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.
Stand-off
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.
Tourist Season
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 Gamble
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.
Lying in Wait
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.
Straight to the Heart
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 Ginger Beard Man
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.
Small Town Swindlers
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.
Hollywood Cops & the Quiz of Laws
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!
The Briefing Room
Detectives Dan and Dave take you into The Briefing Room for a candid conversation about online safety.
No Sale
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.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Today, a gift from our Small Town Family to yours.
Blood Shadow
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.
Gold Fever
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.
In Pursuit, Part 2
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.
In Pursuit, Part 1
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.
Yeardley’s True Crime Thanksgiving Sides
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.
Never Forget
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.
Rancid
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.
Left for Dead
A passing car notices what appears to be a bag of trash tossed onto the road. Upon closer inspection, the driver finds a woman bundled up in the garbage, left for dead. Retired Deputy Chief Constable Tom returns to the podcast to talk about why this cold case was such an eye-opener for his police department.
Black Friday
An argument over dinner turns deadly at a Thanksgiving Day party. Police are called and find the victim shot in the back. Detective Justin leads a citywide manhunt to track down the killer.
Detective Dave’s Favorite: “Interstate”
We take a time machine back to season 3 to hear Detective Dave’s favorite case. It’s called “Interstate”.
Detective Dan’s Favorite: “Bait and Switch”
Today we turn back the clock and Detective Dan shares why “Bait and Switch” from season 2 is his favorite episode.
Blowback
It was an evening like any other. Police at the local headquarters were going about their business – eating dinner, talking about the latest TV shows, when… boom. The first of a series of deadly explosions tore through Detective Sam’s station in Northern Ireland. Sam talks about the extraordinary dangers his force faced on a daily basis, and the lingering trauma so many suffer who choose to protect and serve.
Confidence Man
Steve is a popular guy. He edits the local paper. He owns the local stationary store. His new restaurant is the most popular spot for miles around. And he’s just opened up a new pub. The only problem is every one of his businesses seems to be failing. Detective BK gets a tip that there’s something shady is going on with Steve’s accounts and his investors have started to notice. BK uncovers a small town scandal that tests the fabric of neighborly trust.
No Win
A routine traffic stop turns deadly serious when the driver opens fire on the patrol officer and peels out. A manhunt ensues and a couple of days later, an alert law enforcement crew spots the driver and embarks on a harrowing car chase during the height of the summer-tourist season.
The Wrong Kind of Irish
A young Irish woman heads into town to hear one of her favorite bands. She quickly makes some new friends who invite her back to their house for an after-party. Once there, things don’t stay friendly for long. Det. Sam takes us inside the investigation to find out what happened to young Anne Marie.
The Players, Part 2
A town is overrun by gang violence. So much so that the local cops get shot at while making a felony traffic stop. Detective Scott and his colleagues embark on a months-long investigation that includes wiretaps, search warrants, and jailhouse informants to bring down a gang called The Players.
The Players, Part 1
A town is overrun by gang violence. So much so that the local cops get shot at while making a felony traffic stop. Detective Scott and his colleagues embark on a months-long investigation that includes wiretaps, search warrants, and jailhouse informants to bring down a gang called The Players.
Murder by the Inch
Detective Roddy talks about the challenges his small-town police force faced when tasked with solving the brutal murder of a man in a local park. The crime shocked his small Scottish community and changed the way his police department viewed marginalized communities and social media.
Three’s A Crowd
Police get called to a marijuana grow operation, where they find a man shot dead near the front door. The shooter is the dead man’s partner in the operation and claims the whole thing was a terrible accident. Det. Justin reviews the evidence and is ready to file the case away until he listens to the 911 tape and hears something that throws the “accident” theory out the window.
Kill Bill
Bill is a well-to-do tech professional who starts down a destructive road of drugs and crime with a younger, and more violent companion, named Tristan. One day, police get a call that leads them to believe Bill is dead under bizarre circumstances. An investigation leads Detective Robert and team into a house of horrors.
Family Ties
Police get called to do a welfare check on a mother and son who have been unusually hard to reach. Officers arrive at the home to find the mother brutally murdered and there’s no sign of the son. Is he a victim or a suspect?
Keep Digging
A man goes missing in a small Scottish town. His mother, Mrs. T., is dissatisfied with the way the police have handled his disappearance and hounds her local PD until she is finally put in touch with Det. Roddy who promises to take a fresh look at the case. It turns out, Mrs. T’s maternal instincts were right and her son didn’t just pack up and leave without a trace, without saying goodbye. Another Small Town episode from overseas.
Payback
Two women are found gunned down inside their home, along with a couple of piles of empty bullet casings. Detectives discover that the victims were sisters and someone was not happy they had been living together. Lt. Joe Kenda is on the case.
The Runaway
Police get called to a seedy motel after reports of a fight. They find two women injured, one badly, as well as a group of men standing around videotaping the incident on their phones. As Det. Scott begins to investigate, he quickly realizes there is much more than meets the eye as he follows the evidence into a world of gangs and human trafficking.
Betrayal
A young mother rushes her infant son to the emergency room. Doctors find suspicious bruises and call the police. The investigation uncovers a trail of cruelty and deceit in a case “Classic” retired Det. David will never forget.
Vanished
This week, Small Town Dicks returns to Scotland. A series of killings along the Scottish/ English border has detectives scrambling and residents frightened. As police chase hundreds of possible leads, a man in a tiny town witnesses the kidnapping of a local girl in broad daylight. Could this be the lead law enforcement so desperately needs? Another story from retired Deputy Chief Constable Tom.
Final Destination
Today we hear from our own Detective Dave as he investigates disturbing allegations of child abuse. Just as he prepares to take his suspect into custody, he learns the suspect has fled on a bus and has a 12-hour head start. Unable to make up the time and distance in pursuit of the suspect, himself, Dave is forced to rely on other agencies along the bus route to try and intercept the fugitive before he gets away for good.
Not In My Backyard
A husband calls 911 to report that his wife is dead – drowned in the hot tub. Investigators are immediately suspicious when they notice injuries to the husband’s wrists. As evidence begins to mount, the victim’s well-heeled friends and neighbors push back at the idea that it could be murder. Because that’s something which happens to other people.
The World’s End
Two young women go missing from a famous local bar in Scotland called The World’s End. When their dead bodies are found, police start a groundbreaking investigation into the serial killings. The Small Town team crosses the pond to talk to retired Deputy Chief Constable Tom about a decades-long case that changed the way a whole country investigates violent crime.
The List
A woman is found shot dead in her car. Her child is missing. As police investigate, the heart-wrenching tragedy unfolds. In this special episode, legendary homicide detective Lt. Joe Kenda walks us through one of his early, unforgettable cases.
The Girl Next Door
A teenage boy stays home from school one day and notices a shadowy figure lurking in the house next door. He investigates and discovers the shadowy figure is a girl… and she’s being held captive by her own father.
A Single Thread
Several checks go missing from a local business. It’s not the sort of low-level crime that would necessarily land at the top of Ret. Detective David’s list, but this is a small town and the son of the owners is a felon so police bring him in for questioning. As Detective David peels back the layers of the onion, a complex, criminal conspiracy leads the investigation all the way to the Mexican border.
Then There Were 3
Paul Holes takes the team through a series of cold cases that sat unsolved for years until modern DNA testing shed new light on the killers. This is an episode about persistence and keeping a close eye on even the smallest speck of evidence.
The Monster in the House
Officers are called to a house on a quiet, rural street to investigate a noise complaint. When they get no answer at the front door, they go around to the back and see a woman lying on the kitchen floor, under a man who’s holding her down at knife-point.
Science Fiction
A well-established East Coast doctor travels to a small university town and distributes flyers asking students to participate in a sex experiment he’s conducting. Police are called to investigate when one suspicious student thinks the information on the flyer sounds an awful lot like soliciting prostitution.
The Snitch
Lou is in and out of prison, but if you put him in a shirt and tie and sat him behind a desk, you’d never know that about him. It’s just one of the unique things about Lou. One day, he’s approached by a fellow inmate named Jason about a murder-for-hire. Lou immediately contacts the cops. As Det. Robert investigates he gets much more than he bargained for.
Firestarter
Firefighters get called to a late-night fire. Police see a white Jeep leaving the area and catch the license plate. As Ret. Det. Dawn starts her investigation, she finds a trail of destruction that leads back to a man who tells law enforcement it wasn’t him because he was buying a phone at 3am. Yep.
The Fourth Man
A military general from a Southeast Asian country gets arrested in the United States, along with his bodyguard, for orchestrating a million-dollar heroin deal. However, not content to sit and wait for their trial to begin, the two men plan a jailbreak. They just need two other participants to pull it off, which is how one of our favorite guests, Sgt. David becomes the Fourth Man.
Nullum Corpus
Darrell, the donut maker, doesn’t show up for work one morning, which is highly unusual for him. When Investigator Tracey and her team are called in they find evidence of a violent, bloody confrontation at Darrell’s home, but still no sign of Darrell. This became a groundbreaking case for prosecutors in Tracey’s jurisdiction.
Amanda
A discussion about what happened to Amanda, the victim from episode 4, and how the police department can make changes that will better serve vulnerable victims.
A Dangerous Caller
Amanda is a troubled pre-teen who lives with her grandmother. When Grandma discovers that Amanda has been sneaking out at night and that grown men have been sending her pornographic photos, Grandma calls the cops. Detectives Kyle and Jay start an investigation that uncovers a sophisticated overseas predator with multiple victims.
The Man in the Van
A woman is out jogging on a country road when she sees a white van in the area that appears to be lost. As the woman goes up to the driver to offer directions, she notices he’s holding handcuffs and a roll of duct tape.
Kilcullen 248: End of Watch, Part 2
(Part 2) The murder of Officer Chris Kilcullen, in broad daylight, devastated the community he served. Our own Detective Dan was the first to arrive on scene and tend to him, while the armed suspect fled, leading multiple law enforcement agencies in a treacherous, high-speed chase up a remote logging road. Where the road dead-ends, a tense standoff commences and our own Detective Dave steps in as the crisis negotiator. In this two-part episode, Detective Dan reflects on the worst day of his law enforcement career alongside Chris’ widow, Kristie, and Chris’ former lieutenant, and partner, who remember the kind of man and police officer he was.
Kilcullen 248: End of Watch, Part 1
A police officer is shot in broad daylight. Detectives Dan and Dave respond.
(Part 1) The murder of Officer Chris Kilcullen, in broad daylight, devastated the community he served. Our own Detective Dan was the first to arrive on scene and tend to him, while the armed suspect fled, leading multiple law enforcement agencies in a treacherous, high-speed chase up a remote logging road. Where the road dead-ends, a tense standoff commences and our own Detective Dave steps in as the crisis negotiator. In this two-part episode, Detective Dan reflects on the worst day of his law enforcement career alongside Chris’ widow, Kristie, and Chris’ former lieutenant, and partner, who remember the kind of man and police officer he was.
Behind the Badge: Training Days
What makes a good cop? A key ingredient is a good teacher.
What makes a good cop? One key ingredient is good training. Detectives Dan and Dave talk about some of the early, unforgettable experiences they had with their field training officers when they were first-year cops.
Behind the Badge: Police Reform
Detectives Dan and Dave look at effective reform in American policing.
With the backdrop of nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, Detectives Dan and Dave discuss calls for reform in America’s police departments, including the ‘defund the police’ movement.
The Devil You Know, Part 2
Christy was a young girl when her mom was murdered in what was said to have been a botched bank robbery. But it never sat right with her. Years later she had an epiphany, and she started to think her father was involved. She cajoled cops to start a new investigation, but it did not lead to a new arrest. A decade went by and Christy was able to convince a TV show to come in and take another look. With the help of local police they uncovered new evidence about the murder and the victimization of an underage girl, Jodi.
The Devil You Know, Part 1
Christy was a young girl when her mom was murdered in what was said to have been a botched bank robbery. But it never sat right with her. Years later she had an epiphany, and she started to think her father was involved. She cajoled cops to start a new investigation, but it did not lead to a new arrest. A decade went by and Christy was able to convince a TV show to come in and take another look.
