Carlos Eli Cruz
Laredo,TX
Summary
Currently, I am assigned a Captain at GEO Group South Texas Processing Center where I am responsible for the Security Operation of the facility. Before this, I was the Chief of Security at The GEO Group Rio Grande Processing Center. As the Chief of Security, I gained knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Facility Administrator. During my tenure as Chief of Security, I learned the complexities of the security operation of a correctional facility and the importance of the management of staff. Some of my extra duties related to the interaction with the facility client and on-site monitors. Further, as Chief of Security, I had the opportunity to work directly with the United States Marshall Services (USMS) and Federal Burial of Investigation (FBI) in criminal cases related to the breach of security in our correctional facility. These cases led to several arrests and increased the integrity of the facility's security operations. Before that, I was a Lieutenant for RGPC where I gained the Knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a Chief of Security. The skills learned as a Lieutenant prepared me to be promoted to Chief of security at RGPC. As a Correctional Officer, I was allowed to join the Correction Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) which helped me gain the ambition to succeed and start my journey in the field of corrections.
Security professional driven by high standards and results. Strong background in risk management, emergency response, and threat assessment. Skilled at leading teams, fostering collaboration, and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability and strategic planning.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Security
Geo Group Secure Services
04.2022 - 02.2024
- Oversee the Security operations for the Rio Grande Processing Center
- Revise and review all daily Security operation documentation (Count sheet, security perimeter inspections, daily shift rosters, shift activity logs, Restricted Housing Unit administrative documentation)
- Conduct monthly meetings with all Security supervisors
- (Lieutenant, Sergeant)
- Speak of any updates within facility policies, and client policies
- Apply corrective action plans if needed for daily operations Inform the supervisor of upcoming audits and the expectations for the facility grounds and documentation
- As part of the executive staff my responsibility expands to oversite of numerous departments within RGPC for example: Kitchen, Medical, Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, Intake, Maintenance, and Armory
- Work on audit tools when in preparation for upcoming audits
- Corporate Office, US Marshal Service, ICE Immigration Service, ACA, PREA, PBNDS, and ODO conduct some of the audits
- Work on CAPs (Corrective Action Plan) with the Security department after audits are complete
- Have oversite of the CAPs for approximately 8 weeks and submit all documentation to the Compliance Office
- As part of the CERT Team I am also the facility CERT Commander
- I conduct training for all employees in Defensive tactics, Chemical agents, Physical training, and Use of Force training
- Executive staff will review local policies and ensure the facility complies with Client (USMS/ICE) standards
- Update any policies when needed and conduct training with all RGPC personnel
- Revise all Security Operation reports after any incident within the facility grounds
- Fights, medical assistance, assault, hospital runs, contraband finds
- Review and submit final approval for SIR reports submitted to GEO Corporate Office
- Directed security services and safety functions to align key processes with goals and objectives of organization and regulatory compliance.
- Submitted documentation for weekly payroll, managed schedules, and enforced policies.
- Coordinated protective service operations with other emergency response agencies.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement strategies to mitigate security risks.
- Coordinated with IT personnel regarding security of digital assets and information systems.
- Delivered comprehensive reports on organizational vulnerabilities regularly, providing actionable insights for decisionmakers.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to enhance information sharing and improve overall community safety.
Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor
The GEO Group
07.2018 - 04.2022
- Maintain custody and control of adult female and male offenders housed at the Rio Grande Detention Center in compliance with client contracts, policies, and procedures
- Maintain and oversee the safety and well-being of all offenders and staff by conducting rounds through all areas of the detainee population including contacting all assigned staff and detainees
- Direct line supervisor for assistant shift supervisors and correctional officers
- Defuse disruptive behavior by verbal interventions
- Prepare inmates for transport through search and application of appropriate restraining devices, depending on the security level, and ensure all related materials to be transported with inmates are ready and in order
- Oversee unit counts to confirm and maintain the total population
- Respond to emergencies according to facility procedures, such as medical, fire, security, etc
- Read policy & procedure manuals, directives, and memos to correctional staff
- Write narrative reports describing events that have happened, such as confidential reports, incident reports, disciplinary reports, special observations reports, etc
- Communicate information regarding security, safety, and operations through the chain of command
- Prepare training lessons and schedules
- Conduct and prepare all documentation for detainee’s weekly and monthly reviews
- Conduct inspections of the facility
- Review documentation for audits
Interim Chief of Security
Geo Group Secure Services
09.2019 - 12.2019
- On September 19, 2019, assumed the position of Interim Chief of Security at Liberty County Jail in Liberty, TX
- I introduced meal breaks and labor management to staff/shift personnel in working to control leakage and unnecessary overtime
- I had oversite on all facility documentation, making sure all documentation was filled out and turned in correctly
- To include facility, count sheet, and proper filling of documents
- I also introduced proper radio etiquette making it a point for staff to know a radio is a lifeline and it’s to be used for justified traffic calls or in case of emergencies
- Staff was scheduled accordingly to receive proper training (CPR, Defensive Tactics) Carlos Cruz worked hand in hand with Geo Group Secure Services regional and corporate personnel to include Liberty County Sheriff’s Office
- Numerous areas were targeted within the facility to ensure updated inventories, for example (chemical agents, keys, armory)
- A master key inventory was created for both paracentric and mogul keys
- Restraint keys were also introduced to the facility
- Staff was also given proper uniform equipment to assure staff conducted daily duties (belt clips, chains) with proper key control
- Units inside Liberty County Jail received new cosmetic additions for example (fresh paint) on walls, doors, and ceiling
- Replaced light fixtures, shower curtains/rods, and wall mounts for microwaves and televisions
- All floors received daily buffing and cleanliness
- Assisted other departments (Medical, Food Service) in cleaning out offices, and work areas to improve daily facility functions
- Liberty County Jail grounds received landscape duties mowed and trimmed edges
- Implemented cleanliest dorm, where the detainee/ inmate population participated in a weekly competition for the cleanliest dorm and upon inspection would receive a prize for example (popcorn, cookies, chips, and ice cream) if selected
- This helped tremendously in maintaining facility cleanliness and sanitation up to par
- Drills were conducted around the facility grounds to get staff to respond with a sense of urgency to any type of situation
- (Man down, code red-blue-black, suicide attempts)
- I also conducted interviews for the positions of Assistant Shift Supervisor and Correctional Officer
- To meet facility staffing plan numbers and allow the facility to work at its highest potential
- I was also a participant in a mortality report in which we assisted in gathering information or documentation for the onsite monitor/ investigator in connection to a recent Suicide incident just weeks before my arrival at Liberty County Jail
- I was part of a Jail Commission Inspection which resulted in a PASSING grade, making it the first positive outcome out of the 4 previous inspections under different administrations
Full-time Employee, Assistant Shift Supervisor
The GEO Group
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Assist Shift Supervisor with daily duties
- Part of those duties are conducting training with staff, counseling/advising for both staff and detainees, preparing shift rosters and daily documents, also to include scheduling staff time off and/or editing timecards
- Conduct rounds in housing units to make sure officers are completing assigned duties in accordance with policy and procedure
- Make sure the facility standards are being met, sanitation is being conducted daily; provide staff with proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- I work hand in hand with the US
- Marshal Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement when dealing with daily facility activities and/ or High-Risk Escorts
- I have been in multiple High-Risk Transportation where we transport detainees to local court or to sister facilities
- I have escorted high-ranking Zeta Cartel and Mexican Mafia members
- I have assisted a sister facility as a supervisor and as part of a CERT team member in Kinder, Louisiana (Allen Correctional Center)
- I have trained with Chemical Agents OC and CS, riot gear, self-defense, as well as low light shooting with both handgun and AR-15
- As a supervisor and as a CERT Member I have learned to perform and handle highly stressful situations to guide my staff effectively and regain control of situations
- I work together with other departments to ensure the overall mission of the Rio Grande Detention Center to maintain the safety, security, and accountability of detainees
Full-time Employee, Correctional Officer
The GEO Group
01.2013 - 08.2015
- Supervised/monitored detainee's movements around the housing medical room, recreation, barber shop, and dorm
- Escort detainee to visitation or medical department as needed, also responsible for any detainee needs or problems that may arise
- Qualified CERT Member (Correction
- Emergency
- Respond Team) We respond to any disturbances around the facility
- I have participated in numerous cell extractions where I am the first officer to enter the cell (shield man) in a five-man team
- My role is to secure or assist the detainee to the wall or ground to allow my team to gain control and apply restraints
- Certified to work in the Restricted Housing Unit where high-risk detainees are housed
- Certified to carry a firearm, which allows me to participate in any duties outside the facility forex
- Mobile patrol, medical/ hospital runs, or escorts
Full-time Employee, started as CSA and promoted to CSR
HEB Grocery Store
11.2009 - 01.2013
- Customer Service Assistant, assisted with bagging groceries and gathering shopping carts
- Customer Service Representative, restocked groceries/items in assigned aisles
Full-time Employee, Boys Director
Laredo Boys and Girls Club
12.2011 - 05.2012
- Supervisory work, supervised children, and hosted group activities
Seasonal Employee, Mover
Laredo Moving Storage
06.2007 - 08.2009
- Relocation services, moved furniture and heavy equipment
Education
College Credits -
Laredo Community College
Laredo, Texas12.2010
High School Diploma -
Raymond & Tirza Martin High School
Laredo, Texas05.2009
Skills
- Self-motivated
- Strong verbal communication
- Team leadership
- Risk management processes and analysis
- Staff development
- Extremely organized
- Staff training and development
- Incident response management
- Emergency preparedness
- Security management
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- CCTV monitoring
- Security reporting
- Staff discipline
- Tactical operations
- Crowd control
- Corrective actions
- Investigation techniques
Accomplishments
CERT Member
CERT Commander
Detainee Transport
Firearms
Less Lethal
DCT
CPR
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Chief of Security
Geo Group Secure Services
04.2022 - 02.2024
Interim Chief of Security
Geo Group Secure Services
09.2019 - 12.2019
Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor
The GEO Group
07.2018 - 04.2022
Full-time Employee, Assistant Shift Supervisor
The GEO Group
08.2015 - 07.2018
Full-time Employee, Correctional Officer
The GEO Group
01.2013 - 08.2015
Full-time Employee, Boys Director
Laredo Boys and Girls Club
12.2011 - 05.2012
Full-time Employee, started as CSA and promoted to CSR
HEB Grocery Store
11.2009 - 01.2013
Seasonal Employee, Mover
Laredo Moving Storage
06.2007 - 08.2009
High School Diploma -
Raymond & Tirza Martin High School
College Credits -
Laredo Community College
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