Sgt. Betsy "Tactical Grandma" Brantner Smith; Undercover Cop, Sergeant, & Television Reality Star. (Part Two) episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 5, 2026 · 1H

Sgt. Betsy "Tactical Grandma" Brantner Smith; Undercover Cop, Sergeant, & Television Reality Star. (Part Two)

from Cops and Writers Podcast · host Patrick O'Donnell / Betsy Smith

Send us Fan MailWelcome everyone to the conclusion of my interview with Naperville Police Department Retired Police Sergeant and now Spokesperson for the National Police Association, Betsy Brantner Smith. Last week, we learned about Betsy’s journey from growing up in a small town on a farm to making it to a big-city police department and all the unthinkable harassment and bullying she endured from within her own agency. This week, we learn about her work as an undercover cop involved in high-stakes takedowns in and around the Chicagoland area. When she walked away from that work, she went back to her agency and was promoted to sergeant, and the rest of her incredible 29 years in law enforcement. We even talk about a certain serial killer cop with whom she was forced to be partners and briefly interacted socially.  Please enjoy this sometimes shocking, fascinating, and genuine interview.  In today’s episode, we discuss:·      Being an undercover cop with almost no backup or training. · High-stakes narcotics investigations and almost getting her cover blown. ·      Betsy’s ability to think on her feet and improvise during super-dangerous undercover situations.·      Leaving a Chicagoland area drug Taskforce. ·      Being a sergeant in charge of the K9 unit.·      Turning down a promotion to lieutenant.·      From 1999 to 2003, Betsy hosted various training programs and was a content expert for the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), is currently an on-air commentator and advisor for the Police One Academy. ·      Being the focus of a police television reality show. Female Forces. ·      Working with and socializing with wife-killer cop Drew Peterson.·      What she sees cops doing right and wrong today.·      What is the National Police Association, and your role with them? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Head on over to the National Police Association website.Head on over to my website to learn more about me and my books!Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show

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Send us Fan Mail Welcome everyone to the conclusion of my interview with Naperville Police Department Retired Police Sergeant and now Spokesperson for the National Police Association, Betsy Brantner Smith. Last week, we learned about Betsy’s journey from growing up in a small town on a farm to making it to a big-city police department and all the unthinkable harassment and bullying she endured from within her own agency. This week, we learn about her work as an undercover cop invo...

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Sgt. Betsy "Tactical Grandma" Brantner Smith; Undercover Cop, Sergeant, & Television Reality Star. (Part Two)

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