Crime, Chaos and Controversy

What’s it like to arrive at the scene of a major terrorist attack in which scores of people have died or been seriously injured? Or to lead the Australian contingent in an international operation to rescue boys trapped in a network of flooding caves? Or to discover that a colleague is corrupt and actively working against you in an organised crime investigation?

Glen McEwen OAM KCD experienced the above and much more in a 35-year police career in Australia, Asia and Europe. Glen’s memoirs – Crime, Chaos and Controversy – will be released in late October 2026. It tells the story of a suburban boy who struggled at school, learned a trade, joined the police and become a detective, surveillance operative, liaison officer and senior commander. Glen spent his career investigating and directing operations against transnational organised crime, terrorism, people smuggling, corruption and cybercrime. 

In the lead-up to the release of his book, Glen chatted to Policing Australia about some of his more memorable experiences. It’s a fascinating insight into a remarkable career.

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Host: Jason Byrnes APM

Guest: Glen McEwen OAM KCD