In this episode, Donovan and Ken discuss what happens when your file lands on an investigator's desk. What goes through a BI's mind when you first see your application?
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In this episode, we interview Tony from the Las Vegas area. Tony and Ken met in 2007 when he was a candidate and we catch up with him 18 years later. Tony is a sergeant in the Las Vegas area and tells us about his journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
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In this episode, Donovan and Ken discuss what happens when a background goes bad and how BI's can make or break an investigation.
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This episode is being released to our paid subscribers before the general public. These AI episodes will be produced periodically in between our regular Friday episodes.
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This is a collaboration between Ken and AI Copilot on how police applicants have evolved from the 1940's to today. How has technology caused police departments to adapt in the midst of of a recruitment downturn?
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Ken set the tone and format for the episode, while Copilot did the research and produced and narrated it.
In this episode we discuss everything police candidates need to know about just how dangerous and prevalent alcohol abuse is in police culture. Too many officers across the nation have been suspended, arrested, convicted, and fired due to alcohol abuse. Retired LAPD narcotics detective Mike Margolis is our guest. He came onto the job in 1990 with an alcohol problem, and worked for many years while abusing alcohol and getting into deep trouble with the department as a result. He finally got sober in 2001 and worked the rest of his career helping other struggling officers. This episode is important for police candidates to know about prior to joining.
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I gave AI the podcast link and this is what I got. Not too shabby, but AI will never replace us!!
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In this episode we interview Erik. He's from the East Coast and has an incredible story. He we from the USMC to a DQ with a local PD. His journey began in 2015 and was just hired!
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Jonathan didn't have a good childhood, and his parents were largely absent. His journey wasn't easy with 3 DQ's and one non-select. This is an episode you're sure to enjoy!
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In this episode we're joined by Investigator Jesse Cohen of the Westminster PD (CO). There are no notes--we're shooting from the hip in a raw conversation about the current state of recruitment and hiring across the nation. Three background investigators discussing the current trends as we see them!
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Social media and The Charlie Kirk Fallout: How this can affect your background investigation.
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In this episode we interview Officer Jill. She's a Southern California officer with 16-years of experience and a wealth of knowledge as an officer and a life coach. We hope you enjoy this great interview!
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In this episode, Ken interviewed Sebastian, who recently retired as a lieutenant from the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. With almost 30 years of experience, Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge about working in the prison system with some of the most hardened criminals in the nation.
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In this episode Donovan talks about the latest at Reddit. More in & outs, curve balls, and fun facts. We're sure you'll enjoy this one!-------
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In this episode, Ken interviews Hendersonville, TN PD Detective David Harrell. David is currently assigned to Backgrounds and gives us the scoop on he conducts his investigations and why you should work in Tennessee!
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In this episode we interview Oscar, a police candidate, now new hire from Southern California. Oscar applied at several agencies, had poly issues, and was finally hired by a So Cal department. He's got a great story!
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In this episode we interviewed Julio. Julio is a former LASD deputy sheriff, who was a background investigator and decided to leave California. He was gone a couple before returning to another Southern California agency in 2025. This is a great episode!!
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This is a legacy podcast from the original Policebackground.net. It was originally recorded in 2012.
On Halloween night, 2009, a gunman pulled alongside Seattle field training officer Tim Brenton and rookie Britt Sweeny who were on duty in the Leschi neighborhood. He opened fire. Sweeney survived, but Brenton was killed. We interviewed Sweeney about that night._____
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In this episode, we interview Tyler from Missouri. Tyler tells us about his family history in law enforcement, applying and being DQ'd, and then getting hired a few years later. This is a great episode!!
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In this episode we discuss the pros & cons of online PHS's. Are they faster to complete or a real pain in the a#*? Let's find out what Ken and Donovan think.-----
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May 25, 2025: This is an update on the recent L.A. City Council vote to slash LAPD hiring from 480 recruits per year to 240.