Working Patrol On LAPD | Interview with John Freitas

Join Nick in a special Thanksgiving week edition of MTA as he interviews his father, John Freitas, a veteran of the LAPD. In part one, explore John's decision to join the force and the intensity of serving as a patrol officer in one of Los Angeles' most active divisions.
Part two, which airs on Thanksgiving Day, delves into John's role as a homicide detective, unraveling some of the most challenging cases he faced during his career.
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Good Ranchers: Go to go.goodrancher... and use promo code "Nick" for $15 off your order + free shipping
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[@miguelstride7302]

Nick Freitas for President

[@keithallen8543]

That wouldn't be a bad suggestion

[@mummbamiester6338]

Do we need to do a petition to get him to run. It worked the first time.

[@Joey_McElroy]

Yes

[@MattW-vh1ew]

Colion Noir for vice

[@fanboy270]

Here here

[@roxanneklafehn8516]

Now we know the role model who helped shape Nick into an honorable gentleman of strength, persistence and integrity. Well done, Mr Freitas.

[@Deejonamoo]

When I was about 25 or so I was living in my mom’s basement. I didn’t really have any ambition or drive to do anything but play video games. I had angry about something and thrown some stuff around which prompted an officer to come out to the scene. After some conversation with my mom he pulled me aside and gave me the sort of man-to-man talk every guy should receive from his father. He told me that he had a choice about whether to arrest me or not but if he had to come out there again he wasn’t going to have that choice anymore. Ten years later I’m an electrician, about to buy my first home, and if I’m not happily married yet I’m hoping to be some day. Sadly for most of the good women are already married to men who figured their crap out sooner. That officer could have made my life much more difficult that day by arresting me and giving me a record. Instead I’m (mostly) successful with a reasonably bright future considering the circumstances I came out of. We don’t hear stories like this anymore.

[@gregorymaupin6388]

As someone who patrolled Section 8 properties for years people came to know me and most were thrilled we were close by. I am only 5’9” and I learned quickly how to take down others larger than myself but I could almost always talk people down quickly and then if I needed to cuff them generally they went easier because of the relationship with me. Most of us who have done the job did it purely out of love. I eventually left and went to doing security for a hospital which was a little easier for me after an injury I had. God Bless all who serve.

[@unbreakable7633]

"Purely out of love" -- for power, yep. Such a fairy tale you've woven there. Read conservative John Whitehead's A GOVERNMENT OF WOLVES: THE EMERGING AMERICAN POLICE STATE. Cops are now just thugs with badges and guns.

[@amberreynolds7434]

This was so interesting! I could listen to your Dad all day. Such a good man and so thankful for his service:)

[@jolenek283]

🥰🙏🥰Blessings to the Freitas family

[@gregowens6165]

Great interview. Been LAPD for 28 years. Also served in Army for nearly 30 years mostly in ARNG and USAR. Cheers to your Dad. Hope he has a long and illustrious retirement.

[@gregowens6165]

Ok. Sounds great!

[@christophergilbert2306]

I have several friends at work currently for LAPD. Great guys!!!! Not happy with the recent years of Gascon treachery.

[@em34ev3r]

LAPD has been shit since its inception.

[@pattyinsoflo5431]

Lovely letting us listen in to your Dad and you just having a chat. Your dad has some excellent stories

[@63stratoman]

I lived in LA County during the 1990s and have nothing but good things to say about both LAPD and LASD. I actually applied to LAPD shortly after Rodney King but after the interview process, I came to the conclusion that police work was absolutely not for me!

[@henryking5340]

Oh dang! This was a pleasant surprised! I’ve worked with LAPD in a civilian capacity in college and worked on a task force with LAPD Gang unit for 5 years.

[@peteparker7396]

Nick,,,,, as a farmer/rancher. I’m telling you good ranchers is an ok thing. But nothing, and I mean nothing beats a local butcher. Because regardless of what you’re told you have no idea where that beef is coming from. I can’t express this enough, if you want to truly support farmers and ranchers, then buy locally.

[@IvanBarsch]

Right! My family owns a ranch as well, and the only beef we eat is our own. It greatly helps us when people buy from us as well!

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Nick, when you become president i think i know who you should appoint to the DOJ as dorector. Im really liking your dad.

[@ghostfox3560]

Father tales are great. Reminds me of what I miss most with my own dad. 5 years and 11 months since my own dad past away and I'm glad being reminded of the ones I was told. Thanks for reminding me of some memories to be thankful for. It's greatly appreciated.

[@victorrodea7163]

Outstanding once again Nick. You and your pops look/sound very much like family. Blessings to y'all.

[@TheRealEarthquakeJake]

My dad spent 34 years with LAPD as a lateral hire. He talked about the hiring process, and having to interpret ink blots as part of their psychological assessment. You passed if you could articulate softer interpretations of ink blots you were shown. Such as stating a particular ink blot that perhaps looked like a monster's head, to you, looked like a child's Halloween mask. He worked mostly on motors. He retired in 2008 and couldn't be happier to not be a cop today. Anyway, enjoyed listening to your dad.

[@helenatenenbaum3580]

Happy Thanksgiving to your Mishpuche... Just heard yesterday that one of the things that makes Israel so uniquely coherent despite the different races, origins and sub-cultures (coming back from all over the world) is Shabbat - a Jewish Thanksgiving we celebrate in one form or another every week. So, make the best of your week with the family - God bless. 🎉

[@Danielhobbies150]

Hello chat!!!

[@KellySmith-kw2cl]

This sounds like some of my dad's stories from policing in west Texas. Good stuff!!

[@alisonwestermann1875]

This was fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

[@Chris-gi9ch]

I had a high school teacher here in Northern California, who was an ex LAPD. Nicest guy in the world, but when I tried to get him to tell me about it, he would just smile and shake his head. Then I met another one from a car sale, and he was glad to be done with it. Personally, I feel I missed out not doing it!

[@Axorfett]

We should all be so lucky to have a father like John. Thank you for sharing your dad with us, Nick.

[@waterbourne9282]

Most enjoyable. From NZ with thanks.

[@fernleafmedia]

I am listening from NZ as well, wish we had more people like Nick Freitas here.

[@wendymuilenburg7921]

Don't know who was on the desk but John's voice was too soft, I kept having to change the volume every time Nick was talking because he's louder... lol

[@chrismoore600]

This is outstanding.

[@mallninjarising]

super cool I like watching the shield tv series which is obviously unrealistic, so its cool for me to see an ACTUAL police officer explain how things were back in the day, and also to see who raised such a standup guy.

[@motor2of7]

The Manchester Academy is now the primary recruit training facility. Interestingly, it’s the same building that was used in the movie Demolition Man. The scene where they’re all standing around HQ wondering what code 187 is, was shot there. Tactics, shooting and driving are taught at the Davis facility, built where the old Hansen Dam reservoir was.

[@BelindaMcFaddin]

"Who is this guy?" kept my curiousity busy until I discovered the answer. Got my BSN from UVA and you come from that neck of the woods. Love hearing your nuggets of wisdom and thank you for your ongoing service to the Commonwealth!

[@clarecampbell6801]

What a great man, John! Thank you for your service. And also, Nick, for yours. God bless you both.

[@janinademetriou-warburton6427]

Fascinating stories from a really nice guy.

[@BraskHouseConcerts]

Disfectionately ... dysfunctional and affection... fits this duo.

[@Ecclesiastics102]

Might be our age your dad is similar to mine

[@jefffoutz4024]

Interviewing "Dad" on film..... Brilliant. 👍😎

[@hard2getitrightagain314]

I bumped into part 2 yesterday and it was awesome.

[@thogevoll]

It's interesting that your dad keeps his hands off the microphone and sits back. He doesn't look like he's going to eat it. His voice comes through clearly and sounds natural. Your voice because you mic yourself so close has an unnatural boominess to it. Try pushing your microphone back like your dad, and you will sound more natural and lose the boominess.

[@oldcop18]

I retired in ‘97 after 30 yrs from a 325 officer east coast PD and it sounds like police work is the same everywhere. Interesting you mentioning Alexandria, VA PD as a hotbed of MS13 gang activity; I know it very well.

[@JoeKenn51]

I enjoy Nick's incisive insights and opinions. I don't agree with him on the topic of guns, but I grew up in England in the 1950's and 60's. I think you how to respect a different culture for what it is: different. The USA is a marvel.

[@mhkm8]

Awesome interview. Your dad’s a gem of a human! Funny he mentioned Bosch and knowing the guys who advised. I loved the show but how the heck did Bosch go six seasons (I think) with his .45 mags pointed backward? lol. I kept waiting for the new seasons to see if he’d been told, but nope!! Too funny the stuff Hollywood just can’t get right. He had a lefty mag holder built for a right hip but worn on his left thus per the angle, backward facing mags. Check it out. Too funny.

[@theoneandonly6431]

Like the LAPD or hate them, at least they look like cops and professional. The cops here in my city and surrounding cities all have beards, sleeve tattoos, wear combat fatigue style uniforms that look like they've been slept in and come complete with black tennis shoes.

[@stevenochoa9904]

Enjoyed this so much. I worked 77th during the time John was a a detective. Brought back a lot of good memories.

[@mummbamiester6338]

This was great. Excited for the next

[@janiefox3458]

What an interesting interview -- thank you for your years of service - it's to bad that there isn't a way to clone you into hundreds of thousands LEO's all over the USA.

[@brudug713]

Nick I’ve come to believe good cops are in short supply. Too many think they are the law and have no regard for the Constitution. My Dad also a cop in NY used to say “ I am the Law”. I watch Delete Laws and I’m appalled at the arrogance of this guys.

[@richardgaray9979]

Your dad is incredible, can't even imagine the stories he has. He was a police officer under chief Gates I believe.

[@debrasamaha3896]

Nick YOU WILL RUN FOR PRESIDENT,,,YOU HAVE TO,,WE NEED A REAL MAN TO LEAD THE COUNTRY 😊

[@Orbea05]

Nick, where did you go to basic? Mine was at Fort Ord.

[@dinahsoar6982]

Oh, he's your dad..you look just like him in the pic of him young.

[@jefffoutz4024]

LAPRAAC

[@damagedgoods62]

Great to see your pop on here. Hey John!

[@meganreese1486]

Oh that is delightful? 😂😂😂

[@inthisseason]

Good afternoon everyone!

[@fedupinl.a.7810]

OMG Nick, I have been watching your you tube videos religiously and I'm a huge fan. When I first noticed your channel, I thought your name was familiar. I even googled it, but it didn't click until this video. I can't say I knew your dad, but very well may have met him or crossed paths. I was LAPD 1/81-B the January class before your dad, so we were in the academy at the same time. I definitely know Bobby Smith and Ron Cade and was a classmate of Leon Mimms & Randy Simmons. I grew up in Detroit and went into the Air Force. When I got discharged in California in Aug 80 my family begged me not to go back to Detroit as it was going through a ridiculous recession with everything shutting down and laying off. I had a ton of Detroit cops in my class too. Your dad's stories have been experienced 1000x by all of us although he has a mild version of the way it was. Jan 81 was a new turn in LAPD. New recruit uniforms and a 4-month academy with double classes. 1/81-A, 1/81-B etc. We even had some night shifts during the academy to accommodate the huge number of recruits. We were given the curriculum to the previous 6-month academy classes, and we had to do the same work in 2 less months' time. We had a "Carrol room" with individual TV and video players. We could use in our free time or after end of watch-to-watch prerecorded lectures and training tapes to complete our required classes. L.A. had gotten the Olympics for 1984 and they were rushing to punch up the number of cops before 84. Your dad's stories are like re living my own 31 yr career. Thank you both for your service. Can't wait to watch Part 2.

[@user-km9zx1rr9v]

I lived in California from 1970 to 1999. From San Fernando to Newbury Park. Spent 3 to 6 months in Santa Ana. Listening to your Dad he reminds of my Dad who passed 2017. This podcast reminded me of a lot of my life. Quite enjoyed this. Thank you!😊

[@jackschonely592]

GREAT episode Nick. Your dad is my 77th brother and I remember that sense of humor all of these years later. He was a great cop and detective and an even better human. Keep up the good work "Pat."

[@SPMech1]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💙💙👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@lightningrider2508]

Cherish these moments with your Dad. Your dad and I started LE at the same time. I went to the academy in April '81 in Nor Cal. I spent 38 years in Uniform. Ended up in Homicide myself. He speaks my language. In reverse, I was able to take my dad on several "Ride-a-Longs" and prove to him his idiot son actually made something of himself. His high water was a street professional that laid her boobs on the hood of the car about two feet in front of his face. No matter my successes that's how he summed up my career to anyone who'd listen. Give anything to hear him tell that story again. To your Dad, Thank you brother for always being there for me as I was for you. He know's what I mean. Different times today. Ron

[@EdwardCox2016]

Nick & Mr. Freitas, Thank you. What a great Father & Son conversation. I thank God for both of you.

[@6582rg]

Good to see you on the show Cousin John. Dave J

[@stephansmith3570]

lolol did he say that's how we "defectionately" communicate? like defective affection.

[@amish-landchateau]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😉

[@paulkopriva]

Wonderful video.

[@theviskinsfan]

I'm a big fan of the show The Rookie which is a cop show based in LA, so this is really cool

[@Ecclesiastics102]

The OG LA police officer was a very windy road you were either crooked or on the payroll or you were very tough and a bit of a lone wolf who had to much integrity for LA and your family was the fuel for riding straight

[@em34ev3r]

LA is a shit city first of all, doesn't meant much. Their department represents a shit corrupt liberal city. Who cares?

[@crohunter100]

If your father was such a manly man then why did your parents divorce?

[@marasegal1849]

What is the point of your question? People divorce for all kinds of reasons; especially if two people get married without truly knowing themselves much less the person they are marrying. Your question feels divisive.

[@victorrodea7163]

@@marasegal1849 spot on reply. It doesn't matter to you why these 2 grown ups divorced. What does matter is that they dealt with their differences and raised some kids, apart but together.

[@marasegal1849]

@@victorrodea7163 You get no argument from me. I think Nick is an amazing soul and his wife, Tina, is a very lucky woman.

[@victorrodea7163]

@@marasegal1849 totally agree with you. Let's not forget miss Tina and say they are both lucky to have been raised by thoughtful and wise.parents.