James Watson
Enterprise,Al
Summary
Dynamic Corrections Sergeant with extensive experience at Houston County Sheriff's Office, excelling in crisis management and inmate supervision. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and staff performance through effective training and policy enforcement. Adept at conflict resolution, ensuring safety and compliance within correctional facilities while fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Rational Correctional Officer Sergeant with an assertive and firm demeanor. Committed to maintaining ethical and moral standards while supervising and monitoring staff and offenders. Familiar with mental health and behavioral disorders.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corrections Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
08.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily operations within correctional facility, ensuring safety and security protocols were followed.
- Coordinated inmate activities and schedules, promoting rehabilitation and compliance with facility rules.
- Trained new staff on procedures and policies, enhancing team performance and operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify safety hazards and ensure proper maintenance standards.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to facilitate inmate transfers and coordinate responses to emergencies.
- Evaluated staff performance through regular assessments, providing feedback to enhance professional development initiatives.
- Prevented potential security breaches by routinely inspecting perimeter fencing, gates, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofs, locks, alarms systems, lighting fixtures in the facility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in corrections.
- Facilitated open communication channels among team members to create a cohesive unit working towards common goals.
- Improved staff performance through consistent training, evaluations, and constructive feedback.
- Promoted inmate accountability through regular inspections of living quarters and personal belongings.
- Increased operational efficiency by effectively managing daily shift schedules, work assignments, and resource allocation.
- Maintained a secure environment for inmates and staff by closely adhering to established protocols and procedures.
- Ensured safety within the correctional facility by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring surveillance systems.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Supervised 8-12 employees and performance of tasks and managed 425-480 offenders.
- Participated in development of correctional policies and procedures.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
Corrections Lieutenant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Supervised daily operations within correctional facility to ensure safety and compliance.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities, identifying maintenance needs and addressing safety concerns.
- Trained and mentored new officers in procedures, policies, and crisis management techniques.
- Developed and implemented policies that enhanced inmate rehabilitation programs and reduced recidivism rates.
- Led conflict resolution efforts among inmates, fostering a safer environment for staff and residents.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends, recommending strategic adjustments to improve operational efficiency.
- Oversaw scheduling of staff shifts, ensuring adequate coverage while managing budgetary constraints effectively.
- Managed shift scheduling for officers, optimizing personnel allocation to maintain a safe and secure environment at all times.
- Conducted thorough investigations into alleged policy violations, ensuring proper disciplinary action was taken when warranted.
- Maintained secure facility operations by conducting regular security checks and monitoring surveillance systems.
- Ensured adherence to state and federal guidelines regarding inmate rights, consistently maintaining ethical standards within the facility.
- Provided guidance to subordinate officers on best practices in corrections management, fostering a culture of excellence within the department.
- Improved inmate behavior by implementing and enforcing strict disciplinary protocols.
- Reviewed officer performance evaluations regularly, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback for ongoing professional growth.
- Streamlined incident report processes, ensuring timely documentation and follow-up actions for all occurrences within the facility.
- Implemented safety measures to protect both staff and inmates from potential harm within the corrections environment.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Supervised 8-12 employees and performance of tasks and managed 420-480 offenders.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Participated in development of correctional policies and procedures.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
Correctional Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
04.2014 - 11.2022
- Supervised daily activities of correctional staff to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to maintain safety and security standards.
- Trained and mentored new correctional officers in operational protocols and emergency procedures.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate volatile situations among inmates.
- Developed training programs focusing on safety practices and inmate management techniques.
- Evaluated staff performance, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates, address concerns, and enhance operational efficiency.
- 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.
- Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
- 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.
- Facilitated positive relationships between staff members and inmates by encouraging respectful interactions at all times.
- Improved staff performance by providing training and guidance on institutional policies and best practices.
- 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.
- Coordinated responses to critical incidents effectively ensuring minimal disruption to facility operations.
- Coordinated responses to emergency situations arising in different prison locations.
- Managed inmate housing assignments to maintain optimal safety levels within the institution.
- Streamlined record-keeping processes, maintaining accurate documentation of incidents and daily activities within the facility.
- Established strong working relationships with external agencies such as police departments, courts, probation officers which facilitated seamless communication during inmate transfers and other processes.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Participated in development of correctional policies and procedures.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
Correctional Officer
Houston County Sheriff's Office
03.2010 - 04.2014
- Supervised inmate activities and ensured compliance with facility regulations.
- Conducted regular security checks to maintain safety and order within the facility.
- Implemented de-escalation techniques to manage conflicts among inmates effectively.
- Trained new officers on protocols, safety measures, and emergency response procedures.
- Prepared detailed incident reports for administrative review and legal documentation.
- Monitored inmate behavior and reported any suspicious or non-compliant actions promptly.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to enhance skills in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
- Bolstered team morale and cooperation through effective leadership and communication.
- Mitigated potential security breaches with vigilant contraband detection practices.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- 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.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Corrections Supervisor
Dale County Sheriff's Office
2008 - 03.2010
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulations.
- Developed training programs for staff on emergency response and conflict resolution techniques.
- Monitored inmate behavior, implementing behavioral interventions to maintain order within facility.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to facilitate inmate transfers and court appearances.
- Implemented new scheduling system, enhancing efficiency of staff assignments and resource allocation.
- Mentored junior staff in effective communication strategies to foster positive inmate interactions.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure efficient facility operations and resource allocation.
- Reduced incidents of contraband by conducting thorough cell searches and maintaining vigilant security protocols.
- Mentored junior corrections officers in their career progression, providing guidance on best practices for maintaining facility safety and security standards.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement among staff members by encouraging open communication and feedback on facility operations, policies, and procedures.
- Enhanced staff performance through consistent training and professional development opportunities.
- Maintained a safe environment for both inmates and staff by enforcing strict adherence to facility policies and procedures.
- Managed staffing schedules efficiently to ensure adequate coverage of all areas within the correctional institution while minimizing overtime costs.
- Increased staff morale through regular communication, recognition, and support initiatives.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Supervised 5-6 employees and performance of tasks and managed 140 offenders.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
Education
High School Diploma -
George W. Long
Skipperville, ALSkills
- Inmate supervision
- Restraint techniques
- Incident investigation
- Security protocols
- Scheduling coordination
- Policy enforcement
- Crisis management
- Legal compliance
- Contraband detection
- Security and law enforcement
- Inmate movement control
- Inmate transport
- Job assignments
- Security procedures
- Officer training
- Staff supervision
- Conflict management
- Rule enforcement
- Inspections
- Offender escort
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Decision-making
- Inmate monitoring
- Self motivation
- Search and seizure procedures
- Conflict resolution
- Facility security
- Schedule management
- Staff training
- Employee scheduling
- Adaptability
- Employee development
Certification
APOSTC Approved Jail Management Course
Aerosol Chemical Weapons Course
Correctional Intelligence, Gangs, Security, and Control
OC Spray Certification
Assisting Individuals in Crisis
M26 and X26 Taser Certification
Down Officer Rescue
Tactical Rescue Tether Basic Usage
National Sheriff's Association Jail Officer Correspondents Training
Cellblock Survival Training
National Leadership Command Academy
National Certified Corrections Officer (NIJO)
How To Survive And Thrive In Corrections
2025 AJAC Annual Summit
Crisis Intervention Training
Emerging Trends In Jail Liability
Verbal De-Escalation/Crisis Intervention
The Wrap (Instructor)
ShadowRidge Leadership Counseling
Timeline
Corrections Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
08.2024 - Current
Corrections Lieutenant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
11.2022 - 08.2024
Correctional Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
04.2014 - 11.2022
Correctional Officer
Houston County Sheriff's Office
03.2010 - 04.2014
Corrections Supervisor
Dale County Sheriff's Office
2008 - 03.2010
High School Diploma -
George W. Long