The Detectives Podcast

In Part II of The War We Owe Them, Dave and Steve sit down with Captain Bryan Harper of the Indiana State Police. As a former ICAC Commander and now the Director of the Indiana Fusion Center, Captain Harper shares his insight into the fight against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).The conversation covers the role of ICAC task forces, fusion centers, the most effective tools available, and the challenges of keeping pace with evolving technology. They explore how investigations unfold across local, state, federal, and international levels. They also examine the complex role of private tech companies in both supporting law enforcement and balancing privacy concerns.Captain Harper discusses the toll this work takes on investigators, the difficulty of replacing those who can no longer continue, and what the Indiana State Police is doing to lead the fight against CSAM. Finally, they discuss what can truly be done to stop CSAM, the obstacles in the way, and why public education, awareness, and legislative action are critical. This isn’t just law enforcement’s battle, we need help from the public if we want to win the war against CSAM. Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Listener discretion is strongly advised.In the launch of their mini-series, The War We Owe Them, Dave and Steve confront one of the darkest threats facing our world, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Unlike the wars on poverty, drugs, or terrorism, this is a war society has yet to fight with everything we have, despite its global scale and devastating impact.Dave and Steve break down what CSAM really is, and why calling it “child pornography” dangerously minimizes the reality of these crimes. Drawing from their experience working these types of cases, they discuss the investigative process, from treating images and videos as crime scenes to the painstaking work of documentation. They examine how predators operate, the rise of AI-generated CSAM, and the psychological toll these cases take on investigators.They also highlight the role of organizations like NCMEC, explore the importance of language and advocacy, and explain how offenders use the dark web to share material and exploit children. Above all, they stress why law enforcement cannot win this battle alone. Ending CSAM requires all of us, educating, protecting, and refusing to look away. This series will be difficult to hear, but it is necessary, because we owe it to our children to fight this war against CSAM.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectiveshttps://www.missingkids.org/homeACLU Represents Man-Boy Love Group - ABC NewsMurdered boy's parents sue North American Man/Boy Love AssociationACLU to Defend Pedophile Group | WIREDhttps://www.boston.com/news/crime/2020/07/01/charles-jaynes-parole-hearing-jeffrey-curley/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern law enforcement, and detectives are on the front lines, figuring out where it helps and where it hurts. In this episode, Dave and Steve dive deep into how AI is changing criminal investigations.They start with facial recognition, how it’s evolved, how detectives use it for suspect identification, and the tough balance between public safety and a potential police state. From there, the detectives examine predictive policing software, breaking down both its possibilities and the real-world failures that led to bans in some cities.The conversation moves into the world of cell phone forensic dumps and social media returns, where AI tools are saving detectives countless hours by sorting through overwhelming amounts of digital data. They also look at license plate readers, traffic cameras, and how AI is speeding up every day investigative work like report writing.The detectives take on the dangers of AI deepfakes in criminal cases, and how these fakes spill over into courtrooms, affecting attorneys, judges, juries, and public opinion. Finally, they tackle the bigger picture: how dangerous AI could become if it replaces human discretion, what the future of policing might look like with tech like brain implants, and why legislation will be one of the toughest battles ahead.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesLinks:Colorado dentist found guilty of fatally poisoning wife - ABC NewsCheerleader's mom accused of making "deepfake" videos of daughter's rivals - CBS NewsACLU v. Clearview AI | American Civil Liberties UnionThe new lawsuit that shows facial recognition is officially a civil rights issue | MIT Technology ReviewSanta Cruz is first U.S. city to ban predictive policing - Los Angeles TimesChicago police no longer using ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology; Mayor Brandon Johnson exploring other options - ABC7 ChicagoChicago-Police-Departments-Use-of-ShotSpotter-Technology.pdfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dave and Steve dive into one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of police work: report writing. A report can not only make or break a criminal case, but it can also impact an officer’s entire career.They share mistakes they’ve witnessed over the years and explain how something written today can come back to haunt an officer years later in court. They break down what makes a strong report, why it still matters even with body cameras, and why reports must make sense to everyone in the criminal justice system, not just fellow officers.They reflect on how report writing has evolved, from the old days of “observed drunk, stopped drunk, and arrested drunk” to today’s AI-assisted report writing programs.At the end of the day, police officers owe it to themselves, the system, and the public they serve to get the facts right, document the truth, and keep the record clear. Arresting someone means taking away their freedom, a serious responsibility that must be handled with the utmost care and supported by thorough documentation. That’s why solid, accurate report writing is not just paperwork, it is a cornerstone of the job.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, we shift gears to cover a deeply disturbing and ongoing case out of Brent, Alabama where children were recently rescued from a suspected human trafficking operation. We break down what happened in Bibb County, including the charges filed, key moments from the Sheriff’s press conference, and our own perspective as detectives. We also take time to explain what human trafficking really is, how cases like this impact law enforcement officers, and why this is not just a local tragedy but part of a much larger issue. At the heart of this conversation is a reminder: protecting children is a responsibility we all share.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectiveshttp://www.cityofbrentalabama.com/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/seven-charged-child-sex-ring-run-alabama-concrete-bunker-sheriff-says-rcna221191https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-bunker-bibb-county-child-sex-traffick-arrest-suspects/65501354https://alabamareflector.com/2023/06/01/alabama-house-approves-bill-increasing-penalties-for-involvement-in-criminal-enterprises/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second half of this deep-dive, Steve and Dave get into the real-world techniques and challenges of interviewing and interrogating suspects. They touch on structured methods like REID and PEACE, but emphasize how much of the craft is learned through observation, experience, and knowing what actually works in the room.They break down the importance of listening to what a suspect says (and doesn’t say), picking up on body language, microexpressions, and story changes when confronted with evidence. Planning ahead, anticipating responses, and reading the room become a form of mental gymnastics.The episode explores what detectives are really hoping to get from an interrogation: confessions, admissions, or valuable contradictions, and how even without a confession, a strong case can still be made. They share how they handle lies, deflections, and suspects who bring attorneys into the room, and why pushing too hard can backfire.False confessions are also front and center: who is most at risk, how they happen, and how detectives can avoid getting them. Steve and Dave bust movie myths about dramatic confessions and explain why most interrogations don’t end in handcuffs. They also reflect on some of their most difficult interrogations and what those experiences taught them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave and Steve begin a deep dive into one of the most critical skills in detective work: talking to people. They break down the difference between interviews and interrogations, explain how each is used, and walk through the key characteristics that define them.They explore how detectives approach conversations with victims and witnesses, as well as how their statements can shape the direction of an investigation. These interviews require careful interpretation, which is why detectives rely on the evidence and the facts, not just what someone says.The focus then shifts to interrogating suspects. From the first point of contact to the setup of the room and the reading of Miranda rights, every detail plays a role. Dave and Steve explain how detectives work to control the environment, the conversation, and their own emotions, even when dealing with suspects accused of horrific crimes. They break down why the yelling, aggressive detective stereotype doesn’t hold up in real life, and how building genuine rapport is often more effective. They share what successful rapport-building looks like, what doesn’t work, and the mistakes they've seen along the way.Part two continues next week.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dave and Steve tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of law enforcement: dark humor. They break down what it is, and what it isn’t while, exploring why it exists in the policing world.From academic research to firsthand experience, they discuss how officers use humor as a coping mechanism in high-stress, traumatic environments, and why it can’t stand alone as the only outlet. They dive into the unwritten rules that govern when it’s acceptable, when it helps, and when it crosses the line into something darker, misconduct.With real-world examples, this episode offers an honest, unfiltered look at the complex role dark humor plays behind the badge.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dave and Steve take you behind the scenes of the real-life investigative process, walking step by step through what it’s like to be a detective working on a case. From the moment the call comes out or the file lands on their desk, they break down how investigations unfold in the real world.Follow along as they respond to the scene, work with CSI to process evidence, identify and develop suspects, and dive into interviews and interrogations. They touch on reports, warrants, subpoenas, and everything that needs to happen before a case is finally submitted to the prosecutor to decide whether charges are filed.They also explore the frustrating side of the job—when the investigative process fights back. Whether it’s cold cases that go quiet, outside pressure from the public or media, or simply hitting a dead end, not every case wraps up neatly like in the movies.This is what real detective work looks like. No scripts. No shortcuts. Just the process.Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcastJoin us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectivesShop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcastDirectly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this premiere episode, Dave and Steve dig into the differences between Hollywood’s portrayal of law enforcement in movies and TV shows versus how the job really works. From dramatic shootouts to instant confessions, they break down the myths, clear up the misconceptions, and share what it’s actually like to be a real-life detective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Dave and Steve, two seasoned investigators with over 35 years of combined law enforcement experience, as they pull back the curtain on the criminal justice system. From real case breakdowns to discussions on the inner workings of investigations, they bring firsthand insight into the realities of police work—the good, the bad, and the untold.Expect unfiltered perspectives, expert analysis, and candid conversations with professionals in the field. While they take their work seriously, they don’t take themselves too seriously, so buckle up for honest discussions, dark humor, and a no-nonsense look at the world of criminal investigations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.