Debra Christmas
Panama City,FL
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as a State Correctional Officer at the Florida Department of Corrections, excelling in inmate supervision and crisis management. Proven ability to enhance facility security through vigilant monitoring and effective conflict resolution. Skilled in emergency response and committed to maintaining safety and compliance within correctional environments.
Professional with strong background in maintaining safety and security within facilities. Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, and enforcing rules and regulations. Focused on collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Known for reliability and effective communication, with keen observational skills and strong sense of integrity. I retired from Florida Department of Corrections in April 2024.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Chartwell/Compass Bay District School Lunchroom Staff position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
State Correctional Officer
Florida Department Of Corrections
06.2000 - 04.2024
- Supervised daily activities of inmates, ensuring compliance with safety and security protocols.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities and equipment to maintain operational standards.
- Responded to emergencies, de-escalating situations and implementing crisis management procedures.
- Enforced institutional regulations while maintaining order and discipline among inmates.
- 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.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- 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.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- 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.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Facilitated effective emergency response drills, preparing staff for potential crises.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- 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.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Received and inspected mail, property, and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
Business Owner
Sun Belt Fire & Safety Supply
10.1988 - 06.2000
- Managed daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff on fire safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels to meet customer demand efficiently.
- Established long-term supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms for product procurement.
- Led marketing initiatives to promote fire safety products, increasing brand visibility in local markets.
- Analyzed customer feedback to enhance service offerings and improve overall client satisfaction.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced overhead costs.
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
- Delivered exceptional results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively and delegating responsibilities appropriately throughout the team.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations by staying current on industry requirements and implementing necessary changes in operations.
- License Certification with Florida State Fire Marshall Office to inspect, refill, recharge, sell new fire extinguishers, inspect and tag new and existing fire extinguishers in compliance with state rules & regulations.
- Recharged/refilled Portable Fire Extinguishers for businesses and homes.
- Inspected portable fire extinguishers for business and homes.
- Maintain showroom with state compliance signs, fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
Education
Certification -State of Florida Correction Officer - Correctional Officer
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, Florida, FL05-2000
High School Diploma -
Mosley High School
Lynn Haven, FL06-1978
Skills
- First aid training
- Emergency response
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution skills
- Inmate supervision
- Mental health awareness
- Correctional facility procedures
- Policy enforcement
- Restraint techniques
- Safety and security enforcement
- Inmate monitoring
- Self-defense tactics
- Search and seizure procedures
- Surveillance
- Observation
- Contraband seizure
- Safety
- Security procedures
- Stress tolerance
- Facility security
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Safety and security
Accomplishments
- Routinely supervised more than 144 detainee inmates in a dorm.
- Worked Control Room: Duties included keeping a daily log on the computer, checking officers and visitors in an out of the institution implementing department search procedures including x-ray scanning of individual and belongings brought into the institutional facility. I received Officer of the Month three times during my career which is a honor to be chosen by my co-workers and supervisors.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
State Correctional Officer
Florida Department Of Corrections
06.2000 - 04.2024
Business Owner
Sun Belt Fire & Safety Supply
10.1988 - 06.2000
Certification -State of Florida Correction Officer - Correctional Officer
Gulf Coast State College
High School Diploma -
Mosley High School