47: Leading from the Front - Interview w/Paul Young

Glen's reflections on the internal battles correctional officers face—such as finding drugs and corruption within their ranks—are eye-opening. These revelations highlight the lesser-known aspects of prison life and the constant vigilance required to uphold the law within its walls. The discussion around the corruption he witnessed, and the challenges it posed to his own moral compass, underscores the complexities of working in corrections.

This episode is Part 1 of 2, so be sure and listen to Episode 76: Doing What's Right, Even When It's Tough - Interview w/Glen MacDonald - Part 2

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

Support the show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

It is not merely the high-stakes nature of maintaining order that this interview touches upon. The psychological toll of being a correctional officer is scrutinized through "Bama's" heartfelt story. He takes us through the day-to-day operations within the prison walls, where he encountered a gamut of scenarios – from gang violence to his own personal battles against stress and despair. Bama does not shy away from discussing the often-taboo topic of suicide among law enforcement, highlighting the importance of mental health support and community outreach.

 This episode is Part 2 of 2, be sure listen to Episode 73: Part 1 - All I Know is Corrections - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.  https://988lifeline.org/

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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

In this episode, I talk with Bronner "Bama" Allen about his interesting career that started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections which led to a 21-year career with Federal Bureau of Prisons where he retired.  But Bama wasn't done yet, he returned to where he had started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections, and where he still works today.  His story shares the human side of corrections,  as he discusses the experiences that shape the men and women who don the uniform, and the shared journey that both scars and strengthens them.

This episode is Part 1 of 2, be sure listen to Episode 74 - Part 2 - When Stress Tries to Kill You - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.  https://988lifeline.org/

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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

In this episode, I talk about the fourteen years I worked around mental health inmates.  Suicide, self-harm, schizophrenia, depression, pedophilia, they all affect the running of your housing unit.   I will discuss some of the more common mental illnesses you will encounter working in corrections and some of my tips for managing some of the most difficult inmates to supervise.

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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

In this episode, explore with me the strategies that forge resilience and cohesion in correctional tactical teams. I discuss how shared experiences bond a team and why selecting the right individuals is vital to maintaining a positive dynamic.  Learn about the decision-making that goes into team structure, and specialized roles, and how a careful balance of discipline and personal development can maintain a ready, effective force. Join me for an episode that explores the heart of leadership and team-building in corrections.

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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

In this episode, I interview Keith Hellwig.  Keith has been in law enforcement for over 40 years. He has worked in State and County Correctional facilities and is a certified Law Enforcement Officer.  He retired in March of 2017 from Corrections holding the rank of Captain. He continues to work as a Police officer for two rural departments. Keith obtained his formal education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and Fox Valley Technical College. He received specialized training in Hostage negotiations, hostage rescue, and cell extractions, and commanded both an institutional SWAT team as well as a Sniper Team. He was a certified firearms and chemical agents instructor and a defense tactics instructor.  He is the author of three books related to Corrections and Police work, “No Place Like Home,” “ Morning Will Come,” and his latest, “In Their Own Words,” stories by and about Correctional Officers from around the world.

 No Place Like Home

In Their Own Words: True Stories from the Front Line of the World's Toughest Beat

Rural-route Wisconsin

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

Take 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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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

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 Association

Heirs of Restraint  

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

Take 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 409-861-2536

The Pitzer Family Education Foundation https://pfefscholarships.org/

Creative Corrections https://creativecorrections.com/

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

Take 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/

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 show

Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

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

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