Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Joshua Northcutt

Avery,TX

Summary

Dedicated and hardworking professional skilled in team leadership, training and development, as well as creation and implementation of programs and protocols. Offering to work both independently and as collaborative member of team to improve processes and meet organizational goals.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Correctional Officer

Alaska Department of Corrections
Anchorage , AK
12.2023 - 08.2024
  • Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to detect contraband or illegal activities.
  • Maintained order in the prison by monitoring inmate behavior and intervening when necessary.
  • Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
  • Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
  • Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
  • Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
  • Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
  • Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
  • Investigated incidents involving prisoners or staff to determine who was responsible for any violations of policies or procedures.
  • Provided guidance and counseling services to help inmates adjust to their new environment and develop life skills needed upon release from prison.
  • Participated in meetings with parole boards regarding potential release of prisoners based on good behavior.
  • Prepared detailed reports documenting all relevant information related to daily operations at the correctional facility.
  • Conducted regular cell inspections looking for evidence of drug use or other prohibited items that could pose a threat to security.
  • Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
  • Collaborated with outside agencies such as social workers, psychologists, probation officers., when necessary.
  • Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.

Lieutenant/Narcotic Canine Coordinator

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Huntsville , TX
10.2021 - 12.2023
  • In October 2021, I received a promotion to the position of Lieutenant (Narcotic/Contraband Canine Coordinator) at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This role involves a variety of responsibilities:
  • Ensuring that we have a high-quality breeding program that produces canines specifically suited for their roles.
  • Oversee my training staff to ensure that they provide effective canine detection training to each puppy.
  • Supervise my training sergeant, who trains all K9 handlers in the state. I ensure that he provides them with all the information and training techniques necessary for them to successfully reduce dangerous contraband on units.
  • Ensure that each handler and K9 assigned to the 38 units throughout the state is receiving proficient training through evaluations conducted biannually.
  • Narcotic K9s are required to certify with the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) yearly.
  • Analyze each K9 team's monthly reports to evaluate productivity, and identify discrepancies that may occur during daily searches or training.
  • Responsible for coordinating unit shakedowns. I create schedules that coordinate multiple K9 teams from various units throughout the regions to respond at specific dates and times to help units experiencing problems with contraband. By coordinating this, we ensure that the right number of K9 teams is available to make shakedown searches as successful as possible.
  • Coordinate the Cadaver K9 program, and conduct evaluations twice a year to ensure that the K9 team is proficient in their duties. This program involves coordinating with many different outside law enforcement agencies to help find or clear an area of a possible missing person.
  • Assisted with the preparation of presentations for new K9 procedures for upper leadership.
  • Through this position, I have been introduced to a variety of different problems and challenges. I have learned to become an excellent supervisor and leader by making the best decisions for each circumstance.

Training Sergeant of Narcotic Canine Program

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Huntsville, TX
10.2019 - 10.2021
  • I served as a training sergeant for narcotic and contraband K9 handlers, contributing to the development of the program for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Thanks to my efforts, the program expanded from 30 K9s statewide to 220 K9s. Since I started in September 2019, I have acquired a range of valuable skills:
  • Conducted 21 initial classes for narcotic and contraband handlers, assisting both inexperienced and experienced handlers, as well as K9s who had developed bad habits. Each class presented unique challenges, but I remained open-minded and utilized various techniques.
  • Trained all handlers for TDCJ's new program, designed to assist halfway houses, in 2021. The program involved training 20 new handlers and 40 narcotic/contraband K9s.
  • Provided classroom instruction on the proper use of canines, including training techniques and procedures.
  • Developed and implemented training plans for canine handlers.
  • Evaluated personnel performance during field training.
  • Assisted in developing standard operating procedures for various real-life scenarios.
  • Organized and maintained records of individual handler certifications, and monthly reports.
  • Provided feedback to leadership on the progress of training programs.
  • Facilitated discussion among handlers about tactical decision-making processes while working inside the unit.
  • Trained and mentored handlers on the correct procedures to maximize the efficiency of everyday operations.
  • In addition to the Narcotic/Contraband K9s, I was given the responsibility of reconstructing the cadaver K9 program from the ground up. I started by raising a litter of puppies and training them to become successful cadaver K9s. Subsequently, I replaced all canines in the field with my newly trained K9s.
  • As a result, my confidence in both my K9 handling skills and teaching methods has grown significantly. I believe that the methods I teach in my classes are the most effective for the environments in which our K9 teams operate. Since January 2020, the number of contraband finds on units on a monthly basis has increased by at least 20%.

Narcotic Canine Handler

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Huntsville, TX
09.2017 - 10.2019
  • In September 2017, I was presented with a unique opportunity to become the first-ever K9 handler in charge of narcotic K9 detection at the Telford Unit. With this new position came many responsibilities.
  • Consistently challenging my K9, and training in real-life scenarios.
  • Monitored canine behavior to ensure compliance with established standards.
  • Administered medications as prescribed by veterinarian staff.
  • Maintained detailed records of canine health, performance and training progress.
  • Provided daily care and grooming for assigned canines.
  • Conducted regular inspections of canine equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Participated in periodic drills to maintain proficiency in search and rescue operations.
  • Observed animal behavior and identified signs of stress or fatigue during field exercises.
  • Utilized a variety of reward-based methods to reinforce desired behaviors in canines.
  • Ensured that all canine training activities were conducted within legal parameters.
  • Developed individualized exercise plans for each assigned canine based on age, breed, temperament..
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations involving canines on duty or off duty hours.
  • Organized kennel facilities according to departmental guidelines and regulations.
  • Implemented positive reinforcement strategies while teaching basic obedience commands.
  • Prevented illegal entry, prohibiting goods, and smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband by conducting vehicle searches.
  • In addition to my work as a narcotic handler, I also had the opportunity to assist with search and rescue bloodhounds and pack K9s.
  • In 2019, I was appointed as the official Search and Rescue K9 Handler at the Telford Unit. This was a great honor for me, and I was determined to prove myself as a valuable asset to the team. That same year, I also had the opportunity to assist during an inmate escape at the Johnston Unit. Overall, my time as a K9 handler at the Telford Unit was an incredible experience. I was able to use my skills and expertise to make a real difference, and I am proud of the contributions that I made to the program.

Correctional Officer

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
New Boston , TX
04.2010 - 08.2017
  • I began my career at TDCJ as a correctional officer in April of 2010. During my time in this role, I gained valuable skills.
  • Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to detect contraband or illegal activities.
  • Maintained order in the prison by monitoring inmate behavior and intervening when necessary.
  • Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
  • Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
  • Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
  • Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
  • Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
  • Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
  • Investigated incidents involving prisoners or staff to determine who was responsible for any violations of policies or procedures.
  • Prepared detailed reports documenting all relevant information related to daily operations at the correctional facility.
  • Conducted regular cell inspections looking for evidence of drug use or other prohibited items that could pose a threat to security.
  • Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
  • Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.

Warehouse Forklift Operator

Government Liquidation
Hooks , TX
02.2008 - 04.2010
  • Assisted with shipping and receiving activities as needed.
  • Loaded and unloaded pallets of product onto trucks using a forklift.
  • Processed orders by picking products from shelves within the warehouse.
  • Provided assistance in training new employees on proper operation of forklifts and other material handling equipment.
  • Completed paperwork related to deliveries including bills of lading, packing slips.
  • Inspected material handling equipment for defects prior to use.
  • Ensured all safety protocols were followed while operating the forklift.
  • Organized items according to size, type, style, color, or product code.
  • Operated manual pallet jacks to move material around the warehouse.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records and prepared reports for management.
  • Followed standard operating procedures to safely stack and store materials in the warehouse.
  • Received incoming shipments and checked contents against purchase orders.
  • Reported any issues or discrepancies regarding product quantity or quality to supervisors immediately.
  • Staged goods in loading dock area.
  • Located, pulled and prepared orders.
  • Maintained yard appearance, keeping ground clean and clear.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice

Texarkana College
Texarkana, TX

Skills

  • Perimeter control
  • Visitation oversight
  • Belongings inspection
  • Inmate monitoring
  • Work crew management
  • Surveillance
  • Contraband detection
  • Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)
  • Criminal justice
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Contraband inspections
  • Inmate behavior modification tactics
  • Negotiation
  • Inmate supervision
  • Physical fitness
  • Radio communication
  • Search and seizure procedures
  • Inmate rights
  • Restraint techniques
  • Suicide prevention
  • Firearms proficiency
  • Self-defense techniques

Accomplishments

  • I advanced through the ranks at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, achieving the positions of Sergeant and Lieutenant.
  • Exceeded expectations as a handler in locating contraband brought into the unit.
  • Employee of the Month

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Correctional Officer

Alaska Department of Corrections
12.2023 - 08.2024

Lieutenant/Narcotic Canine Coordinator

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
10.2021 - 12.2023

Training Sergeant of Narcotic Canine Program

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
10.2019 - 10.2021

Narcotic Canine Handler

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
09.2017 - 10.2019

Correctional Officer

Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
04.2010 - 08.2017

Warehouse Forklift Operator

Government Liquidation
02.2008 - 04.2010

Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice

Texarkana College

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Joshua Northcutt