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Norco '80
In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what was one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. From LAist Studios in collaboration with Futuro Studios comes the new podcast — Norco ’80 based on the book by Peter Houlahan.
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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.
