollars of the precious metal. The hunt turns tragic as a ringleader considers the blow to his reputation for stealing from the only business in town.

The detective: Detective Peter retired in 2007 after 25 year’s service in the Western Australian Police Force. He led specialist Crime squads in Covert Operations and the unique Gold Stealing Detection Unit in his home state, which covers almost a third of the Australian continent. Since retiring he has worked as a mining industry consultant and led Global Security operations for a major gold mining corporation.

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From big cities to small towns, there is perhaps nothing we associate more with modern police work than the high-speed chase. In this two-parter, Detectives Dan and Dave remember their first times behind the wheel when they had to suddenly go Code 3 "in pursuit.” You’ll hear how they learned to keep cool under pressure while also keeping the public safe as they pursued the suspect.

The detective: Detective Dave

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From big cities to small towns, there is perhaps nothing we associate more with modern police work than the high-speed chase. In this two-parter, Detectives Dan and Dave remember their first times behind the wheel when they had to suddenly go Code 3 "in pursuit.” You’ll hear how they learned to keep cool under pressure while also keeping the public safe as they pursued the suspect.

The detective: Detective Dan

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We are coming to you a day early because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday - we wanted to be sure you had something binge-able as you prep your turkeys, or drive to grandma's house, or wait for you plane, or take a nice walk. Whatever you're doing, Small Town Fam, we wish you a warm and happy holiday!

In today's special bonus episode, Yeardley discusses what her three favorite episodes have been over the course of the show. She offers some commentary and then shares her favorite for your enjoyment.

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Famed cold-case investigator and forensic analyst Paul Holes brings us two murder cases from Northern California that remain unsolved. These murders are eerily similar to three others that were committed by serial killer Phil Hughes. But with scant physical evidence, and Hughes remaining tight-lipped, Paul is forced to dig deep and come up with new ways to identify the killer and get justice for the victims.

The detective: Paul Holes spent the majority of his 27-year career investigating cold cases and serial-predator crimes in the Bay Area of California. Just before he retired in April 2018, Paul led the team that broke the Golden State Killer case, which brought him worldwide acclaim. Other notable cases he’s worked on include The Zodiac, Laci Peterson, Jaycee Dugard, Darryl Kemp, Joseph Naso, and Joseph Cordova Jr. He's co-authored several books, including “Evil Has a Name,” “A Devil in the Valley,” and “The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish,” all available on Audible. You can hear Paul on his own true-crime podcast, which he co-hosts with investigative journalist, Billy Jensen, called “The Murder Squad.” And Paul's memoir about his career entitled “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases” is scheduled for release in April 2022.

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A woman named Mary goes missing after spending the evening at a popular nightclub. Local police have few leads. Then police learn a sex offender from Ireland is in town and was seen harassing women customers before leaving the club with Mary. Detective Shaun, who is supposed to be taking his vacation, suspects something terrible has happened and pulls out all the stops to find the Irishman. When they finally catch up to him he denies any wrongdoing, until a surprising scientific detail puts him at the scene of a grisly crime.

The detective:

Retired Detective Superintendent Shaun was a Police officer for 30 years and a detective for the majority of that time, working in the Tayside area of Scotland for the majority of his service. In his last few years he was honored to represent Scottish Policing overseas and worked with Police Officers in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malawi and Zambia, as well as welcoming officers from across the USA to come and share good practice in Scotland. Nowadays he run investigations for a humanitarian charity. He is married with 2 grown up daughters.

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