Crime Junkie

SCANDAL: Police Explorer Programs

39 snips
Dec 22, 2025
This episode delves into the disturbing world of Police Explorer programs, exploring how a lack of oversight allowed some officers to exploit vulnerable teens. The tragic case of Heidi Gatliff exposes systemic failures, revealing alarmingly questionable conduct by officers. Recorded calls unveil inappropriate outreach, while forensic evidence shows extensive communication patterns that raise red flags. The hosts discuss survivor accounts and suggest reforms to prevent future abuse, underscoring the necessity of protecting youth in these programs.
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ANECDOTE

Discovery Of Heidi Gatliff's Death

  • Mike Gatliff found his daughter Heidi dead after an IMPD officer, Francisco Olmos, was at their house and stayed outside the bedroom.
  • Francisco then used Heidi's phone to call others and the phone was later found locked, raising immediate suspicion.
ANECDOTE

Advisor's Close Role And Confusion

  • Daniel Bowman, Heidi's Explorer advisor, became a close support to the family and later suggested Heidi may have had a relationship with an officer.
  • He claims he only authorized limited ride-alongs, but later admitted ambiguity about supervising 18+ explorers.
ANECDOTE

Friends Recorded Franciscco's Questioning

  • Friends recorded calls where Francisco pressed peers about Heidi's relationships and presented inconsistent accounts to police.
  • Those recordings contributed to family suspicion and were provided to investigators.
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