In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, I speak with Michelle Websdale about the life and death of her former partner, Ben — a police custody sergeant who served for 24 years.

Michelle shares who Ben was as a man, a father and a colleague, before discussing the events that followed his arrest by Professional Standards and the impact the investigation had on his mental health. She speaks openly about the inquest, the support (and lack of support) provided, and the wider questions this raises about police welfare and internal investigations.

This is an honest and emotional conversation about policing, accountability, mental health and the human cost when systems fail.

If you work in policing or have experienced similar challenges, this episode may resonate with you.

If you are struggling, please seek support. You are not alone.

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Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem

Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, I’m joined by Ryan MacDonald — former police officer, military veteran, author of Blue Lights, Dark Mind, and a powerful voice on trauma and recovery after service.

Ryan served for nearly 30 years across policing and the military, including counter-terrorism, intelligence, custody, leadership roles, and operational tours overseas. But this conversation isn’t about rank or war stories.

It’s about what happens when the uniform comes off.

🎙️ In this episode, we talk openly about:

The cumulative trauma of policing

PTSD and intrusive thoughts

Why officers struggle to ask for help

The moment everything nearly collapsed

How policing culture deals with mental health

Life after service, recovery, and rebuilding

This is an honest, raw, and important conversation about the realities of policing that are rarely spoken about publicly.

If you’re serving, have served, or support someone who does — this episode will resonate.

Ryan's Book: Blue Lights Dark Mind

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Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem

Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper is joined by Colin Sutton — one of the UK’s most respected former Senior Investigating Officers.

Colin led some of Britain’s most complex and high-profile murder investigations, including the case that finally brought Levi Bellfield to justice — without relying on forensic evidence.

This is a deep, intelligent conversation about how real murder investigations are solved, the mistakes people make when relying on checklists, and why good policing depends on thinking, judgement, and leadership — not box-ticking.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

How Colin rose rapidly through the Met Police

Leading murder investigations under intense pressure

The Levi Bellfield case and building a conviction through circumstantial evidence

Why “thinking outside the box” matters more than procedure

What great detectives do differently

Policing leadership, officer welfare, and cultural change

Life after policing: books, TV, and theatre tours

This episode is essential viewing for:

Police officers and detectives

True crime fans who want depth, not drama

Anyone interested in leadership, decision-making, and justice

If you’re tired of sensationalism and want to understand how serious investigations actually work, this conversation delivers.

Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions!

Download the Pocket Sergeant app today

Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem

Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey