109: Rethinking Correctional Training: Objective-Based Training with Myles Cook

The Prison Officer Podcast

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3M ago 1:07:52

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What if everything we thought we knew about training correctional officers was based on flawed assumptions? In this eye-opening conversation with Myles Cook, we explore how questioning basic training objectives can transform outcomes across corrections.
Miles brings 15 years of diverse experience spanning corrections, patrol, narcotics, investigations, and academy instruction to tackle one of our profession's most fundamental challenges - training that actually works. With a master's degree, military service, and recognition as one of the International Association of Police Chiefs' 40 Under 40 Award recipients, Myles understands both theory and practical application.
The conversation dives deep into how objective-based training has revolutionized physical fitness programs at his academy, resulting in remarkable 34-38% improvement rates across all fitness metrics. Rather than forcing everyone through identical workouts, their individualized approach ensures every recruit progresses at their optimal pace - creating not just fitter officers, but lifelong healthy habits.
We explore why corrections training often gets stuck in outdated patterns, from focusing on policy over actual ethics to teaching shooting techniques that don't match real-world needs. Myles challenges listeners to look beyond their field for solutions, whether that's learning from athletic coaches for fitness training or competitive shooters for firearms instruction.
Perhaps most valuable is Myles' framework for problem-solving: questioning assumptions, reframing problems, and finding innovative solutions by focusing on the true objective rather than apparent issues. His classic elevator example demonstrates how sometimes the real solution isn't making things faster, but making the experience better.
For any corrections professional who's sat through mandatory training, wonder

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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction & Sponsor Message (00:00:00)

2. Miles Cook's Background and Experience (00:02:16)

3. Military Service and Corrections Career (00:06:51)

4. Transitioning Through Law Enforcement Roles (00:11:08)

5. Objective-Based Training Philosophy (00:17:57)

6. Revolutionary Approach to Physical Training (00:25:44)

7. Corrections Training Evolution (00:36:14)

8. Challenging Training Norms (00:45:34)

9. Micro-Learning and Closing Thoughts (00:54:52)

10. Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message (01:06:37)

129 episodes

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