In this episode I reflect on the Wardens I have worked for over the years.  Some were amazing leaders, others were good examples of what not to do as a leader.  A prison Warden can be one of the toughest jobs.  Always trying to balance that line between whatever political issue headquarters is pushing and what is best at a local level for your staff and inmates. PepperBall From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNI OMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode I reflect on the Wardens I have worked for over the years.  Some were amazing leaders, others were good examples of what not to do as a leader.  A prison Warden can be one of the toughest jobs.  Always trying to balance that line between whatever political issue headquarters is pushing and what is best at a local level for your staff and inmates. PepperBall From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNI OMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

What an oppurtunity to meet and talk with a great bunch of Correctional Professionals.  For those of you that can't be here, I talk about the first day of set up with all the vendors and describe a little about why the MOCK Riot is so important for Corrections.  If you are at the MOCK Riot at The decommissioned West Virginia Penatentiary, stop by The Prison Officer booth and Say HI! 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode of the basics, I talk about what it takes to have Success  in Corrections.  The Basic, common sense attributes and work habits of a good correctional officer.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.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.Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode of The Basics, I am going to talk about the best practices for conducting good, productive shakedowns and cell seraches.  Where to look, how to look, and what to look for. 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.The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode of The Basics, I am going to talk about why it is so important that staff Get Hand's On! with our inmates.  From hospital escorts to pat searches, to working segregation, Hand's On is the most important thing you can do for staff and inmate safety. 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. The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode, I talk about the controversial subject of Professional Appearance.   How we present ourselves at work can affect how inmates look at us.  I talk about my opinions on uniforms, hair and beard length, perfumes at work, 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.The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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.The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode of The Basics, I talk about the tray slot, cuff slot, bean hole, 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.The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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.The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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 CoffeeHave a great day!The Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in CorrectionsPepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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 ChristmasChristmas Music - Jingle Bells Intro - Thanks to Scott Holmes MusicThe Midnight Shift Before Christmas by Donna MielePepperBall 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

I know the podcast has been around a while, but Apple podcast wants a trailer....drop me a note and tell me what you think.Hello and welcome to The Prison Officer Podcast.  My name is Michael Cantrell and I spent over 28 years working in some of this country’s toughest prisons.  Most of you don’t know, but over 500,000 people work in jails, correctional centers, and prisons in the United States.  Those correctional workers walk into a manmade hell each day and face some of the toughest criminals and most violent mental health inmates the U.S. has to offer.  They spend eight or more hours a day forgotten by the society that depends on them.  There will be no hero’s welcome for the lives they save today.  There will be no fanfare or parades.  Instead, they will have feces thrown at them and they will wade through blood to prevent the next suicide or stabbing on their watch.  If they do their job right today, no one will know.  If they do it wrong, it will be front-page headlines tomorrow.  When the shift is over, they will be expected to drive home and act just like everyone else.  To forget the images of killing, rape, blood, and violence that rattle around in their mind.  To look at their wife and kids with love, and not let them know that evil does really exist.  The Prison Officer Podcast is my way to have a conversation about these officers and their resilience and leadership, their sense of duty, and their successes.Please join us at www.theprisonoofficer.comBe Safe out there!Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!