In this powerful episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper is joined by former detective and whistleblower Maggie Oliver to examine some of the most serious institutional failures in modern British policing.
Maggie speaks openly about investigations that were halted, warnings that were ignored, and leadership decisions that prioritised reputation over accountability. Drawing on her frontline experience and subsequent whistleblowing, she explains how internal culture, fear of scrutiny, and organisational self-protection allowed injustice to persist.
This episode explores:
Why certain cases were quietly shelved
How senior decision-making failed victims
The personal and professional cost of speaking out
Why accountability remains so difficult to achieve
What meaningful reform would actually look like
This is not an attack on frontline policing — it is a conversation about leadership, transparency, and the consequences of silence.
⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses serious crimes, institutional failure, and their lasting impact on victims and survivors.
Find out more about Maggie Oliver and her foundation here: The Maggie Oliver Foundation - Helping Survivors of Abuse
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