Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a Border Patrol agent to a federal corrections officer, all while becoming a renowned public speaker and author? Today, we sit down with Michael Laidler, whose journey in law enforcement began at just nine years old, inspired by the O.J. Simpson case. Raised in Miami by a single mother and grandmother, Michael's dedication to criminal justice saw him excel in various roles, from handling a Belgian Malinois as a canine agent to navigating the challenges of a high-security federal penitentiary. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth.

You can find out more about Michael by visiting michaelalaidler.com or connecting with him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube social media platforms under @michaellaidler. 

Greatness Beyond the Badge by Michael Laidler

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NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

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Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

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👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

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...

Can leadership failures create a breeding ground for misconduct in correctional facilities?

In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, we confront this critical question head-on. Through the lens of Stanley Milgram's famous 1963 obedience study, we unravel the often unseen dynamics of authority in corrections, exploring when and how the duty to intervene should override blind obedience. Recent cases of systemic leadership breakdowns are scrutinized, revealing how these lapses can foster environments where illegal and immoral actions flourish. I discuss the emotional rollercoaster faced by both staff and inmates during crises and why intervention is as crucial as physical action in preventing escalation. 

Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael Cantrell

Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael Cantrell

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From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Command Presence
Bringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

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...

In the realm of correctional facilities, the roles and challenges of those who maintain order are often misunderstood and overlooked.  Doyle discusses the trajectory of becoming deeply involved in union activities, from his early days in law enforcement to his current role in advocating for the welfare of correctional employees.

He outlines the initiatives taken by the National Correctional Employees Union to improve health, retirement programs, and training opportunities for their members. Our conversation reveals the unique benefits provided by the union, often surpassing those offered by state or county employers, highlighting the union's dedication to their members' well-being.

Bill Doyle [email protected]

National Correctional Employees Union - https://www.nceu.org/

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Command Presence
Bringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

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...

In this episode, I speak with Commissioner William Marshall and get an inside look at the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  We learn about his path from State Police to Corrections Commissioner.  We discuss the department's evolution into more training, enhanced career paths, and the future of corrections. 

We also discuss the West Virginia Department of Corrections rebranding initiatives, which include a new logo and enhanced public relations. These efforts signify a fresh commitment to the community and the department's visibility.

As we explore the department's history and future, we learn about the legacy of the annual Mock Riot event, hosted in West Virginia, which is a cornerstone for training and networking among correctional professionals. It's not merely an event, but a congregation of experts from across the globe, where real-world scenarios are simulated, strategies are exchanged, and camaraderie is built. The Mock Riot stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and preparedness in the field.

West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation - https://dcr.wv.gov/

The MOCK Riot - https://www.mockprisonriot.org/

Desert Waters - https://desertwaters.com/

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

Joe Gunja's career trajectory from a military police officer to a regional director is not just a tale of personal achievement, but also a story of the varying levels of inmate-related issues and the work required in the different roles.   Joe reveals a career where promotions often come with intricate challenges and highlights the importance of adaptability and leadership in correctional environments.

We confront hard truths about the placement of the severely mentally ill behind bars,  examining the sobering challenges within mental health units and the psychological toll on both inmates and staff. 

 Joe explains his role as an expert witness in correctional cases, providing insights into the courtroom battles that often remain unseen by the public eye.
 
Joseph Gunja [email protected]

SIMCO - Jail, Prison, and Corrections Expert Witness Consultation Services https://simco1.com/

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

 A prison is a place of violence.  Pretty quickly, as they begin their sentence inside, other inmates categorize each other as Predator or Prey.  As a Hunter or the Hunted.  Their role is determined by whether or not they have the strength to stand up against the other inmates.  Will they run and hide in their cell, or will they stand and fight?  Will they be abused, or will they be the abuser?  Lion or antelope is the choice most have in a violent system. 

Staff are often looked at the same way.  Are you the Hunter or are you the Prey.  Success for the prey is measured by just living another day.  "Eight and the gate."   But a lack of respect for the other predators makes you unaware, unprepared, and nothing more than a person to be used and manipulated.  

Success for the Hunter is a successful hunt.   An officer who is a Hunter is respected for their skills and their abilities.  Remember, most of the time a lion lives alongside the antelope.  The antelope keep a respectful distance but they are not living in constant fear of the lion.  The lion has nothing to prove, he knows he is King.  He knows he is an apex predator, and walks comfortably in his surroundings, not unaware, but comfortable with his skills. 

Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael Cantrell

Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael Cantrell

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

Walking the corridors of HMP Manchester, former Prison Officer and author Neil Samworth—known as Sam—witnessed the stark realities of prison life, a tale he recounts with raw honesty in "Strange Ways: A Prison Officer's Story." Join us as we step into Sam's world, where the line between guard and guarded blurs, and where humanity faces its toughest tests. Our conversation traverses the emotional terrain of a profession that demands resilience in the face of daily confrontations with society's darkest elements.

We talk about it the good, the bad, and the ugly, including his personal struggle with PTSD.

Real Porridge with Sam Samworth https://www.youtube.com/c/RealPorridgePodcast

Strangeways: A Prison Officers Story - Sam Samworth

Strangeways Unlocked: The Shocking Truth about Life Behind Bars - Sam Samworth

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

His four decades in the Bureau of Prisons have equipped him with a library of stories, and in our latest episode, Art's candid reflections peel back the curtain on the daily grind of corrections work, from the first clang of the prison doors to the intricate challenges of managing inmate programs. His tales are not just a narrative of personal growth within the Bureau but a masterclass on the evolution of federal prison systems and the strategic navigation of career progression within such a demanding field.

The landscape of correctional work is fraught with complexities, and Art doesn't shy away from discussing the nuances of his profession. He delves into the transformation of work programs,  and the unique considerations when overseeing diverse inmate populations. Post-retirement hasn't slowed Art down; he continues to impact the field through his consultancy and auditing roles, emphasizing the significance of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the importance of maintaining a humane approach within the industry's strict regulations.

You can reach Art here: [email protected]

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

This episode doesn't just chronicle Larry's experiences, it delves into the heart of what it means to uphold justice in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. He shares vivid details of the 'death watch,' the procedure leading up to executions, and provides a sobering glimpse into the complexity of enforcing the death penalty. Larry's personal connection to the topic through a family tragedy brings an intimate layer to this discussion, one that offers a rare blend of professional duty and personal introspection.  He also shares his well known Correctional Officers prayer, used in many correctional officer memorials.

If you would like to Contact Larry [email protected]

Larry's Book - Execution Day Journal https://www.amazon.com/Execution-Day-Journal-Larry-Peoples/dp/1499199759

The Mock Riot https://www.mockprisonriot.org/

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PepperBall
From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...

In today’s episode, we talk with former BOP Captain Glen MacDonald about doing the right thing, even when it is tough.  Glen walks us through many of the decisions throughout his life and career, where doing the right thing was not popular.  Despite being shunned by staff, loss of promotions, and horrible stress, Glen persevered.

Glen also shares his passion for staying active, including CrossFit and “rucking,” and how completing more than 120 GoRuck events has allowed him to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

This episode is Part 2 of 2, so be sure and listen to Episode 75: Doing What's Right, Even When It's Tough - Interview w/Glen MacDonald - Part 1

Mainline S & C podcast with Glen MacDonald

GORUCK | The Rucking Company

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Support the show

NEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's Journey

Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tR

Available worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJustice

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's books and author updates at:
 www.CantrellWrites.com

🎙️ Support The Prison Officer Podcast

Go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:

• Exclusive content
 • Behind-the-scenes insights
 • Leadership discussions
 • Bonus episodes and resources

👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer

📬 Connect with Michael

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

Website: www.theprisonofficer.com

Take care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.

#prisonofficerpodcast 

...