The Journalist and The Cop: An Honest Conversation About Police Accountability

Two Cops One Donut

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What happens when an independent journalist who questions police accountability meets two veteran officers willing to have honest conversations? The result is a rare window into the complexities of modern American policing that challenges perspectives on both sides.
Damien Riggs brings his decade of journalistic experience to engage with our hosts about the difficult questions facing law enforcement today. Rather than rehearsed talking points, this conversation dives deep into thorny issues like qualified immunity, the "gypsy cop" phenomenon that allows problem officers to move between departments, and why good departments handle accountability so differently than toxic ones.
The discussion takes a powerful turn when examining the Daniel Shaver shooting, revealing how good officers view these tragic incidents with genuine horror rather than defensiveness. This authentic moment demonstrates something crucial about police culture - contrary to popular belief, ethical officers are often more disturbed by these incidents than civilians because they understand exactly how things should have been handled differently.
Particularly enlightening is the live analysis of body camera footage showing both successful and problematic police encounters. These real-time assessments provide a masterclass in how experienced officers evaluate situations, make split-second decisions, and recognize danger signals. Through this collaborative analysis, you'll gain unprecedented insight into the complex realities officers face daily.
Whether you support law enforcement or question current policing practices, this episode offers nuanced perspectives that challenge simplistic narratives. Follow Damien's work through the Curious podcast and connect with him on Instagram @the_underscore_damien_riggs to continue exploring these vital conversations.

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Chapters

1. Intro and Meeting Damien Riggs (00:00:00)

2. Police Accountability and System Failures (00:17:12)

3. National Database and Brady Lists (00:33:41)

4. Popper Graves and Hidden Truths (00:49:25)

5. Body Cameras and Transparency Issues (01:07:08)

6. Daniel Shaver Case and Police Brutality (01:24:00)

7. Live Body Cam Analysis: The Knife Attack (01:50:17)

8. Second Body Cam Analysis: Teen with Pellet Gun (02:08:54)

9. Final Thoughts and Connections (02:46:04)