James Watson
Dothan
Summary
Experienced correctional professional with a strong focus on safety compliance and staff training. Proven ability to manage security operations, resolve conflicts, and foster teamwork to maintain order and safety within correctional facilities. Confident leader dedicated to process and procedure. Exceeds expectations for staff performance, consistently enforces rules and seeks opportunities for team improvement. Offers high integrity, attention to detail and excellent decision-making abilities. Seasoned in supervisory roles within correctional facilities, with hands-on experience in managing correctional officer teams and ensuring operational efficiency. Skilled in conflict resolution, staff training, and safety protocol implementation to maintain secure environments. Demonstrated ability to improve team performance and inmate management through strategic leadership and effective communication. Successfully enhanced facility operations and safety measures through proactive supervision and policy enforcement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
19
19
Certifications
Work History
Correctional Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
Dothan
08.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily operations of inmate housing units and staff activities.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and security regulations.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities and equipment for safety standards.
- Managed inmate movements within the facility, maintaining order and security.
- Trained new officers on procedures and emergency response protocols.
- Documented incidents and prepared reports for administrative review.
- Collaborated with medical staff to address inmate health concerns promptly.
- Supervised subordinate officers in their daily duties.
- Reviewed incident reports and other documentation submitted by subordinates.
- Conducted random searches for contraband items such as weapons or drugs.
- Communicated information regarding security, safety and operations through chain of command.
- Investigated allegations of misconduct by inmates and staff members.
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct and recommended disciplinary actions.
- Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies, regulations and procedures.
- Supervised and made cell assignments.
Correctional Lieutenant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
Dothan
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Supervised daily operations within detention facilities.
- Conducted regular inspections to ensure safety compliance.
- Trained new staff on policies and procedures.
- Provided leadership and supervision to subordinate staff.
- Evaluated employee performance, providing feedback as necessary.
- Provided guidance to staff on proper application of correctional policies and procedures.
- Reviewed daily logs to ensure accuracy of reported information related to inmate activities and personnel issues.
- Assessed staffing needs and implemented appropriate corrective actions when needed.
- Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
- Communicated information regarding security, safety and operations through chain of command.
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct and recommended disciplinary actions.
- Supervised and made cell assignments.
Correctional Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
Dothan
04.2014 - 11.2022
- Supervised daily operations of inmate housing units and staff activities.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities and equipment for safety standards.
- Trained new officers on procedures and emergency response protocols.
- Supervised subordinate officers in their daily duties.
- Reviewed incident reports and other documentation submitted by subordinates.
- Communicated information regarding security, safety and operations through chain of command.
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct and recommended disciplinary actions.
- Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies, regulations and procedures.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior management to discuss operational needs and objectives.
- Supervised and made cell assignments.
- Conducted scheduled headcounts to verify presence of prisoners.
- Assigned and monitored training needs of subordinate staff members to close knowledge and performance gaps.
Correctional Officer
Houston County Sheriff's Office
Dothan
03.2010 - 04.2014
- Monitored inmate behavior and compliance with facility regulations.
- Conducted regular security checks throughout assigned areas of the facility.
- Assisted in the transportation of inmates to court and medical appointments.
- Responded to emergencies, ensuring the safety of staff and inmates.
- Trained new officers on policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Inspected cells and conducted random searches of common areas.
- Observed inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Detected potential threats and quickly defused conflicts.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all relevant information related to daily operations at the correctional facility.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Conducted headcounts to ensure that all inmates were accounted for.
- Enforced institutional policies and procedures to maintain order and security within the correctional facility.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
Education
High School Diploma -
George W. Long
Skipperville, AL05-1995
Skills
- Safety compliance
- Incident reporting
- Staff training
- Emergency response
- Security management
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Situational awareness
- Inmate transport
- Inmate movement control
- Rules of conduct
- Crisis management
- Staff supervision
- Inmate transportation
- Offender escort
- Inspections
- Rule enforcement
- Restraint techniques
- Security procedures
- Inmate supervision
- Security protocols
- Officer training
- Use of Restraints
- Adaptability
- Reliability
- Employee development
- Multitasking
- Search inmates
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Inmate monitoring
- Multitasking Abilities
Certification
APOSTC Approved Jail Management Course
Timeline
Correctional Sergeant
Houston County Sheriff's Office
08.2024 - Current
Correctional 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
High School Diploma -
George W. Long