The Prison Officer Podcast

In this episode, I talk with John Motel about his career, leadership lessons, the transfer of maximum security inmates from MSP to JCCC, and his five seconds of fame when he made the last radio call from the old Missouri State Penitentiary.  After ten years in the United States Army, John went to work for the Missouri Department of Corrections eventually promoted to Major and retiring after 30 years of service.John now serves as the Vice President of the Missouri Correctional Association.Missouri Correctional AssociationHeirs of Restraint  Send us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 speak with Percy Pitzer.  Percy has had a long career in corrections starting with the Bureau of Prisons, he rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as Warden.  After returning to work in private corrections, he started his own corrections audit company, Creative Corrections.  Percy and his family have also started the Pitzer Family Education Foundation.  The foundation has provided more than 190 scholarships to the children of incarcerated parents.You can reach Percy by phone 409-861-2536The Pitzer Family Education Foundation https://pfefscholarships.org/Creative Corrections https://creativecorrections.com/Send us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

After having this discussion over and over, I finally decided I am going to share my thoughts in a podcast about the use of restrictive housing.  I have worked and seen the good, bad, and ugly.  At the end of the day though, restrictive housing is necessary!  I agree that many of our inmates need programming that prepares them for the outside world.  I also agree that many of our inmates are criminal thugs who will not be changed with classes, bribes, or personal freedom.  Two different groups of inmates.  The problem is - these are two different conversations.  Two different groups of social needs.  Not all Inmates are Created Equal!The End Solitary Confinement Act - https://endtorturenow.org/Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael CantrellKeys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael CantrellSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 with Dr. John "Jay" Lawrie about his career and get some insight about the current trends in Criminal Justice education.  Jay Lawrie retired from the Connecticut Department of Correction after a 20-year career at the MacDougall/Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield Ct.  He then joined the faculty at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Ct., where he currently serves as an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology. Prior to assuming these positions, he was a criminal justice adjunct faculty member for 13 years at various Massachusetts colleges. Jay received his B.S. in Political Science and M.S. in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College, as well as my Doctorate in Education from American International College. In September of 2023, he co-founded the Corrections Community Network, an online community developed specifically for current and retired correctional, parole, and probation professionals. The CCN's mission is to provide the hard-working men and women of corrections a supportive community where they can discuss the unique challenges and perspectives only those in the field can fully understand. You can contact Jay at  jnlawrie@albertus.edu The Corrections Community Network    https://join.corrcommnet.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTQCMGVjgHD3kiv3KbiPoASend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 with Gary York, author of The Toughest Job.   Author, columnist, and even TV actor...:-), Gary has a varied and interesting career.  We talk about all things corrections, from staff manipulation, being married to a correctional officer, staff wellness, and much more.Gary began his career with the Department of Corrections as a correctional officer.  He was promoted to probation officer, senior probation officer, and senior prison inspector where for the next 12 years he conducted criminal, civil, and administrative investigations in many state prisonsIn 1991 Gary received the leadership award from the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers. In 1998 he was the statewide senior prison inspector of the year and received honors from the Civil-Criminal Division in Washington DC in 1999 for his work in a wrongful death investigation.  In 2004 Gary was asked to work with the U.S. Department of Justice on a program for In-Custody Death training for the prison system in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.After leaving the state prison system Gary went on to complete 12 years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.  Gary worked in the South County Jail and then as a Juvenile Drill Instructor at the (Boot Camp) Star program. Gary fully retired as a Master Deputy Bailiff with 28.8 years of service. Gary has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Metropolitan University and Completed the Certified Public Managers course with Florida State University. Gary is now a Columnist for CorrectionsOne.com and has a YouTube channel titled: True Prison Stories.The Toughest Job by Gary YorkSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

This week I was a presenter at the Missouri Correctional Association's (MCA) Fall Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO.  We had a great time as I talked about Leadership - It's Your Journey and Staying Positive in a Negative Environment.  After the classes, I was able to set up the podcast remotely and do several interviews with MCA members at the conference while they were in between classes and activities.  What a wealth of correctional knowledge.  Check out these interviews:MCA Treasurer Adam Barker - Tipton Correctional Center - Institutional Training CoordinatorMPPOA President CarolLyree Price - District EP Unit SupervisorWarden Brock VanLoo - Tipton Correctional Center - WardenWilliam Baumbach - Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center - Correctional Officer IIJazmyn Shockley - University of Central Missouri - Student - Criminal Justice MajorMissouri Correctional AssociationMissouri Probation and Parole Officers AssociationIf you would like Michael to speak at your training or conference e-mail: mike@theprisonofficer.com or Michael Cantrell on SpeakerHubAfter the Staying Positive in a Negative Environment class, many of you asked about my book, you can purchase a copy here: Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael CantrellKeys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael CantrellSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 with Michael about his path from law enforcement/correctional officer to keynote speaker and author of Greatness Beyond the Badge.  We talk about the importance of self-awareness, reaching your potential, and taking the leap into greater things in your life.Michael Laidler has worked in law enforcement for nearly two decades. He has served with distinction in numerous positions and leadership roles, from police officer, and border patrol agent to federal corrections. Michael’s dedication to service shines in all he does. He holds an MBA from Morehead State University, a BA from Florida State University, and is a Distinguished Toastmaster. Michael has transitioned his career into training and educating law enforcement officers and leaders nationwide. A highly sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, Michael’s methods continue inspiring and developing officers and industry leaders to become better in every regard, especially personally. It is his goal to impart the necessary personal development skills for leaders to operate at full capacity in every situation.You can find out more about Michael by visiting michaelalaidler.com or connecting with him on the Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube social media platforms under @michaellaidler. Greatness Beyond the Badge by Michael LaidlerSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 with Dan M. Reynolds.  Dan is the author of several books about the Oklahoma State Pen, his experiences, and much more.  Dan M. Reynolds takes his subjects directly from more than 30 years of correctional experience.  Dan started as a case manager and would later take positions as classification auditor, administrative assistant, deputy warden, and finally as warden/administrator over several different prisons and departments.  In his books, he describes his first-hand experiences with Oklahoma state penitentiary rodeo, riots, and escapes.  dan1reynolds@yahoo.comCaged Wisdom: Learning to See Through the BarsOn the Other Side of the Bars: Lessons Learned as a Prison Warden/AdministratorWhat God Wants You To KnowOklahoma Prison Riots Most Hilarious, Bizarre, and Unusual Correctional Stories Ever ToldHistory of the Oklahoma State Pen RodeoSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact 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 go back through the e-mails and messages to The Prison Officer and answer those questions that I think can apply to everyone working in corrections.I talk about lying to your bosses, the difference between working minimum and maximum security, why I come across as such a hardass and more.Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael CantrellKeys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael CantrellSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this podcast, I sit down with Robert Greenwood.  Robert has 35 years of experience working for the Michigan Department of Corrections in prison administration and community corrections. He has worked as a corrections officer, resident unit officer, transportation officer, trainer, cell block supervisor, captain, and deputy director of safety and security at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Always looking to learn more about all aspects of corrections, Robert also worked in community corrections as a parole agent;  probation officer and retired as a Probation Manager over a large office in metro Detroit. Robert was on the front lines of the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility riot in 1995 and was commended for his bravery.Robert currently teaches in the criminal justice department at Madonna University in Michigan.You can reach Robert at rgreenwood@madonna.eduSend us a text PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI 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 showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!