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Josiah shares his decade of experience working in three different prison systems: Texas, Colorado, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, providing crucial insights for new correctional officers and surprising revelations about the realities of prison work.

• Navigating the complex dynamics between staff members is often more challenging than handling inmates
• Only experienced three uses of force in a decade-long career by maintaining composure and clear boundaries
• Subtle inmate manipulation typically begins with friendship rather than intimidation
• Significant differences exist between state approaches—Texas emphasizes security while Colorado focuses on rehabilitation 
• Officers from difficult backgrounds often adapt better to corrections work than those with privileged upbringings
• Maintaining a life outside of prison is essential for mental health and career longevity
• Inmates remember how they're treated and will eventually reenter society

Keep a professional distance but treat inmates humanely—they'll remember everything when they're released, whether that's tomorrow or 25 years from now.

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