Pocket Sergeant Podcast
Hosted by former police officer and award-winning app creator Paul Cooper, this podcast explores the untold realities of frontline policing in the UK.
Each episode features honest conversations with current and former officers, legal professionals, experts, and those with lived experience – covering everything from policing culture and mental health to groundbreaking innovation and criminal justice reform.
Whether you’re a serving officer, aspiring recruit, or simply curious about life in uniform, the Pocket Sergeant Podcast pulls no punches and gives you the insight the headlines miss.
Inspired by the app that’s helped tens of thousands of officers in policing, this podcast continues the mission: supporting those who serve.
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📲 Download the Pocket Sergeant app: www.pocketsergeant.co.uk
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📧 Get in touch / suggest a guest: support@pocketsergeant.co.uk
Pocket Sergeant Podcast
The Job That DESTROYED Me | Former Detective Darren Ryan
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Former Detective Darren Ryan joins the Pocket Sergeant Podcast to reveal the psychological cost of investigating some of the most serious crimes in policing.
For years, Darren worked high-risk safeguarding and exploitation cases. He protected vulnerable victims and carried the responsibility that comes with child protection investigations.
But repeated exposure to trauma doesn’t just disappear when the shift ends.
In this episode, Darren speaks openly about:
• The cumulative impact of investigating child abuse
• How trauma can surface years later
• Hypervigilance, sleep disruption and intrusive memories
• The warning signs many officers ignore
• Alcohol as a coping mechanism
• Ill-health retirement and the battle that followed
• Rebuilding identity after losing the uniform
• Why mental health support in policing must change
This isn’t about weakness.
It’s about being human.
Email Darren: darren.ryan@lifelinecoachingandmentoring.com
Instagram: @lifelinecoachingandmentoring
Darren now runs Lifeline Coaching & Mentoring, helping others navigate trauma, career transition and recovery.
He is also the author of LIFELINE: HOW A FORMER DETECTIVE SURVIVED PTSD AND HOW YOU CAN TOO
If you work in policing, emergency services, safeguarding, military — or support someone who does — this conversation matters.
Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions!
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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