125: What If Better Training Prevented Most Use Of Force? - Interview w/Joe Buice

Most use-of-force problems don’t start with bad intent; they start with bad preparation. We’re talking with Joe Buice, a lifelong martial artist and retired sheriff’s office lieutenant who has spent decades in corrections, led high-liability teams, and now serves as Pepperball’s Director of Implementation. The result is a practical, no-theory conversation about what actually keeps officers safe in jails, prisons, and street encounters. We get specific about defensive tactics and why “just grab an arm” fails when stress hits. Joe breaks down the real gap he sees across agencies: perishable skills treated like check-the-box training. We discuss how hesitation shows up in body-worn video reviews, why fundamentals and repetition create fluidity, and how control tactics can reduce injuries for both staff and inmates while staying inside policy and lawful orders. We also connect the dots between training and leadership. Joe shares how strong teams are built by putting the right people in the right roles, leading from the front, and slowing down long enough to listen. Then we shift to safer options first, including Pepperball for distance, area saturation, buffer zones, and lowering the career-long toll of hands-on fights. If you care about corrections officer safety, law enforcement training, defensive tactics that work, and smarter use of force decisions, this one delivers. PepperBall - [email protected] - linkedin.com/in/joe-b-56116bb1 Surround yourself with professionals who take this work seriously. Join us Behind the Wall: https://patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficerSend 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 ...