120: Less Lethal Tools and the Threats Redefining Corrections - Interview w/Robert Sorensen

Two gym riots. Same tools. Completely different outcomes. That’s the pivot point Robert Sorensen brings to the table as we dive into less lethal tactics, executive buy-in, and the real cost of undertraining in corrections. Robert spent 27 years in government service—lieutenant, emergency preparedness officer, NTOA section chair, and internal affairs special agent—and he’s candid about fear, failure, and what finally worked.We walk through the practical lessons that turned chaos into control: how inmate mindset dictates munition effectiveness, why tabletop drills and contingency planning decide outcomes, and the simple way to flip leadership from “no” to “go” on modern tools. Robert lays out the case for 40mm accuracy, not as a cool upgrade, but as a liability reducer that protects staff and inmates by making point-of-aim, point-of-impact a reality when it matters most.From there, we confront today’s front-line threats. Fentanyl exposure has already taken lives, and Robert breaks down decon protocols and sodium-chlorite solutions designed to oxidize powders in seconds—plus a defense cleanse that shrinks OC and PAVA recovery from 30–40 minutes to minutes. Then we go vertical: drones are now the easiest path for contraband into secure facilities. Robert outlines entangling 40mm counter-UAS rounds and autonomous intercept systems that bring down drones with minimal collateral risk, along with the policy gaps and budget choices holding agencies back.SoRite Products - https://sorite.com/NTOA - National Tactical Officers Association - https://www.ntoa.org/Email Robert - [email protected], share with your team, and leave a review with the one upgrade you’d prioritize now.Send us Fan Mail Command PresenceBringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showNEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's JourneyBuy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tRAvailable worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJusticePOWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and BeyondAvailable on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's books and author updates at: www.CantrellWrites.com🎙️ Support The Prison Officer PodcastGo deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:• Exclusive content • Behind-the-scenes insights • Leadership discussions • Bonus episodes and resources👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer📬 Connect with MichaelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerWebsite: www.theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.#prisonofficerpodcast ...