John Dorris
Saginaw,MI
Summary
Experienced chaplain and corrections professional with a strong background in crisis response, security coordination, and policy compliance across Michigan correctional facilities.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Prison Chaplain
Michigan Department of Corrections
Saint Louis, Michigan
07.2010 - Current
- Coordinated worship services across Michigan corrections facilities.
- Provided pastoral counseling to incarcerated individuals.
- Monitored religious activities under institutional security procedures.
- Scheduled volunteer clergy and faith group visits.
- Consulted with custody staff on offender religious needs.
- Maintained chaplaincy records and service documentation.
- Supported multi-faith observances within Michigan Department of Corrections.
- Advised staff on religious accommodations and faith practices.
- Advised inmates on moral questions or dilemmas they may be facing in their lives.
- Conducted one-on-one meetings with inmates to discuss personal issues and provide emotional support.
- Provided counseling services to inmates and their families.
- Helped mediate conflicts between prisoners and staff members when necessary.
- Organized weekly religious services within the prison.
- Developed and implemented programs that promoted spiritual growth among inmates.
- Promoted understanding between different faiths within the prison population.
- Supervised volunteers assisting with religious programming inside the facility.
- Organized special events such as retreats or conferences for prisoners.
- Researched current trends in prison chaplaincy to keep up with best practices in the field.
- Collaborated with other members of the prison staff to ensure a safe environment for all inmates.
- Provided referrals to outside agencies when appropriate for additional assistance or resources.
- Encouraged positive behavior changes through education about religion and spirituality.
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of distress or emergency situations.
- Evaluated existing policies pertaining to religious activities inside the correctional facility.
- Managed challenging emotional situations with sensitivity and care.
- Delivered high level of spiritual guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to residents, loved ones and employee teams.
- Supervised office and managed all records and files for chaplain.
- Participated in regular training sessions on prisoner rights, safety protocols, and ethical practices.
- Created educational materials for use during worship services or classes.
- Prepared reports summarizing progress made by inmates participating in rehabilitative programs.
- Facilitated and participated in prayer services while honoring religious preferences of patients, loved ones, and staff within hospital.
- Maintained availability to answer pages for emergency pastoral care during assigned shifts.
- Collaborated closely with individuals to better understand unique issues and determine appropriate levels of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
- Referred patients and associates to local clergy and pastoral ministries.
- Carried out church mission by planning and leading worship services, writing sermons and working with church leaders.
- Planned special ceremonies, services and events in coordination with families and individuals.
- Instructed and guided individuals converting to new faith.
- Officiated weddings and led funeral services for church members.
- Administered communion, baptisms and other religious rites.
- Prepared participants for roles in ceremonies, services or events.
- Oversaw building management, supplies orders and facility repairs.
- Studied and interpreted religious laws, doctrines and traditions.
- Prepared participants for roles in ceremonies, services or events.
- Oversaw building management, supplies orders and facility repairs.
- Studied and interpreted religious laws, doctrines and traditions.
Correctional Officer
Michigan Department of Corrections
Saint Louis, Michigan
05.1999 - 07.2010
- Supported security and order within Michigan Department of Corrections correctional facilities.
- Observed inmate behavior and reported safety concerns to supervisors.
- Performed inmate counts, searches, and facility inspections for contraband.
- Escorted prisoners during movement, court trips, and medical appointments.
- Enforced department rules, post orders, and inmate conduct standards.
- Responded to disturbances, alarms, and emergency situations with approved procedures.
- Documented incidents, observations, and shift activity in correctional reports.
- Communicated with staff using radios, logs, and secure facility procedures.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Inspected cells and conducted random searches of common areas.
- Observed inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Identified potential security threats during daily observations. and quickly defused conflicts.
- Monitored daily activities to identify and manage suspicious behavior, improper conduct, and signs of conflict.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Maintained clear and open communications with facility areas to support safe operations.
- Applied non-violent response tools and physical restraint during problematic situations.
- Enforced resident behavior management protocols and drafted incident reports for infractions.
- Received property from incoming inmates, provided receipts and inspected items for contraband.
- Maintained inmate logs and entered information into electronic offender record systems for regulatory monitoring.
- Oversaw public areas and grounds to verify cleanliness and inmate safety.
- Supervised offender work assignments and evaluated performance for compliance with standard regulations.
- Reviewed housing assignments and reassigned inmates to meet allocation and safety needs.
- Operated security control systems to monitor entrances, exits, and movement within the facility.
- Enforced institutional policies and procedures to maintain order and security within the correctional facility.
- Served as a role model for inmates by demonstrating positive behavior and promoting educational and vocational training programs.
- Conducted headcounts to ensure that all inmates were accounted for.
- Performed head counts, checking cells for missing inmates.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Counseled inmates and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Implemented appropriate disciplinary measures for prisoner behavior. to discipline prisoners.
- Reported on the quality of inmate work and violations committed by prisoners.
- Distributed commissary items and dispensed prescribed medication to prisoners.
Reserve Police Officer
Frankenmuth Police Deparment
Frankenmuth, Michigan
05.2000 - 05.2005
- Responded to emergency calls and assisted public safety operations.
- Patrolled Frankenmuth streets and neighborhoods alongside police department officers.
- Enforced traffic laws and directed vehicle movement at incidents.
- Conducted traffic stops, issued citations, and made arrests when necessary.
- Facilitated arrests, searches, and custody procedures to uphold public safety and support department operations.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to any physical altercations involving citizens or suspects.
- Managed crowd control during large events to ensure public safety and order.
- Investigated suspicious activities and persons with tact and discretion.
- Monitored radio traffic and relayed information to department personnel.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on departmental policies and procedures.
- Provided support to local law enforcement agencies during operations.
- Fostered positive relationships between community leaders and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions.
- Administered first aid to accident victims and individuals in medical crises to stabilize their condition.
- Partnered with team members to implement service initiatives and achieve team objectives.
- Exceeded specific team goals and resolved issues by partnering with colleagues to share and implement service initiatives.
- Served warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents according to instructions from superiors.
- Arrested individuals suspected of criminal activities, following proper legal procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pastoral Studies
Baptist Bible College
Clarks Summit, PA05-1999
Skills
- Pastoral counseling
- Spiritual guidance
- Crisis management
- Pastoral care
- Interfaith services
- Worship service assistance
- Sermon preparation
- Volunteer coordination
- Program development
- Chaplaincy records
- Records maintenance
- Policy compliance
- Conflict resolution
- Listening skills
- Clear communication methods
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Emotional resilience
- Ethical judgment
- Nonviolent communication
- Security coordination
- Correctional procedures
- Volunteer scheduling
- Marriage counseling
- Theological consultation
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Employee of the month
Timeline
Prison Chaplain
Michigan Department of Corrections
07.2010 - Current
Reserve Police Officer
Frankenmuth Police Deparment
05.2000 - 05.2005
Correctional Officer
Michigan Department of Corrections
05.1999 - 07.2010
Bachelor of Science - Pastoral Studies
Baptist Bible College