Rookie Years in Milwaukee PD: Jeffery Dahmer, Riots, Worst Districts

In this gripping episode of *Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts*, host Steve Gould welcomes veteran Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell, whose new book *Police Stories: The Rookie Years* offers a raw, unfiltered look at his early days on the force. O'Donnell recounts his time in Milwaukee’s most volatile districts, where gunfire was a nightly backdrop and the line between victim and perpetrator often blurred. He shares harrowing stories from his rookie year, including nearly shooting a suspect during a fatal encounter, surviving a chaotic bar shootout that left three dead, and confronting a man threatening his child with a rifle during a custody dispute. The episode also dives into the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer investigation, revealing the psychological toll on detectives and the city’s shock at the crimes. O'Donnell reflects on the 2016 Milwaukee riots, the mismanagement of the police response, and the importance of leadership, training, and decisive action in riot control. With vivid storytelling, he exposes the emotional weight of policing, the absurdity of some calls, and the quiet triumphs of serving a slower, more cooperative district later in his career. The episode is a powerful testament to the complexity, danger, and humanity of police work. Key takeaways include: 1) Police work in high-crime areas is often a constant state of crisis, with gunfire treated as background noise; 2) The psychological toll of confronting evil—like Dahmer—can haunt officers for life; 3) Mismanagement during civil unrest, such as delayed body removal, can escalate violence; 4) Tactical presence and decisive action are crucial in riot control, not passive observation; 5) Officers often face absurd or emotionally charged calls that test their judgment and humanity; 6) Leadership failures, like those seen in the 2016 riots, can have devastating consequences; 7) Even in the most chaotic situations, calm, creative thinking—like O'Donnell’s partner using humor to de-escalate a hostage situation—can prevent tragedy; 8) The value of storytelling in policing: sharing real experiences helps others understand the unseen burdens of the job.