NPA Podcast with Joseph Giacalone, NYPD Sergeant (Ret), Host of True Crime with the Sarge Podcast

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former NYPD sergeant and cold case expert Joseph Giacalone, an investigator who turned “retirement” into a second career in media, teaching, and true crime storytelling.From leading Bronx cold case homicide investigations to educating the public on the realities behind crime, Giacalone shares hard-earned insights on solving decades-old murders, working with prosecutors, and the growing national fascination with true crime.Giacalone describes cold cases as investigations where all viable leads have been exhausted—which can happen in weeks or years.Unlike TV portrayals:Detectives must convince prosecutors to accept a caseEven strong evidence (including DNA) may be deemed insufficientProsecutors often demand additional evidence months after initial reviewSolving a long-dormant homicide delivers:A surge of adrenaline and fulfillmentClosure for victims’ familiesA sense of justice delayed—but not deniedBuilding “True Crime with the Sarge”Giacalone launched his podcast after years of media appearances and academic work.His approach:Combines real investigative experience + academic expertiseOffers both YouTube live shows and audio-only interviewsListens closely to audience feedback to shape contentHe fills a unique niche by bridging:Street-level policingAcademic criminal justiceMedia analysishttps://x.com/joegiacalonehttps://www.josephgiacalone.comhttps://www.youtube.com/josephgiacalonehttps://www.facebook.com/JosephLGiacalone