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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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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.

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In this episode, I talk with Brian O'Connell, a retired Warden with the Missouri Department of Corrections.  Growing up with two Grandfathers who worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he knew he wanted to work in Corrections early on.  We talk about some BOP and family history, his career path to Warden in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and why he thinks there is room for compassion in Corrections.

You can e-mail Brian here [email protected]

Learn more about Social Profit Corrections

Echoes of Mercy: Springfield Federal Medical Center by Randy Greer

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 about how I developed my own Personal Vision Statement and why you need one.  Much like an agency or company's Vision Statement, a Personal Vision Statement can give you focus, direction, and purpose, and help you reach the goals you have for your life and career.

I also talk about my 3 Truths of Leadership and the differences between Strategic Leadership and Tactical Leadership.

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.

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!

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In this episode, I talk to former Sgt. Kevin Phillips.  Kevin discusses his quick rise from rookie to sergeant to DOC Valor award winner, and how quickly things can fall down around you.  He talks about loving the job, and resilience, yet learning to deal with the stresses of working inside.  Kevin lets us in on some of the stories still floating around Columbia Correctional Center (CCI), the prison where serial killer Jeffery Dahmer was murdered.

My Daddy is a Correctional Officer by Donna Miele
My Mommy is a Correctional Officer by Donna Miele
My Mommy is a Deputy Sheriff by Donna Miele
The Midnight Shift Before Christmas by Donna Miele

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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.”

Mainline S & C podcast with Glen MacDonald

GORUCK | The Rucking Company

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Since the beginning of law enforcement and corrections, officers have had to verbally try and change the actions of others to prevent force from being used to control the situation.  There have always been those who could communicate in this manner well.  Those officers were able to get their point across without resorting to force.  Some were able to do it by helping the person work through the logical reasons they should or shouldn’t continue their actions or behavior.  Other officers had that glint in their eye that struck fear in the mind of others and alluded to the unpleasant possibilities of what could happen if they stayed their course.  I think I was able to use a little of both.

But when the outcome is force of any kind, there has also always been a side that believes the fault lies with the officer for not giving them a chance, for not talking them out of it, for not shooting them in the foot instead of the chest when they attacked you.  They do not believe in force for any reason.  

Like everything else in life, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.  Not every incident needs to be met with force nor can every incident be solved through verbal communication alone.

I do believe that every incident can be improved with de-escalation. 

Concepts of Non-Lethal Force by Sid Heal

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

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

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!