James Watkins
Paterson,NJ
Summary
Dedicated School Resource Officer with a proven track record at Paterson Public Schools, enhancing school safety by 30% through expert conflict resolution and comprehensive security strategies. Skilled in youth counseling and law enforcement procedures, adept at fostering positive relationships and ensuring a secure learning environment.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
School Resource Officer
Paterson Public Schools
09.2013 - Current
- Conducted school security inspections.
- Fostered a positive school environment by building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
- Provided security and safety to school staff and students.
- Enhanced school safety by conducting regular campus patrols and monitoring potential threats.
- Investigated criminal matters occurring within school and on school property, compiling findings into detailed activity reports.
- Performed conflict resolution between student body, parents, teachers, and administration.
- Collaborated with administration and teachers to develop crisis plans.
- Served as liaison between the school and local law enforcement agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Participated in after-school programs to provide supervision and support, fostering a sense of community within the student body.
- Provided guidance and support for at-risk students through mentorship and counseling programs.
- Organized proactive safety drills to prepare students and staff for emergency situations, minimizing potential risks.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations to assess and deflect issues.
- Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.
- Wrote detailed reports of all security breaches and investigations.
Retired Police Officer
Paterson Police Dept.
09.1987 - 02.2013
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Conducted thorough investigations for various cases, leading to timely resolutions and justice served.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Enforced traffic laws diligently, promoting road safety and reducing accident rates.
- Responded immediately to reports of automobile accidents and criminal activity, calling for additional support as necessary.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
- Managed crowd control during events, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Gathered necessary information for court appearances and testified as witness under oath in court.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Developed strong rapport with local businesses owners to address concerns about crime or vandalism affecting their establishments.
- Issued traffic citations and electronic tickets for violations of traffic laws.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to solve complex cases and apprehend dangerous criminals.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Obtained information from arrested subjects to conduct debriefings.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Hudson County Youth House
03.1986 - 09.1987
- Advocated for alternatives to detention when appropriate, emphasizing the importance of community-based interventions over punitive measures.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks, utilizing time management skills, and maintaining organized case files.
- Established positive rapport with juveniles under supervision, fostering trust and open communication while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Promoted department's mission and procedures to community organizations, school officials and law enforcement.
Education
Physical Education
William Paterson College
WayneSkills
- Youth Counseling
- Conflict resolution skills
- Law enforcement procedures
- Student Engagement
- Law Enforcement
- Gang Awareness
- School safety
- Security Team Coordination
- Security procedures knowledge
- Security camera monitoring
- Honest and Dependable
- Reliable and Responsible
- Punctuality
- Keen observer
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Law Enforcement Collaboration
- Criminal Investigations
- Background Investigations
- Firearms expertise
- Armed Security Guard Certification
- Dispatch
- Superb surveillance skills
- Employee and Visitor Screening
- Patrolling
- Team Player
- Building security proficiency
Timeline
School Resource Officer
Paterson Public Schools
09.2013 - Current
Retired Police Officer
Paterson Police Dept.
09.1987 - 02.2013
Juvenile Probation Officer
Hudson County Youth House
03.1986 - 09.1987
Physical Education
William Paterson College