In this raw installment of Diary of an L.E.O., Sterling Brown sits down with J. Gueits, a former correctional officer who shares the road that led him into the county jail—and the hard lessons that led him out. Gueits talks frankly about the lure of reliable pay and overtime, the reality of 12s that turn into 16s, and the personal cost of missing first steps and school milestones. He breaks down life inside RHU/SHU, what “three directives” and OC deployments actually look like, and why talking skills and fast thinking often prevent force.

They unpack the pressure of staffing shortages, union frustration, and navigating hearings—alongside the parts that kept him going: gallows humor, tight-knit teams, and the satisfaction of resolving a volatile moment with words, not hands. The conversation closes on reentry, why some programs don’t change behavior, and the choice to put family first even when it means a pay cut. It’s an unvarnished look at the grind, the growth, and the boundaries every officer needs.

Key Highlights

• Mandated OT vs. family milestones
• RHU realities: directives, OC, documentation
• De-escalation > ego: slowing down a “1-3”
• Union hearings, last-chance agreements, moving on
• Camaraderie, dark humor, and officer wellness

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

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In this powerful episode of Diary of an L.E.O., Sterling Brown welcomes Officer J, the show’s first female guest, for a raw look inside corrections from a woman’s perspective. With just two years on the job, Officer J breaks down how mutual respect—not posturing—keeps staff and inmates safer, why she’s never used OC spray despite violent incidents, and how documentation and policy shape every use-of-force decision. She speaks frankly about bias—from shift assignments to appearance standards—and the realities of staffing shortages, mandated overtime, and working high-risk housing units.

Beyond the walls, Officer J shares the practice that keeps her centered: protecting one day each week as “my day.” The discussion closes on mental health, therapy, and the importance of boundaries—because a burned-out officer isn’t a safe officer. This episode is a blueprint for professionalism: be tough, be fair, learn daily, and take care of yourself.

Key Highlights

• Respect first: how tone and dignity defuse tension
• When force is necessary—and why less can be more
• Bias, assignments, and appearance standards
• Mandated OT, staffing realities, and documentation
• Mental health, therapy, and making time non-negotiable

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

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In this episode of Diary of an L.E.O., Correctional Officer Jaiden Droege sits down for an honest and grounded conversation about learning from past experiences, resisting destructive patterns, and choosing purpose behind the badge.

This interview focuses on professionalism in corrections, officer mindset, accountability, and personal growth—topics that directly affect safety, decision-making, and longevity in law enforcement.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• The daily pressure of working in corrections
• Learning from mistakes without repeating them
• Accountability on and off duty
• Growth, awareness, and officer mindset
• Turning experience into guidance for others

This conversation isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, responsibility, and becoming better for the job and the people we serve.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for real conversations behind the badge
👉 Share this episode with an officer who needs perspective

 Stand with those who serve. Click the link below to support our men and women in law enforcement through Thin Blue Line USA: https://bit.ly/4oQBhwq

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

For pistol and rifle training, call 657-333-7640 or to book your lesson today tap the link: 

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In this episode of Diary of a L.E.O., we sit down with a former correctional officer who shares the raw truth behind the badge—what it really costs to work inside the walls.

From chasing money and long overtime shifts… to missing his children’s first steps, first words, and once-in-a-lifetime moments—this conversation dives deep into the sacrifices that aren’t talked about enough.

We break down:

•  The hidden cost of working 16-hour shifts 
•  What it means to “do time” alongside inmates 
•  Why some people never break the cycle 
•  The difference between physical control and verbal de-escalation 
•  And the moment when choosing family became more important than the paycheck 

This episode is not about perfection—it’s about perspective, growth, and truth.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, thinking about joining, or simply trying to understand the human side of the badge… this one is for you.

Sometimes getting everything you wanted… comes at the cost of everything that matters.

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

For pistol and rifle training, call 657-333-7640 or to book your lesson today tap the link: 

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Sterling : 00:00
Welcome to a special episode of Diary of an LEO. I'm your host, Sterling Brown. Today we set aside our regular content to honor the life, service and ultimate sacrifice of a brother in blue, officer Andrew Duarte. On February 17, 1995, Andrew Duarte was born into a world that would one day know him as a protector. From a young age, Andrew understood what it meant to serve to stand up when others stood back and to lean into chaos when others turned away. He began his career serving in Denver, Colorado, where he quickly gained a reputation as a dedicated, sharp and compassionate officer. Service called him to new places and eventually that calling led him to West York, Pennsylvania, to the West York Police Department, where he proudly wore the badge and took his place among a new brotherhood. New brotherhood, Andrew served West York with quite strength and relentless dedication, whether responding to routine calls, assisting neighboring agencies or simply connecting with the community. He showed the heart behind the badge. 

Sterling : 01:16
On February 22, 2025, Andrew responded to a rapidly developing situation, but this call would become his final act of service. Developing situation, but this call would become his final act of service. During a critical incident involving a hostage situation, multiple officers were injured, but Andrew was the one who paid the ultimate sacrifice. He stood in the gap. That day, Andrew Duarte defined what it means to be a hero. 

Sterling : 01:40
To Andrew's family, his parents and those closest to him, we know words will never be enough, but know this the thin blue line stretches across cities, states and even lives. Your loss is our loss. Your pain is our pain and Andrew's name will forever be spoken with honor To his fellow officers in West York and beyond. We stand with you. Every shift you work, every badge you pin on, every time you say goodbye to your families and start the shift, we will remember Andrew. 

Sterling : 02:14
He wasn't just an officer. He was a brother, he was a friend. He was the kind of person you hope stands beside you when the world turns dark. And to the community he served. Know this Andrew Duarte gave his life for you, for your safety, for your peace of mind, for the belief that this world can be protected by people who care enough to run towards danger. Andrew's life reminds us that the service comes at a price, but also at the highest possible honor. His sacrifice calls all of us to remember why we serve, why we fight for what's right and why every moment matters. Officer Andrew Duarte, your watch has ended, but your story is far from over. We have the watch from here, brother. End of watch, February 22nd 2025. 

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

In this candid episode of Diary of an L.E.O., Sterling Brown sits down with a correctional officer who shares his unique journey from military service to life behind the walls of a county correctional facility. With honesty and depth, he explains the realities of working the midnight shift, balancing military reserves with corrections, and the lessons learned from enforcing policy while using judgment in split-second decisions.

The conversation explores:

• The crossover between military structure and corrections.
• The realities of use-of-force, OC spray, and accountability.
• The personal impact of seeing an old childhood friend behind bars.
• The sacrifices of family time due to mandated overtime.
• How corrections shapes character, awareness, and one’s perspective on society.

Listeners will gain an inside look at the often misunderstood world of corrections—its challenges, its parallels to policing, and its human stories. This episode reminds us that one mistake can change the course of a life, and that those working in corrections walk a fine line of discipline, judgment, and resilience every day.

Tune in for a raw, eye-opening conversation about the weight of responsibility, the reality of accountability, and the lessons learned from a profession that operates in the shadows of law enforcement.

The content on Diary of an LEO is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the show. This content is not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. By listening, you agree to this disclaimer and all disclaimers set by Diary of L.E.O

For pistol and rifle training, call 657-333-7640 or to book your lesson today tap the link: 

👉 https://sot167.square.site  

Secure your spot. Build your skills

As a bonus, click the link and receive 30 days of daily legal threat coverage—on me—through U.S. Law Shield. Visit the link below to enroll and protect your rights before you ever need

In this opening episode of Diary of an L.E.O., host Sterling Brown—a former police officer and now a correctional officer—sets the stage for a powerful and transparent journey through the world of law enforcement. With a heartfelt reflection on his own childhood memory and the wisdom passed down by his foster mother, Sterling explores the deeper meaning of courage, sacrifice, and service.

This episode introduces the mission of Diary of an L.E.O.—to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Sterling invites listeners to join a dialogue rooted in understanding, compassion, and respect for the men and women behind the badge. Through storytelling, advocacy, and real conversations, this podcast honors those who run toward danger when others run away.