Policing Australia: The Official Podcast of the Australian Police Journal

The Australian Police Journal (APJ) is the country’s preeminent true crime and policing publication, and it has launched a monthly podcast series! Join host Jason Byrnes (jason@apjl.com.au) as he discusses new APJ articles as well as interviews authors and other people of note, about serious crimes, police history, contemporary developments in policing, and future initiatives. The 'APJ' and 'Policing Australia: The Official Podcast of the Australian Police Journal' are produced by the Australian Police Journal Pty Ltd, a not-for-profit company which traces its history to 1946 when the then Australian police commissioners authorised the publication of a periodical aimed at enhancing technical skills among the police forces of the era.The APJ's webpage is www.apjl.com.au

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Policing Australia: The Official Podcast of the Australian Police Journal

When Seconds Count

June 13, 2026 • Australian Police Journal • Episode 60

0:00 | 30:30

Discover in this episode the types of duties search and rescue police undertake in Tasmania. Damian Bidgood served with Tasmania Police for 32 years, and for almost all of that time, he undertook search and rescue duties on land, on-and-under water, and in the air. He is the recipient of bravery awards and commendations for his actions, issued by Tasmania Police, the Royal Life Saving Authority, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

In this episode Damian talks about his experiences and career, including discussing some more notable search and rescue incidents he attended, including helicopter, cave and marine rescues.

Damian’s recent article about his career—When Seconds Count: Search and Rescue in the Wilds of Tasmania—is in the June 2026 edition of the APJ. The article and the whole magazine can be read online at www.apjl.com.au. Go to the website to take out a subscription for Australia’s pre-eminent true crime and policing publication.

Host: Jason Byrnes

Guest: Damian Bidgood