Dara Keeton
Millington Police Department
Brighton,TN
24
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented Public Safety and Compliance Professional experienced in community-focused policing and investigative techniques. Achieved strategic objectives through effective team leadership and project management while developing efficient processes aligned with organizational goals. Focused on creating secure environments and enhancing compliance standards.
Work History
Patrol Officer
1 Year 3 Months- Conducted routine patrols to ensure public safety and deter criminal activity.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls and incidents, providing assistance.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls and incidents, providing assistance as needed.
- Collaborated with community members to build trust and address neighborhood concerns.
- Prepared detailed incident reports documenting observations and actions taken during shifts.
- Engaged in conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
- Assisted in investigations by collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses at crime scenes.
Tennessee Jail Inspector
4 Years 8 Months- Conducted thorough inspections of correctional facilities to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Identified and reported safety hazards, contributing to enhanced facility security and inmate welfare.
- Collaborated with facility staff to develop corrective action plans for identified deficiencies.
- Trained new inspectors on compliance standards and inspection methodologies to ensure consistency.
- Evaluated operational processes within facilities, recommending improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed inspection reports detailing findings, ensuring accurate documentation for regulatory review.
- Led initiatives to implement best practices in facility management, promoting a culture of safety and accountability.
- Prepared reports detailing findings of inspections, investigations, and tests.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
- Upheld codes and regulations governing materials, processes, and procedures.
- Identified potential hazards and recommended corrective actions, ensuring a safer work environment for all employees.
- Maintained up-to-date inspection and audit records for improved reporting and analysis.
- Identified repair and upgrade requirements needed to meet safety and quality standards.
- Effectively communicated with clients and management to ensure alignment on inspection objectives, requirements, and expectations.
- Maintained accurate records of all inspections performed, allowing for more informed decision making regarding maintenance schedules and resource allocation.
- Taught Basic Correctional certification and annual In-Service classes to ensure all staff were up to date on laws and basic needs of facilities.
Staff Sergeant
5 Years 10 Months- Oversaw all divisions within the Corrections Division: Roadcrew, Transportation, Food Service, Medical and Administrative services.
- Helped maintain a balanced budget for the Corrections Division.
- Maintained training records for all staff and ensured compliance.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Correctional Sergeant
16 Years 11 Months- Supervised daily operations within facility, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
- Managed and trained correctional officers, fostering teamwork and effective communication.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate housing units to maintain security and order.
- Developed incident reports detailing unusual behavior or security breaches for review by management.
- Coordinated emergency response plans, enhancing preparedness for various crisis scenarios.
- Monitored inmate activities, addressing issues promptly to maintain a safe environment.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to support rehabilitation efforts for inmates in custody.
- Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Supervised 6+ employees and performance of tasks and managed 150+ offenders.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Evaluated job performance of subordinate staff members regularly while providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Efficiently managed resources such as time, personnel, and equipment to ensure smooth operations within the correctional facility.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of large-scale facility operations including cell searches, shakedowns, and evacuation drills.
- Contributed to creating a safer environment for both staff and inmates by maintaining vigilance, reporting concerns, and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in laws and guidelines related to corrections work.
- Managed inmate housing assignments to maintain optimal safety levels within the institution.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Checked all book in and discharges, making sure all charges have paperwork and all discharges have orders of discharge.
Corrections Corporal
4 Years 3 Months- Supervised inmate activities to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Conducted regular inspections of cells and common areas to identify safety hazards.
- Documented incident reports and maintained accurate records of inmate behavior.
- Assisted in training new staff on protocols and operational procedures.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate tense situations among inmates.
- Monitored surveillance systems to ensure compliance with facility regulations.
- Trained new corrections officers on institutional policies, procedures, and best practices for maintaining order within the facility.
- Improved inmate behavior by implementing consistent disciplinary protocols and promoting positive reinforcement.
- Collaborated with medical staff to ensure timely administration of medications and proper treatment for inmate health concerns.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate behavior, grievances, and incident reports to inform management decisions and contribute to overall facility improvements.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among staff by providing mentorship and support to fellow corrections officers in need of guidance or assistance.
- Oversaw visitation processes, ensuring compliance with established protocols while facilitating positive interactions between inmates and their families.
- Prepared detailed reports on notable events or incidents within the facility, contributing to informed decision-making by upper management.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on industry best practices, enhancing personal knowledge and effectiveness in the role.
- Managed the transportation of inmates to court appearances or external appointments while ensuring security measures were upheld at all times.
- Conducted routine cell searches to maintain a contraband-free environment, resulting in fewer security breaches.
- Enhanced facility safety through thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and perimeter fencing.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Checked all book in and discharges, making sure all charges have paperwork and all discharges have orders of discharge.
Correctional Officer
2 Years 7 Months- Monitored inmate behavior to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Assisted in conflict resolution among inmates, fostering a peaceful environment.
- Conducted regular inspections of premises and equipment to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Documented incidents and maintained accurate records for reporting purposes.
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Booked new inmates into the facility and processed inmates for release.
- Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of the public..
- Received and inspected mail, property, and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
High School Diploma
Skills
Patrol techniques
Traffic control
Self-defense training
Traffic management
Community engagement
First aid
Public safety
Self-defense tactics
Critical thinking
Public communication
Integrity and honesty
Public relations
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 30+ staff members.
- Facility Training Officer of the Year for the State of Tennessee.
- Graduate of Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
- Successful completion of 40 hour FBI Crisis Negotiations.
- Successful Completion of John E. Reid Investigative and advanced interrogation course.
- Graduate of Tennessee Public Safety Critical incident stress debriefing.
- Successful completion of Prison Rape and sexual assault investigations.
- TAC instructor for Aerko International.
- TOTAL Leadership graduate for Tipton County.
- Certified Department of Justice Prison Rape Elimination auditor.
Timeline
Patrol Officer
Millington Police Department
05.2025 - CurrentRead More
Tennessee Jail Inspector
Tennessee Corrections Institute
06.2020 - 02.2025Read More
Staff Sergeant
Tipton County Sheriffs Office
05.2014 - 03.2020Read More
Correctional Sergeant
Tipton County Sheriffs Office
09.2009 - 2014Read More
Corrections Corporal
Tipton County Sheriffs Office
06.2005 - 09.2009Read More
Correctional Officer
Tipton County Sheriffs Office
10.2002 - 05.2005Read More
Bethel University
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice
Read More
Munford High School
High School Diploma
Read More