Episode Summary: "Sergeant James Booker on Integrity, Prison Politics, and Leading with Character"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt delves deep into the world of law enforcement leadership with Sergeant James Booker. The discussion centers around integrity, the intricate politics within prison systems, and the profound impact of leading with character. Through Sergeant Booker's extensive experience and personal anecdotes, listeners gain invaluable insights into modern leadership principles applied in high-stakes environments.

**1. Early Life and Path to Law Enforcement

Sergeant James Booker shares his foundational years and the influences that steered him towards a career in law enforcement.

• Family Legacy in Law Enforcement:
  "My mother... retired as a major with the Skamby County Sheriff's Department. My sister... retired as a lieutenant... My older brother... worked for the ATF..." (02:55)

• Military Background:
  After serving in the Marine Corps, Booker sought to continue his commitment to service. "I wanted to stay in service. I wanted to do a part in service. I always liked to serve." (02:55)

• Entry into Correctional Services:
  An opportunistic application led him to Florida State Prison in 1983, marking the beginning of his law enforcement journey.

**2. Life at Florida State Prison

Booker provides an unfiltered look into the harsh realities of Florida State Prison, emphasizing the inmate-run dynamics and the challenges faced by staff.

• Inmate Hierarchy and Control:
  "These are guys that... lived by code, and their code was serious. They truly lived by code." (06:21)
  "They basically ran the prisons. We just managed it." (07:00)

• Daily Operations and Safety Concerns:
  The prison environment was fraught with violence and power struggles. "There was assaults there every single day... But it was never reported." (14:31)

• Notable Incidents:

  • Christmas Eve Murder:
    "This guy... took a homemade knife... he ran it through this guy on Christmas Eve night. Blood flew out of him like it was water." (16:25)
    "That was my awakening to the prison system." (16:25)

  • Officer Violence:
    "This officer... I’m gonna kill him." (15:58)
    "He got killed that day. Wife and two kids. I'll never forget it." (15:59)

**3. Transition to Broward County Sheriff's Department

Seeking a more structured and progressive environment, Booker transitioned to the Broward County Sheriff's Department in 1986.

• Differences Between Prison and Jail Systems:
  "Jail is fluid because people don't stay. They come and go. It's transit." (21:26)
  "Prison was set in 33, 8... Jail was totally different." (21:26)

• Building a New Facility:
  Booker highlights the expansion due to rising challenges like the cocaine epidemic and AIDS outbreak. "The facilities were bigger... to accommodate the arrestees." (19:24)

**4. Mentorship and Leadership: Relationship with Raymond Hicks

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Booker's mentorship of Raymond Hicks, a colleague who faced wrongful accusations after exposing internal corruption.

• Developing Trust and Respect:
  "I disciplined him for calling in sick... he came to me and said... I'm glad you wrote me up because you made me realize I have a family and I need this job." (23:26)

• Raymond's Leadership Style:
  "Raymond was the type of guy... he was loyal, first to come in... treating these guys fair, with respect." (27:00)
  "He had their respect because he was from the community... he could talk to a guy and kill the situation for me." (27:48)

• Facing Wrongful Accusations:
  Booker expresses shock and disbelief over Raymond's accusations, underscoring Raymond's integrity.
  "Raymond is a God-fearing man... I know he... that's not him." (34:05)
  "Raymond was fighting for his life... he was exonerated." (37:20)

**5. Support and Advocacy for Raymond's Family

Booker opens up about the personal and financial support he and his family extended to Raymond during his legal battles.

• Personal Financial Assistance:
  "My wife and I... we said, let's do what we can to help them." (37:20)
  "If you have a thousand dollars... I know the money coming." (39:54)

• Emphasizing Genuine Friendship:
  "I don't associate myself with only a few people... learn to separate yourself and only feel yourself with people who can feel you." (39:54)

**6. Leadership Lessons and Personal Philosophy

Throughout the conversation, Sergeant Booker imparts key leadership lessons rooted in integrity, character, and setting high standards.

• Setting and Maintaining Standards:
  "If your uniform wasn't right, that is a problem for me... people respect you when you look professional." (29:41)
  "How you do small things is how you do all things." (30:56)

• Attention to Detail:
  "When you put your name on something, you want that document to reflect who you are." (30:56)

• Character and Integrity:
  "Never change who you are. Never compromise your values... it all starts with your character." (44:36)
  "Your character is all people can judge you on." (44:36)

**7. Conclusion and Final Advice

In his closing remarks, Sergeant Booker emphasizes the paramount importance of maintaining one's character and integrity, regardless of external pressures.

• Final Words of Wisdom:
  "Never change who you are. Never compromise your values, and if something is wrong, just know it's wrong." (44:36)
  "It's your character." (44:36)

• Host's Appreciation:
  Mick Hunt expresses deep respect and gratitude for Booker's insights, highlighting the episode's rich leadership lessons.
  "You've heard Sergeant Booker talk about it a lot, is you've got to have a standard and you've got to set the tone as a leader." (30:56)

Key Takeaways

• Integrity is Non-Negotiable: Upholding one’s values and character is crucial, especially in leadership roles within challenging environments.

• Set High Standards: Attention to detail and maintaining professionalism foster respect and trust among peers and subordinates.

• Support and Mentorship: Genuine mentorship can profoundly impact individuals, guiding them towards personal and professional growth.

• Navigate Complex Systems with Character: Understanding the intricate dynamics within institutions like prisons or sheriff departments requires steadfastness and ethical leadership.

Notable Quotes

1. "Never change who you are. Never compromise your values, and if something is wrong, just know it's wrong."
   — Sergeant James Booker (44:36)

2. "How you do small things is how you do all things."
   — Sergeant James Booker (30:56)

3. "People respect you when you look professional."
   — Sergeant James Booker (29:41)

4. "Raymond is a God-fearing man... I know he... that's not him."
   — Sergeant James Booker (34:05)

This episode of "Mick Unplugged" offers a raw and honest exploration of leadership within the complexities of law enforcement. Sergeant James Booker's experiences and philosophies serve as a guiding light for leaders aiming to foster integrity and character in their professional and personal lives.