Episodes

This discussion explores the complex and often politically charged investigation of officer-involved shootings (OIS). Guest Jeff Wenninger, retired Police Lieutenant from the LAPD's Force Investigation Division (FID) details the challenges of scene management, where political concerns about the race of suspects and officers often overshadow tactical evaluations in the immediate aftermath! The conversation highlights a critical debate over body-worn video: whether officers should view it before i...

Host Marlon Marrache is joined by retired LAPD Police Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger for a riveting deep dive into the high-stakes evolution of the Los Angeles Police Department. From the violent frontlines of the "War on Gangs" to the transformative era of the Rampart scandal and federal oversight, this discussion offers an unfiltered professional perspective on the challenges of policing a volatile city. Jeff's Info: LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wenninger-4247a854/ Marlon's Info: Web...

Two decorated police officers. One minor use-of-force at the LA County Fair. Then the FBI showed up and everything changed. Chad Jensen and Mike Naederbaomer sit down with Marlon Marrache to reveal the full story behind their federal indictment, two trials, and the institutional betrayal no one talks about. One vote stood between Chad and 30 years in prison. If you care about justice, police accountability, or just want to know how close good men came to losing everything over politics… this is ...

The Rampart scandal is widely regarded as one of the most damaging episodes in LAPD history. But behind the headlines were over 50 officers who faced intense scrutiny — not for wrongdoing, but for proximity. In this episode of Truth Behind the Badge, host Marlon sits down with Craig Marquez, a Rampart officer who endured a 44-day suspension, a landmark use-of-force incident that changed department policy, and a three-year disciplinary process — before earning a promotion to detective. A candid c...

In this explosive episode of the Marlon Marrache Show: Truth Behind the Badge, retired LAPD SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT Police Sergeant Cleon "CJ" Joseph reveals the shocking internal battle over a revolutionary life-saving technique. Join us as we pull back the curtain on: • The "Safe Wrap" Revolution: Discover the groundbreaking grappling method, developed in partnership with the legendary Gracie University, designed to end the era of dangerous "dog piles" and positional asphyxia. • A "Gift" Rejecte...

Welcome back to The Marlon Marrache Show – "Truth Behind the Badge"! Host Marlon Marrache sits down with retired LAPD Lieutenant Nick Barbara — a law enforcement veteran with over 45 years of service, spanning the 1960s through the 2000s. Nick's journey is anything but ordinary. From his first night on the job — put on roof patrol during the 1968 Watts anniversary riot — to navigating the LAPD's brutal promotion system, this is a story of dedication, integrity, and the price you pay for being to...

Retired LAPD Police Detective Supervisor Tom Gandara reveals the dark side of law enforcement, exposing how official power can be twisted to target officers through "weaponized" internal investigations. From upper management allegedly ordering "fishing expeditions" to find misconduct to the pressure of speaking out against an institutional agenda, this discussion pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes reality of modern policing. Tom's Info" Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tom.gandara.7?mi...

In this powerful episode, the sitting Sheriff of Riverside County joins the show to discuss his journey from fixing cars at a Ford dealership to fighting to "fix" California as a candidate for Governor. This conversation dives deep into the high-stakes world of law enforcement, political leadership, and the urgent reforms needed to save the state. Join us for a transparent and unfiltered look at the intersection of public safety and state politics. Sheriff's Bianco Info: Website: https://biancof...

Ted Stern reveals his wild journey: surviving an eye-opening Internal Affairs investigation, the harsh reality of police fitness failures, and how he lost 60 pounds, ditched the badge, and turned Fit Responder into America’s #1 remote fitness coaching program for first responders. Raw stories, death notification trauma, and powerful advice for cops who want to get (and stay) in shape. Ted's Info: Website: https://fitresponder.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit.responder/ Marlon's Info...

From classroom discipline to reshaping how one of America's largest police departments handles public complaints, LAPD Police Captain (Retired) Paul Vernon's journey is unlike any you've heard. In this gripping conversation, host Marlon Marrache dives deep with the former LAPD Captain who went from teaching middle schoolers in South LA to architecting the Internal Affairs reforms that transformed how the LAPD investigates misconduct, tracks complaints, and holds officers accountable — a system s...

When a Coast Guard cutter seized 5,000 pounds of cocaine, federal investigator Scot Walker wasn't there for the drugs—he was there to investigate sexual assault among the crew. This moment captures the complex reality of Internal Affairs work that few outside law enforcement truly understand. In this in-depth conversation, Walker, a veteran federal investigator with experience in the Coast Guard Investigative Service and Air Force Office of Special Investigations, provides rare insight into the ...

Gio Martini, a former U.S. Army Infantryman, discusses his journey from a neglected and angry youth to a Corrections Officer (CO) in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which he says was fueled by a desire to direct his rage and "die a hero". Martini details the BOP's culture, including the lack of a proper academy, which he calls a two-week "gentleman course". He explains that internal affairs (SIA) operates secretly, leading to a climate of fear where officers can face years of investigations...

This episode of the Marlon Marrache Show: Truth Behind a Badge features Rick Wall, a Retired LAPD Police Captain who shares his experiences working in Rampart Division during the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Host Marlon Marrache and Wall discuss the intense violence and high homicide rates of the era, the perception of a "war on gangs and drugs," and the aggressive policing tactics that developed in response. Marlon's Info: Website: https://www.bluconsultinginc.com/ Instagram: https://www.insta...

Retired LAPD Police Detective Ross Hay exposes the brutal reality of Internal Affairs after being falsely accused, investigated, and nearly fired over a routine traffic stop. In this explosive 92-minute conversation, Hay reveals how a "shabby investigation" driven by preconceived notions almost destroyed his lifelong dream of being a police officer—despite being found not guilty on all charges. His partner wasn't so lucky: same incident, same witnesses, same evidence, but fired anyway. From the ...

Host Marlon Marrache and Retired LAPD Police Officer Stu Guidry discuss how violent Los Angeles was in the early 90s—"like the Wild Wild West". Guidry details the crack cocaine epidemic and aggressive police tactics. He shares that the public generally accepted a "war on gangs". Guidry describes a tactic where officers would not approach a car until all occupants were out with hands up, searched, and the car cleared. He also explains his "Creole voodoo" gift that helped him find "outlaws". Guidr...

The host, Marlon Marrache, and guest, Bill Barnes, delve into the critical, viral, and sensationalized missing person case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today's Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was last seen in Arizona on a Saturday night and reported missing Sunday. The incident is being investigated as a "kidnapping and/or an abduction". Barnes states that all indications suggest an abduction, especially since the mentally sharp victim, who needed a cane or walker, left...

A Marine Corps paperwork mistake ends Gilbert Rios's military career. A beer with a fellow Marine leads to an 8-hour ride-along filled with pursuits and action. He's hooked!! Six years later, he walks away from the badge—not broken, but free. This is the conversation every cop needs to hear—whether you're in the academy, on the street, or thinking about your exit. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more raw, unfiltered conversations about the realities of law enforcement and life after the badge. #co...

Retired Volusia County Sheriff's Office Police Lieutenant Kyle Bainbridge shares his story of being forced out after 14 years when he criticized department leadership. After speaking out about a colleague's wrongful termination, Kyle became the target of a flawed Internal Affairs investigation featuring unsubstantiated harassment allegations, three random drug tests in three weeks, and violations of the department's own procedures. Kyle explains why he refused a compelled IA interview, how the i...

Host Marlon Marrache and guest LAPD Police Detective Charles "Chuck" Bennett (Retired) delve into the extreme violence in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s, where divisions like Rampart had a staggering murder rate. They discuss the public acceptance of aggressive police tactics during the "war on drugs and a war on gangs". The conversation also covers the Ray Perez scandal and his role in implicating many officers with "no evidence", as well as the history of internal affairs su...

Retired LAPD Police Officer Cliff Byerly joins host Marlon Marrache to discuss the LAPD's internal disciplinary system and culture, contrasting his Marine Reconnaissance background with his experience as a patrol officer in South Central. Cliff reveals how a minor incident involving a police car led to a career-long struggle with a "false and misleading" charge and a 22-day suspension under Chief Parks' zero-tolerance policy. He and Marlon discuss the double standards for command staff versus pa...

The host, Marlon Marrache, welcomes Humberto "Beto" Tovar, a Retired LAPD Police Detective and former member of the Rampart CRASH unit. Tovar was the first officer terminated as a result of the Rampart corruption investigation. The corruption probe began after Officer Rafael Pérez's arrest in August 1998 for stealing cocaine. Tobar was relieved of duty in January 2000. He was automatically sent to eight separate Board of Rights hearings—a process he described as "brutal" and a "punishment" witho...

Retired LAPD Detective Mariano Garde joins Host Marlon Marrache on THE IA GUY A Police Podcast for a candid look inside the department—from his UPS driver days to the infamous Hollywood "Tree" choir practice buyout amid the Rampart era, a 10-day suspension, the unwritten five-year parole, and feeling like "persona non grata." They break down the true punishment of Internal Affairs (the endless process), double standards, recruitment challenges, and finding real purpose in the Mental Evaluation U...

Follow the extraordinary journey of Dan Liecht, from art student and EMT to veteran detective in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Dan shares how his unique background shaped his approach to law enforcement, the challenges he faced in Internal Affairs, and the lessons learned from decades on the front lines. This episode offers a rare, honest look at the realities of police work, loyalty, and leadership. #crime #copstories #cops #lawenforcement #crime #policeofficer #internalaffairs #police ...

Host Marlon Marrache sits down with Retired LAPD Police Captain Andy Nieman to reveal the hidden world of Internal Affairs—where high-stakes investigations, scandals, and redemption collide. Discover the rarely discussed power of police mediation in resolving conflicts, a tool often overlooked in today’s policing. Get ready for eye-opening stories, insider perspectives, and bold solutions that challenge everything you thought you knew about law enforcement’s most secretive division. #crime #cops...