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In today's episode, I sit down with Paul Young, a retired Major with the Missouri Department of Corrections.  Paul, now 85, retired with 34 years working for the DOC and almost 40 years in Law Enforcement in total.  Although Paul saw many changes during his career, he was able to adapt and thrive.  From working at Missouri State Penitentiary in the 1960s & 70s to running bloodhounds on manhunts that made the national news, Paul's story is as interesting as it is varied.

Missouri State Penitentiary (Images of America)

Shanks to Shakers: Reflections of the Missouri State Penitentiary

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In this episode of The Basics, I talk about inmate property and why it is important to manage it.  Inmate property when uncontrolled, can lead to poor sanitation, increased hard contraband, and even escape.

Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.

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

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

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Today’s guest is David Skarbek, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Political Economy at Brown University.  He is also the author of two books:

The Social Order of the Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System

The Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World

When many people outside the prison system think of prison gangs, they think of chaotic bands of violent, racist thugs. Few people think of gangs as sophisticated organizations (often with elaborate written constitutions) that regulate the social and economic life of the prison. Yet as David argues, gangs form to create order among outlaws, producing alternative governance institutions to facilitate their illegal activity. David studies the political economy of these gangs within our prisons globally and his works have appeared in both economics and political science journals.  If you haven’t read them yet, his books are also a great reference for all correctional officers.

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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In this episode of The Basics, I talk about the tray slot, cuff slot, bean hole, or whatever you call it, it is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous areas of your locked unit.  How you approach and handle your interactions at the tray slot could be the difference between injury and going home safe.

Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.

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

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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Contact us: [email protected]

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Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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In this episode, I talk with Domenic Pezzano who retired from Corrective Service in New South Wales, Australia after more than 30 years of service.  We talk about starting out as a Correctional Officer, a riot at Long Bay where he was a hostage, and his rise up the ranks in NSW Prison Corrective Service, and his advice to those just starting out. 

You can contact Domenic here Correctional Services / Prison Subject Expert

The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in Corrections

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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Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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In this episode of The Basics, we talk about Security Checks.  Fence checks, roof checks, building checks, and more.

Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.

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

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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Contact us: [email protected]

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Whenever you talk about the Missouri State Penitentiary, you can’t help but mention Mark Schreiber.  He went to work for the Missouri Department of Corrections in the  1960s and has held many positions, starting as an officer, he ended his career as Assistant Warden of the Missouri State Penitentiary. He has always been an advocate for preserving the history of MSP and the Missouri Department of Corrections.  He has written two books about the Penitentiary and Missouri Department of Corrections: "Somewhere in Time" (1991 and 2004) and "Shanks to Shakers" (2011).  Historian, City Councilman, and one of my former bosses, it was a pleasure to interview Mark.

Contact Mark [email protected]

Shanks to Shakers: Reflections of the Missouri State Penitentiary

Somewhere in Time (170 Years of Missouri Corrections)

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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Running a podcast takes a lot of time.  Running a good one takes even more...:-)

I have been asked a lot to provide more content but with my schedule as an Instructor, and editing, recording, and scheduling guests, I just haven't had much time.

There has been a lot of interest from schools, academies, and agencies that really enjoy some of the basic correctional officer subjects we have covered on this podcast. 

So, in order to try to provide more content and provide some episodes on skills correctional rookies need (and a refresher for some of the veterans), The Prison Officer Podcast will begin publishing short (10-15 minute) skill-based episodes on the off weeks.  Right now I have episodes every other week (usually on Monday).  These episodes will be released on Mondays in between the full episodes.

In this episode of The Basics we talk about counts and counting.

This content will be free, just like the podcast.  No subscription.  Nothing to Join.  Although, if you really like what we do, I would love for you to Buy Me a Cup of Coffee

Have a great day!

The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in Corrections

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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In this episode, I talk with Anthony Gangi, an author, speaker,  and the Host of Tier Talk, a long-running podcast about Corrections and the challenges staff face every day.  Anthony and I talk about why finding your purpose at work matters, especially when you work in Corrections.

Also, welcome PepperBall! Our newest sponsor - Please click their link below to visit The PepperBall website.

Tier Talk - Youtube Channel

Inmate Manipulation Decoded: A Definitive Guide to Understanding the Manipulation Process

Lessons Learned While Working In Prison: My Journey From Officer To Administration

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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Just a quick episode to thank all of you working the holidays!  What you do matters and I appreciate it!  Also I read A CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS CHRISTMAS just for some lighthearted fun.  Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a safe shift!

A Correctional Officer's Christmas

Christmas Music - Jingle Bells Intro - Thanks to Scott Holmes Music

The Midnight Shift Before Christmas by Donna Miele

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

Contact us: [email protected]

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

Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!