Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

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so they can get right to the story, however, in this case I wouldn’t recommend it. The introduction here provides a true outline of the Seize, Clear, Control, Hold framework, furnishing the reader with a guideline of what’s to come while validating the experiences of Mr. Antonelli is his successful achievement through this methodology. We then learn about the author and his vast experiences which have been recognized and noted both professionally and publicly, garnering acclaim through his many successes. Within this book, readers will find a clear pathway to reforming troubled facilities, while maintaining a professional bearing. Beginning with Chapter 1: Understating the Insurgency — Gang Parallel, the tone of the book is set through comparisons of Correctional operations, regarding gang activity, and what the military faces with insurgent groups. Similar in power structures, recruitment techniques, territorialism, and resource utilization, these groups have the ability and dynamics to control the flow of contraband and information when left unchecked. The challenge, as explained in the book, is in developing strategies to combat their influence.

As the book continues, it speaks to remaining steadfast in the mission and understanding that pushback, from staff and inmates, is to be expected but cannot be allowed to thwart the takeover of a troubled prison. Managing change effectively, with a reasonable time table, and with good communication, is paramount for any major changes if a facility wishes to succeed. The four phases, Seize, Clear, Build, Hold, are easily understood and highly relatable. As with many operational changes, there are overlapping themes throughout. Beginning with Seize , the author establishes the foundation for what’s to come by identifying the concerns that are occurring in the troubled prison. From there, the Clear phase describes applying corrective action to both bad practices and disruptive inmates in order to establish a good foundation. As we go into the Build phase, we see where creating long-term stability through leadership can discourage negative behavior while promoting positive. Finally, the Hold phase ties it all together in sustaining everything that’s been done to take-back the troubled prison. Within this book, readers will find a clear pathway to reforming troubled facilities, while maintaining a professional bearing. The application therein can further be utilized for better practices and to mitigate potential concerns in a pro-active way before they become larger problems. CT

Seize, Clear, Build, Hold: Regaining Control of Troubled Prisons By Bryan Antonelli, Independently Published, 2025, 171 pp. REVIEWED BY Kraig Emery, Training of Corrections, Boscawen, New Hamphire. I n his well-written book, Seize, Clear, Build, Hold, author Bryan Antonelli relies on decades of experience throughout all levels of leadership and prison management to set up a blueprint for success fully retaking troubled prisons. Though geared mainly towards the higher inmate population prisons, the concepts he brings to light while drawing distinct comparisons to military field manuals, make this a great and easily understandable resource that can be applied, no matter the size of the facility. Many readers will often skip over the introduction of a book Sergeant, Merrimack County Department

Corrections Today | Summer 2025

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