Jessica Vigil-Richards
Los Lunas
Summary
Professional with significant experience in correctional facility management, capable of maintaining security and order, excelling in crisis management, inmate supervision, enhancing facility safety through strategic planning and effective communication.
Experienced with financial planning, analysis, and budget management. Utilizes analytical skills to develop and implement cost-saving measures. Track record of collaborating with teams to achieve financial goals and streamline processes.
Strong focus on team collaboration, ensuring reliable performance and adaptability to changing needs. Committed to professional ethics and continuous improvement in correctional practices. Skills include conflict resolution, crisis management, and regulatory compliance. Known for leadership, integrity, and achieving results.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Warden
Central New Mexico Correctional Facility
06.2023 - Current
- Monitored facility operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Assisted in maintaining a secure environment through effective surveillance and monitoring techniques.
- Learned procedures for handling emergency situations to protect staff and inmates.
- Supported daily administrative tasks, including record keeping and report preparation.
- Participated in training programs to enhance understanding of security measures and protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain order and discipline within the facility.
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances and responded effectively to incidents as they arose.
- Engaged in regular communication with staff to promote a positive workplace culture and teamwork.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing correctional institutions by maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security audits and addressing potential risks.
- Fostered strong working relationships with external agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, and social services to facilitate successful offender reintegration into society.
- Streamlined operations with effective budget management and resource allocation strategies.
- Developed strategic plans for long-term facility improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Promoted a positive work environment for staff through clear communication and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Established strong lines of communication between departments within the facility, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation towards shared goals.
- Collaborated with community organizations to develop educational programming that supported personal growth among inmates during their incarceration period.
- Achieved high levels of team morale amongst correctional staff by recognizing accomplishments regularly through formal awards ceremonies.
Warden
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility
10.2020 - 06.2023
- Monitored facility operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Assisted in maintaining a secure environment through effective surveillance and monitoring techniques.
- Learned procedures for handling emergency situations to protect staff and inmates.
- Supported daily administrative tasks, including record keeping and report preparation.
- Participated in training programs to enhance understanding of security measures and protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain order and discipline within the facility.
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances and responded effectively to incidents as they arose.
- Engaged in regular communication with staff to promote a positive workplace culture and teamwork.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing correctional institutions by maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security audits and addressing potential risks.
- Fostered strong working relationships with external agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, and social services to facilitate successful offender reintegration into society.
- Streamlined operations with effective budget management and resource allocation strategies.
- Developed strategic plans for long-term facility improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Promoted a positive work environment for staff through clear communication and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Established strong lines of communication between departments within the facility, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation towards shared goals.
- Collaborated with community organizations to develop educational programming that supported personal growth among inmates during their incarceration period.
- Achieved high levels of team morale amongst correctional staff by recognizing accomplishments regularly through formal awards ceremonies.
Deputy Warden
Penitentiary of New Mexico
02.2020 - 10.2020
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with institutional policies and safety standards.
- Coordinated staff scheduling and resource allocation to optimize facility management efficiency.
- Implemented training programs for new staff, enhancing operational knowledge and performance.
- Monitored inmate behavior and activities, maintaining security and order within the facility.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities, ensuring maintenance of safety equipment and infrastructure integrity.
- Oversaw daily operations of the facility, coordinating staff schedules, assigning duties, and maintaining compliance with regulations.
- Promoted open lines of communication between inmates and staff members, mediating conflicts as they arose and resolving issues effectively.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential threats within the facility, promptly addressing concerns to maintain optimal security levels.
- Maintained a safe environment for inmates and staff through diligent monitoring and effective communication.
Unit Manager
Penitentiary of New Mexico
03.2016 - 02.2020
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to policies and operational standards.
- Led project initiatives aimed at optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste.
- Conducted regular audits of operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
- Resolved conflicts among team members quickly to maintain a positive working environment conducive
- Supervision of Special Management offenders and programs
- Create and initiate programming services
- Ensure multidisciplinary teams meet and evaluate offenders behavior and compliance to education and job assignments
- Fulfilling the role of Interim Deputy Warden during the positions vacancy
Lieutenant
Penitentiary of New Mexico
11.2013 - 03.2016
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
- Conducted regular inspections to assess operational readiness and identify areas for improvement.
- Led crisis response efforts, coordinating resources and ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to develop effective strategies for case management and resource allocation.
- Conducted detailed investigations, gathering essential evidence to support legal proceedings.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Organized criminal documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving, CPR, Defensive tactics
Lieutenant/STIU Coordinator
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
05.2012 - 11.2013
- Conducted investigations involving staff, inmates, the introduction of drugs and gang activity within a Level III custody overseeing 600 inmates.
- Supervision of the STIU Sergeant, STIU Officer, STIU Phone monitor, STIU Technician and multiple K-9 Officers.
- Ensured security rounds were conducted and the inmate population was monitored through searches, observance in the units, the monitoring of phone calls and mail.
- Conducted investigations in order to complete validations on gang members and monitored movement on disruptive groups.
- Completed high security high profile transports and completed special operations with the gang task force.
- Supervised the daily operations of the STIU Department to also include scheduling and time approval of staff, evaluations, disciplinary actions on staff and imposing work improvement plans.
Lieutenant/Disciplinary/Grievance Coordinator
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
12.2008 - 05.2012
- Conducted did dual duties, assigned as a shift commander however also assigned as the Department Head for the Disciplinary and Grievance Department.
- Shift Commander supervised Level III custody facility housing approximately 600 inmates, supervised all security staff to include officers, sergeants, transports, and programs, oversite of administration staff.
- Maintain control and custody of the institution and also to ensure safe daily operations in accordance with the building schedule.
- Completed rosters and the placement of staff in all security posts, completed rounds and unit checks throughout the facility, completing all documentation to include Serious Incident Reports.
- Quick decision making skills to ensure the safety and control of the institution.
- Disciplinary and Grievance Lieutenant, Department Head and supervised staff working in these departments to include processing staff timesheets, evaluations and improvement plans,
- Conducted Major level disciplinary hearings in order to conclude a decision of guilt or no guilt, impose sanctions for Major level infractions.
- Assigned as the evidence custodian, maintaining and dispose of all evidence in accordance with policy procedures.
- Supervised the Grievance Department in which I completed investigations on informal complaints and formal grievances for the inmates due process, abide by timelines and regulations in which were completed in a timely manner.
- Facilitated communication between departments, ensuring alignment on project objectives and timelines.
- Coordinated multi-agency operations for complex cases, sharing information efficiently while protecting sensitive data.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving, CPR, defensive tactics
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
- Conducted detailed investigations, gathering essential evidence to support legal proceedings.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Organized criminal documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
Disciplinary Officer
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
10.2004 - 12.2008
- Developed and enforced standard operating procedures, promoting consistency across all functions.
- Facilitated training sessions on best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Assigned to conduct Investigations and Hearings of Major and Minor Level reports to include such charges as assault, battery, possession of a weapon, possession of drugs, threats.
- Conduct staff and inmate interviews as well as collecting relevant evidence/chain of custody or overseeing areas declared as a crime scene.
- Impose a finding of guilt or no guilt and impose sanctions in accordance with the infraction committed.
- Dual role also working the line in various security positions. I became a instructor for report writing to ensure accurate information in those completing reports.
Correctional Officer/Clerk
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
09.1999 - 12.2000
- Enforced safety regulations and maintained order within correctional facilities.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmates and facility to prevent contraband introduction.
- Responded swiftly to incidents, employing de-escalation techniques to manage conflicts.
- Monitored inmate behavior and provided reports on daily activities and disturbances.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled 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.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Assisted in crisis negotiations, preventing escalations and ensuring safety of inmates and staff.
- Facilitated effective emergency response drills, preparing staff for potential crises.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Education
Certification -
New Mexico Corrections Academy
Santa Fe, NM05-2000
High School Diploma -
Valencia High School
Valencia, CA06-1997
Skills
- Inmate supervision
- Workplace safety
- Weapons handling
- Self-defense training
- Recruitment and hiring
- Security protocols
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis management
- Employee retention
- Labor relations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Professional ethics
- Operational planning
- Goal setting
- Administrative procedures
- Strategic planning
- Employee development
- Budget management
Accomplishments
- Achieved the collaboration of combining a privately owned institution with a state government facility, a milestone transition for the New Mexico Department of Corrections
- Achieved the opening of a Level I Minimum Restrict Facility providing housing, programs, security operations for an additional 336 inmates
Timeline
Warden
Central New Mexico Correctional Facility
06.2023 - Current
Warden
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility
10.2020 - 06.2023
Deputy Warden
Penitentiary of New Mexico
02.2020 - 10.2020
Unit Manager
Penitentiary of New Mexico
03.2016 - 02.2020
Lieutenant
Penitentiary of New Mexico
11.2013 - 03.2016
Lieutenant/STIU Coordinator
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
05.2012 - 11.2013
Lieutenant/Disciplinary/Grievance Coordinator
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
12.2008 - 05.2012
Disciplinary Officer
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
10.2004 - 12.2008
Correctional Officer/Clerk
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
09.1999 - 12.2000
Certification -
New Mexico Corrections Academy
High School Diploma -
Valencia High School
Warden of the Year 2023
Awarded Warden of the Year for 2023 for the New Mexico Corrections Department
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