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Artwork for Spotlight: Snitch City

Spotlight: Snitch City

The Boston Globe Spotlight Team
Police Informants
New Bedford
Police Corruption
Cancer
Sarah Cavanaugh
Drugs
Paul Oliveira
Veterans
Confidential Informants
Criminal Justice System
Law Enforcement Misconduct
Drug Addiction
Frank Simmons
Deep Cover
US Military
Lies
FBI
Wrongful Convictions
Pushkin Industries
Drug War

Spotlight: Snitch City brings listeners inside the clandestine world of police informants through the story of one police department. Investigative reporter Dugan Arnett uncovers rampant misconduct and explores how, in a nation addicted to drugs, police have become addicted to informants.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes11Founded9 months ago
Categories
DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Spotlight: Snitch City

Latest Episodes

If you enjoyed Spotlight: Snitch City, you might be interested in the new season of Deep Cover from Pushkin Industries. Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah is a podcast about people who lead double lives, reveals a story of stolen valor and misplaced h... more

Reporters Dugan Arnett and Andrew Ryan are back in court to learn the fate of a case that has spanned eight years. In 2017, New Bedford police accused Steven Ortiz of being at the center of a major drug trafficking ring. But an officer involved in hi... more

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of the 2025 Ambie Award-nominated investigative podcast The Burden from our friends at Orbit Media. The Burden tells the story of detective Louis Scarcella, once celebrated for his prowess in solving tough cases... more

Two former New Bedford informants tell shocking stories. The first: a woman who didn’t even know she was being used as an informant by the cop she was sleeping with. The second: a man who was Paul Oliveira’s informant decades ago and who knows – bett... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Rosemary Schiapiccio
Ortiz's attorney known for her strong stance against police misconduct
Boston legal circles
Episode: UPDATE: Case Dismissed
Carly Medeiros
Fiancée of Steven Ortiz who was directly involved in the case
Episode: UPDATE: Case Dismissed
Louis Scarcella
Former detective accused of misconduct in several wrongful conviction cases.
Episode: Introducing The Burden
Frances Robles
A reporter for The New York Times who investigated the cases linked to Scarcella.
The New York Times
Episode: Introducing The Burden
Derrick Hamilton
An ex-con and jailhouse lawyer who claims wrongful convictions linked to Scarcella.
Episode: Introducing The Burden

Host

Dugan Arnett
Host and investigative reporter known for his in-depth coverage of law enforcement issues, particularly in the context of police informants.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 549 ratings
  • Brave

    Everyone involved in this show has giant massive balls! Much respect. They used their voice to actually say something. The truth. And this is the way it is everywhere- not just one city.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JaneBerlinH
    United States4 months ago
  • I NEED YOuR help please

    This was my sign to reach out. I’m from Miami Florida who was framed by leaving a 20 dollar debt in Sushi Sake and they framed me I didn’t have anything in my pockets until the 4 cop searched me then I was charged with possession. And I was telling them I was having a panic attack they didn’t care and the police just making fun of me Acting like as a criminal

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marly Mar02
    United States4 months ago
  • Lacks investigation

    So many of the things he says about CI’s is untrue. The word “CI” is no different than a witness. You can’t just do whatever you want because you have a CI. All the same laws apply.They need credibility, have to be named on a search warrant if there is no credibility. If it goes to a hearing the CO is revealed. And then to pretend criminal CI’s are victims of some sort so far fetched.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Msp629
    United States4 months ago
  • WOW!

    Well, I am born and raised and still live in the Whaling City and can honestly say I am not surprised. Nothing screams guilty like signing your own permit request to destroy records. C’mon man.

    Seriously though, great podcast. I trust the Spotlight Team. I wanted more episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AVHa02740
    United States5 months ago
  • Outstanding

    Deeply investigated, interesting story. We need more like this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Deewonason
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners commend the podcast for its thorough investigative work and compelling storytelling.
Overall, feedback emphasizes the podcast's critical approach to sensitive issues, resonating with those passionate about justice and accountability.
Many appreciate the focus on exposing police misconduct and the complexities surrounding informant use.
There is a strong positive sentiment towards the emotional depth and societal relevance of the narratives shared.
Some feedback indicates a need for smoother storytelling, with a few expressing dissatisfaction with pacing or interruptions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#211
Indonesia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#212
Colombia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#215
Israel/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

UPDATE: Case Dismissed
Q: Are part of you a little disappointed you weren't able to sort of do your thing?
The attorney expresses confidence that they would have prevailed if the case had proceeded to trial.
UPDATE: Case Dismissed
Q: Can we just, are you enabling this? Are you enabling this system?
The prosecutor deflects, insisting if inquiries are needed, they should be directed to the DA's office.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Spotlight: Snitch City

What is Spotlight: Snitch City about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an in-depth examination of the controversial practices surrounding police informants and the systemic abuses prevalent within a specific police department. With a strong narrative anchored in investigative journalism, it unpacks the complex dynamics between law enforcement, informants, and the criminal justice system, focusing on real cases that reveal troubling truths about accountability and corruption. The stories often highlight the personal tragedies and societal implications that arise from these practices, creating a captivating blend of journalism and storytelling. Listeners can expect compelling narratives that not only detail individual experiences but also provoke larger discussions about ethics and morality w... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Spotlight: Snitch City?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Spotlight: Snitch City:

1. Deep Cover
2. SEQUESTERED Podcast
3. Crook County
4. Bone Valley
5. Concrete Mama: The Podcast

How many episodes of Spotlight: Snitch City are there?

Spotlight: Snitch City launched 9 months ago and published 11 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Spotlight: Snitch City?

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What guests have appeared on Spotlight: Snitch City?

Recent guests on Spotlight: Snitch City include:

1. Rosemary Schiapiccio
2. Carly Medeiros
3. Louis Scarcella
4. Frances Robles
5. Derrick Hamilton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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