logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
56m 42s

Do cops have their own gangs?

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

For all official purposes, criminal gangs and law enforcement agencies are natural enemies -- yet for decades, communities across the United States have argued a conspiracy is afoot: the same people paid to combat gangs have, themselves, become the monsters they claim to pursue. In today's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into a disturbing, dangerous question: What happens when cops have gangs of their own?

They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
CLASSIC: The Devil and The Rain: The Case of Don Decker
Here's the story: When Don Decker went on furlough to attend his abusive Grandfather's funeral, he experienced something extraordinary -- water fell upward from the floor of his hosts' home, he levitated, recoiled from religious symbols. Multiple witnesses and investigators, some ... Show More
1 h
Aug 24
Strange News: The FBI's Crypto Heist, 7 Seconds Without Gravity, Uncle Sam Hates Wind Power, and More
A former FBI agent stands accused of stealing almost 1 million dollars' worth of cryptocurrency. NASA assures people that Earth did not, in fact, lose gravity for seven seconds earlier this month. Uncle Sam (or, rather, powerful corporations) aggressively conspire to scuttle wind ... Show More
1h 4m
Aug 22
From Skyline Drive: Organ Trail
Hey there, Conspiracy Realists! As a follow-up to our interview with Mangesh Hattikudur, we wanted to share an episode from Mangesh's podcast skyline Skyline Drive with you. Many powerful people—from world leaders to Silicon Valley billionaires—have been whispering about the poss ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2020
Gang Shit
The idea that 'The police are the biggest gang in America' is almost a cliche at this point, and yet, it has never been more obvious than it is at this moment in history. In this episode, Linqua and KNife explore the formation of Americas police force, it's roots and it's origina ... Show More
1h 7m
Dec 2020
LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 5: The East LA Banditos
In East LA, a group of deputies named the Banditos stand accused of running the sheriff’s substation like a gang, institutionalizing a culture of fear and retaliation. And while they’re intimidating civilians and colleagues alike, they may be protected by the very top of the depa ... Show More
41m 51s
Dec 2020
LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 5: The East LA Banditos
In East LA, a group of deputies named the Banditos stand accused of running the sheriff’s substation like a gang, institutionalizing a culture of fear and retaliation. And while they’re intimidating civilians and colleagues alike, they may be protected by the very top of the depa ... Show More
42m 51s
Dec 2020
LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 5: The East LA Banditos
In East LA, a group of deputies named the Banditos stand accused of running the sheriff’s substation like a gang, institutionalizing a culture of fear and retaliation. And while they’re intimidating civilians and colleagues alike, they may be protected by the very top of the depa ... Show More
41m 55s
Jan 2011
How the Mafia Works
<p>Many people are familiar with depictions of the Mafia in film, but what's the real story? Join Chuck and Josh as they break the infamous code of silence and shed light on some of the most dangerous and mysterious organizations in the western world.</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
45m 17s
Jun 2019
3. The Opposition
There are some very powerful groups set against Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Who are they? What's their motivation? And what arguments are they using to win their case in Court?Learn more: thislandpodcast.comFor a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thisland. 
26m 17s
Jun 2023
Hollywood Conspiracies: Police Propaganda
Are crime dramas just good PR for cops? From Dragnet to Law & Order, American crime shows have been helping craft the public’s perception of police for decades. But how do crime shows compare to the real thing—and how much influence does law enforcement have over how they’re port ... Show More
37m 55s
Jul 2025
Can 1 Cop Defend Himself Against 20 Criminals? | Surrounded
Officer Kevin Donaldson faces 20 individuals with criminal records to discuss and defend four critical claims: that police use lethal force only as a last resort, most officers are selfless and honorable, racial profiling of Black and Brown people is not a widespread issue, and t ... Show More
1h 6m
Jun 2017
In The Air We Breathe
<p>After a police-involved shooting, there's often a familiar blame game: Maybe the cop was racist. Maybe the person who was shot really <em>was</em> threatening. Or maybe, the bias that leads cops to shoot affects us all. This week on Hidden Brain, we explore how unconscious bia ... Show More
36m 37s
Dec 2020
LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 4: The Compton Executioners
The Compton Executioners allegedly control every aspect of life at the LASD Compton substation. Gang members have been accused of assaulting fellow deputies and even killing civilians, claiming, often without evidence, that they were acting in self-defense. And although they’ve f ... Show More
43m 48s