The Prison Officer Podcast

His four decades in the Bureau of Prisons have equipped him with a library of stories, and in our latest episode, Art's candid reflections peel back the curtain on the daily grind of corrections work, from the first clang of the prison doors to the intricate challenges of managing inmate programs. His tales are not just a narrative of personal growth within the Bureau but a masterclass on the evolution of federal prison system...

This episode doesn't just chronicle Larry's experiences, it delves into the heart of what it means to uphold justice in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. He shares vivid details of the 'death watch,' the procedure leading up to executions, and provides a sobering glimpse into the complexity of enforcing the death penalty. Larry's personal connection to the topic through a family tragedy b...

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 com...

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...

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 dis...

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 d...

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.

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. ...

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...

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.

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 se...

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...

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 w...

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...

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 prob...

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 w...

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...

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 prison...

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 hard ass, and more.