Joe M Ruiz
Imperial,CA
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in correctional facility operations. Proven abilities in decision-making, conflict resolution, and staff training. Committed to enhancing safety protocols and ensuring adherence to regulations.
Dynamic leader with a strong background in correctional operations and staff development. Expertise in analytical thinking and effective communication ensures compliance and enhances team performance. Ready to leverage skills for improved safety and operational efficiency.
Dedicated professional known for exceptional situational awareness and conflict resolution skills. Experienced in managing disciplinary processes and enhancing safety protocols. Focused on driving compliance and operational excellence within correctional environments.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Disciplinary Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
03.2026 - Current
- Managed Rules Violation Reports, ensuring accurate documentation and timely communication with stakeholders.
- Reviewed numerous Rules Violations Reports (RVRs), ensuring constitutional rights and due process are followed through the incarcerated persons’ disciplinary process.
- Served as a Senior Hearing Officer for incarcerated persons disciplinary hearings, specifically complex Rules Violation Reports with a nexus of Security Threat Groups.
- Trained subordinate staff with applicable audit tools, reports, and expectations.
- Trained many Correctional Officers and Sergeants with the incarcerated persons disciplinary process and provide tracking systems to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Monitor Centinelas State Prison RVRs, to ensure no due process violations and track DA referrable cases.
Health Care Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
01.2026 - 03.2026
- Integrated with the health care team to ensure that we deliver effective care to the incarcerated persons population while providing them with the highest level of security, efficiency and professionalism
- Oversee the Centinela State Transportation department, ensuring transportation provided the best security and professional service to the community and the prison.
- Toured several community contracted medical facilities to discuss public safety, incarcerated persons health care, and cost expenditures
- Organized documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and In Service training.
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
RHU Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
06.2024 - 01.2026
- Supervised daily operations within correctional facility, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
- Evaluated incident reports, identifying trends and recommending policy adjustments for improved security measures.
- Conducted regular inspections of the RHU to maintain compliance with security standards and operational guidelines.
- Revised several Operational Procedures, DOM supplements and Post Orders and ensure staff had the most updated and current policies and procedures to accomplish their daily duties.
- Member of Institutional Classification Committee for the RHU incarcerated persons, review their case factors and assisted the hiring authority with making determinations.
- Trained subordinate staff with RHU applicable audit tools, reports, and expectations. Review confidential reports,
Facility Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
06.2018 - 06.2024
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulations.
- Coordinated inmate programs, facilitating rehabilitation and skill development initiatives.
- Monitored and assessed facility conditions through routine inspections, reinforcing security measures and sanitation practices.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and emergency response protocols.
- Organized documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and In Service training.
- Collaborated with correctional officers to manage inmate behavior and conflict resolution strategies.
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
- monitored all facility Rules Violations Reports, DA referable cases and minor infractions.
- Assumed the duties as an Incident Commander in emergency situations and reported any applicable reportable incident.
Watch Commander
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Documented incidents and prepared reports for review by senior management, ensuring accuracy of information.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify potential safety hazards and ensure compliance standards were met.
- Provided support during inmate transfers and interactions with external agencies to uphold institutional integrity.
- Reduced response times to critical incidents by developing and executing efficient deployment strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of all watch activities, ensuring compliance with departmental policies and legal requirements.
- Supervised daily shift operations, providing guidance and support to officers in the field as needed.
- Coordinated with external agencies in emergency situations, facilitating effective collaboration and resource sharing.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and motivating team members to perform at their best.
Facility Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
10.2017 - 01.2018
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with facility protocols and safety regulations.
- Coordinated inmate movement and activities, maintaining order and security within housing units.
- Developed training programs for new staff, enhancing operational efficiency and team performance.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies, reducing incidents and fostering a safer environment.
- Monitored inmate behavior, documenting reports for assessment and intervention as necessary.
- Led emergency response drills, enhancing preparedness among staff and inmates for critical situations.
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
- Organized documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and In Service training.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop policies that improved overall facility management practices.
Correctional Sergeant (Program, Yard, Watch, HC)
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
06.2014 - 10.2017
- Supervised daily operations within facility to ensure compliance with security protocols.
- Coordinated staff assignments to maintain optimal coverage and efficiency during shifts.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate housing areas to identify safety hazards and policy violations.
- Developed training programs for new correctional officers, enhancing operational effectiveness and team cohesion.
- 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.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Serve as a Hearing Officer for Administrative disciplinary hearings and conduct grievances.
- Makes inspection tours to see that Correctional Officers are alert and diligent in the performance of their duties
- Evaluated job performance of subordinate staff members regularly while providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Contributed to creating a safer environment for both staff and inmates by maintaining vigilance, reporting concerns, and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Coordinated responses to critical incidents effectively ensuring minimal disruption to facility operations.
Correctional Officer
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
Imperial, CA
11.2005 - 06.2014
- Supervised inmate activities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Conducted regular security checks to maintain order within the facility.
- Managed conflict resolution among inmates, promoting a safe environment.
- Implemented emergency response protocols during critical incidents.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Conduct daily institutional counts and account for all inmates.
- Reports infractions of rules and regulations and irregular or suspicious occurrences and takes or recommends appropriate action and prevents escapes.
- Monitored all facility Rules Violations Reports, DA referable cases and minor infractions.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
Education
Associate of Science - Administration of Justice
Imperial Valley College
Imperial, CA05-2003
High School Diploma -
Alisal High
Salinas, CA06-2000
Skills
- Decision-making
- Report writing
- Public relations
- Meetings and presentations
- Program coordination
- Influencing skills
- Staff oversight
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Situational awareness
- Training and mentoring
- Safety protocols
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Surveillance techniques
- Record keeping
- Legal knowledge
- De-escalation techniques
- Interview techniques
- Incident response
- Surveillance
- Prisoner transport
- Crime investigation
- Inmate processing
- Courtroom testimony
- Crime prevention
- Search and rescue operations
- Evidence identification
- Firearms proficiency
- Investigative reports
Certification
- CPR -First Aid
- Weapons certified
- Baton Instructor certification
- T4T Instructor
- Narcotics Identification Kit
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Disciplinary Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
03.2026 - Current
Health Care Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
01.2026 - 03.2026
RHU Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
06.2024 - 01.2026
Facility Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
06.2018 - 06.2024
Watch Commander
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
01.2018 - 06.2018
Facility Lieutenant
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
10.2017 - 01.2018
Correctional Sergeant (Program, Yard, Watch, HC)
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
06.2014 - 10.2017
Correctional Officer
CDCR, Centinela State Prison
11.2005 - 06.2014
Associate of Science - Administration of Justice
Imperial Valley College
High School Diploma -
Alisal High