Cody Garrett, known online as Donut Operator, is a highly followed American YouTube creator recognized for his detailed analysis and commentary on policing and law-enforcement footage, news, and related content. He is the owner and operator of the Donut Operator channel and brand, which he runs independently as its primary creator. His main channel has amassed millions of subscribers and over a billion views, making him one of the most prominent voices in law-enforcement commentary on digital platforms. Garrett blends real-world insight with clear explanations to help audiences better understand complex law-enforcement topics.
Professional Beginnings
Cody “Donut Operator” Garrett began his career with five years of service in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to civilian law enforcement. After his military service, he joined the Spartanburg, South Carolina Police Department as a patrol officer. While on the force, he became known for his distinctive mustache and a viral 2016 photograph of him cradling a rescued kitten. Garrett later explained that he wanted to show police officers as “regular people that like animals, have families, [and] play video games,” aiming to cast law enforcement in a positive light. In mid-2017, after roughly two years on the force, Garrett resigned from the department, citing the typical stress, low pay, and risks of policing, and quickly set out to build a new career as a media commentator.
| Fact Category | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Born as Cody Garrett on September 3, 1987. |
| Online Name | Known professionally as Donut Operator. |
| Profession | YouTube creator and law-enforcement commentator. |
| Famous For | Analysis of police body-camera footage and cases. |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.4–$2.0 million as of 2026. |
| Military Service | Served five years in the U.S. Navy. |
| Police Career | Former patrol officer in South Carolina. |
| YouTube Success | Channel has millions of subscribers and billions of views. |
| Business | Founder of Five Oh Skate Shop, established in 2019. |
| Current Status | Active content creator and entrepreneur in 2025–2026. |
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Role Progression & Industry Contributions
Soon after leaving the police force, Garrett launched his YouTube channel “Donut Operator,” focusing on breakdowns of police body-camera footage, high-profile case analyses, and law enforcement news. Drawing on his actual officer experience and Navy background, he offered viewers insider perspectives mixed with sharp humor and clear explanations.
His engaging presentation style attracted a large following, and by the mid-2020s his channel had grown to millions of subscribers, making it one of the most popular channels dedicated to policing and first-responder content. Garrett expanded beyond YouTube by streaming on platforms such as Twitch and by co-hosting podcasts. He co-founded the Unsubscribe Podcast in 2021, centered on gaming and veteran-related discussions, and worked alongside other hosts to grow its audience.
He also collaborated with fellow firearm and veteran content creators to produce crossover videos and range-day features. In addition to media, Garrett diversified into branded merchandise, founding Five Oh Skate Shop in 2019, a Texas-based skateboard and apparel business producing custom boards and clothing under his brand.
Notable Career Milestones
Several key milestones mark Garrett’s career trajectory. In 2016, the photograph of Officer Garrett holding a rescued kitten quickly gained widespread attention on social media, helping establish his public image as a relatable law-enforcement officer. In 2017, Garrett formally ended his policing career and committed full time to content creation. Within a few years, his YouTube channel had amassed a massive audience, surpassing five million subscribers by late 2025.
The channel became a prominent platform for analyzing police work, body-camera footage, and high-profile criminal cases. During this period, his commentary videos regularly attracted tens of millions of views, positioning him as a recognizable and influential voice in law-enforcement-focused digital media. Around 2019, Garrett marked the early growth of Five Oh Skate Shop, further establishing his role as an entrepreneur alongside his media career. The continued expansion of the Unsubscribe Podcast also represented a notable milestone, bringing military and veteran perspectives into a broader online audience.
Current Position & Ongoing Initiatives
As of 2025 and into 2026, Cody Garrett remains active as a digital media entrepreneur and law-enforcement commentator. He continues to operate the Donut Operator YouTube channel and associated social media platforms, producing content centered on police incidents, body-camera footage, firearms, and criminal justice topics. His work emphasizes tactical analysis and public education regarding law-enforcement procedures.
Garrett also maintains an active presence on live-streaming platforms, where he engages directly with viewers on current events and gaming-related content. Five Oh Skate Shop remains operational under his ownership, with periodic releases of new apparel and merchandise. Garrett frequently collaborates with other veteran and firearms-focused creators and participates in public range events and livestreams. His professional focus remains on content creation, audience engagement, and brand development, reflecting his established role in law-enforcement commentary and digital media.
Donut Operator Net Worth
As of 2026, Donut Operator’s net worth is estimated between $1.4 million and $2.0 million. He built this wealth through his career as a former police officer turned online content creator, drawing millions of views on his YouTube channel with commentary on law enforcement videos. His income comes mainly from advertising revenue on those videos, supplemented by Twitch livestreams, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. These figures are reported by entertainment sites and have not been confirmed by major financial media outlets.
