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Norco '80
Listen as host and producer Antonia Cereijido tells the unbelievable true story about God, guns, survivalism and the bank robbery that changed policing in America forever. Using eyewitness testimony and never before heard police tapes, Norco 80 takes listeners on a wild ride, and serves as a cautionary tale in the context of America being immersed in the middle of an economic crisis, revamped end of the world paranoia and a complex conversation about policing.
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Episodes
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Episode 1May 9th, 1980 began as a regular Friday in sleepy Norco, a small town about 48 miles east of Los Angeles, known mostly for its horse trails and old-western look. But around 3:30pm, five masked men with assault rifles robbed the Security Pacific Bank downtown.
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Episode 2The bank robbers make it out of the Security Pacific Bank, cash in hand––but they’re immediately met by the police and a firefight begins.
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Episode 3George Smith didn't set out to rob a bank. He just wanted to survive the apocalypse.
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Episode 4The robbers lead police on a winding chase that ends in a devastating standoff at the top of a mountain.
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Episode 5After the chase finally ends, a shell-shocked police force demands bigger, more powerful weapons.
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Episode 6The “Norco 3” face the death penalty in one of the highest profile trials in Riverside County history.
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Episode 7George Smith speaks to us in his first-ever recorded interview, from a correctional facility in Corcoran, California.
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Episode 8The Norco Bank Robbery happened over 40 years ago, but its legend continues influence how police officers are trained today. Thanks to one very popular VHS tape.
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Episode 9Dr. Casey Kelly discusses survivalism's enduring allure, from pioneer days to prepper conventions.
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Listen 21:05In 2016, Rosa Brooks, a full-time law professor at Georgetown University, became a reserve police officer. Rosa had previously studied and written about the role of violence in society, but always from a perspective outside of law enforcement. Now, she's written a book about her years of service and the insight she gained about identity, militarization, and what police actually think.Episode 10In 2016, Rosa Brooks, a full-time law professor at Georgetown University, became a reserve police officer. Rosa had previously studied and written about the role of violence in society, but always from a perspective outside of law enforcement. Now, she's written a book about her years of service and the insight she gained about identity, militarization, and what police actually think.
Support & Credits
Antonia Cereijido, Host & Producer
Joaquin Cotler, Associate Producer
Juan Diego Ramirez, Production Assistant
Sophia Paliza-Carre, Senior Producer
Marlon Bishop, Executive Producer
Marialexa Kavanaugh, Intern
Audrey Quinn, Editor
Zach Robinson, Composer
Amy Tardif, Fact-Checker