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
When Your Own People Turn Against You | Colin Dixon
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In this powerful episode, Paul speaks with retired police officer Colin Dixon, who shares the reality of nearly 30 years on the frontline—both the highs of the job and the devastating personal toll it can take.
From joining the police in 1990 with no qualifications, to working major investigations, drug operations, and proactive policing roles, Colin built a career defined by determination, instinct, and experience.
But behind the commendations and successes was a very different story.
Colin opens up about:
- The realities of frontline policing in the 90s vs today
- Major investigations and proactive policing work
- The importance of “the devil in the detail” in catching offenders
- Workplace conflict, bullying, and feeling targeted within the job
- The impact of stress, depression, and reaching breaking point
- Hitting rock bottom and the moment that changed everything
- Rebuilding himself and finishing his career with pride
This is an honest and raw account of policing—showing both the purpose it gives and the pressure it creates.
Colin’s story highlights an uncomfortable truth: sometimes the biggest battles officers face aren’t on the streets… but within the job itself.
Colin's book, Out of the Storm available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/OUT-STORM-JOURNEY-Veteran-Officers/dp/B09L3R79VB
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a trusted person or professional service.
🎧 Listen now to hear a story of resilience, experience, and survival against the odds.
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