Joshua Riggs
Douglas
Summary
Accomplished Canine Handler with the Georgia Department of Corrections, excelling in canine obedience training and emergency management. Proven ability to collaborate effectively, ensuring safety and operational success. Skilled in strategic public relations and emergency response, delivering exceptional results in high-pressure environments.
Canine handling professional with solid background in training and managing working dogs across various environments. Known for reliability and adaptability, fostering teamwork and achieving set objectives. Expertise in animal behavior modification and obedience training, coupled with strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Canine Handler
Georgia Department of Corrections
10.2021 - Current
- Trained and socialized canines for various tasks, ensuring optimal performance and behavior in diverse environments.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance canine skills, focusing on obedience and task-specific capabilities.
- Conducted assessments of canine performance, providing tailored feedback to handlers for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize operational procedures and increase efficiency during training sessions.
- Led workshops to educate new handlers on best practices for canine care and handling techniques.
- Evaluated canine health and readiness, coordinating veterinary care as necessary to maintain peak performance standards.
- Maintained comprehensive records of training progress, behavior assessments, and health status for each canine partner.
- Enhanced canine training techniques by implementing positive reinforcement and consistent communication methods.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations requiring immediate assistance from skilled handlers by adapting to rapidly changing circumstances under pressure effectively.
- Ensured the safety of event attendees by performing comprehensive sweeps for potential hazards with a highly skilled canine partner.
- Improved overall handler-canine relationship through effective rapport-building exercises and trust-building activities.
- Managed inventory of essential equipment utilized during various deployments while ensuring proper maintenance of gear used by both handler and canine partners.
- Utilized leashes, collars and harnesses for improved control of canine behavior.
- Developed specialized training programs tailored to the unique needs of each canine partner, resulting in enhanced performance capabilities and better overall results.
- Completed and submitted daily paperwork and administrative duties related to canine care.
- Achieved high success rates in locating missing persons through diligent deployment of canines in diverse environments and conditions.
- Mentored new handlers on proper techniques, protocols, and strategies necessary for a productive partnership with their canine counterparts.
- Assisted law enforcement agencies in critical situations by providing efficient canine support during high-pressure operations.
- Educated fellow handlers on best practices related to care, nutrition, grooming, health checks, and obedience training for working canines.
- Evaluated canine performance regularly to ensure optimal results during work assignments while addressing any areas needing improvement promptly.
- Coordinated with veterinarians for proper care and health evaluations of canines.
- Trained and evaluated canines for detection of contraband in correctional facilities.
- Conducted regular assessments of canine performance to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
- Mentored junior handlers in handling techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Analyzed incident reports to refine training methods and improve overall unit effectiveness.
- Managed inventory of supplies and materials necessary for canine handling and care.
Criminal Investigator
ATKINSON County Sheriff
10.2021 - 10.2021
- Conducted thorough investigations to gather evidence and interview witnesses, ensuring accuracy in case documentation.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to develop strategies for complex criminal cases, enhancing investigative outcomes.
- Analyzed crime scene data and forensic reports to identify patterns and establish timelines for ongoing investigations.
- Trained junior investigators on best practices in evidence collection and interview techniques, improving team efficiency.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations for prosecution, supporting legal proceedings effectively.
- Managed case files and maintained meticulous records to ensure compliance with legal standards and procedural guidelines.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Streamlined investigative processes, implementing time-saving strategies to expedite case resolutions.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Managed caseload efficiently while prioritizing high-risk situations to protect public safety effectively.
- Gathered crucial evidence by executing search warrants and processing crime scenes meticulously.
- Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
- Documented drug transactions to gather evidence and complete undercover investigations.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
- Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
Deputy Sheriff
ATKINSON County Sheriff
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Responded promptly to emergency calls, providing critical support and ensuring public safety.
- Conducted thorough investigations of incidents, collecting evidence and preparing detailed reports.
- Engaged with community members to foster positive relationships and enhance trust in law enforcement.
- Assisted in training new deputies on departmental protocols and operational procedures.
- Monitored patrol areas using advanced communication systems, enhancing situational awareness and response times.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Assisted in the training of new deputies, sharing knowledge and experiences to help them excel in their roles.
- Maintained accurate reports and records, aiding in the proper documentation of cases for judicial proceedings.
- Testified effectively in court, presenting clear evidence that contributed to successful case outcomes.
- Managed crime scenes meticulously, preserving vital evidence for forensic analysis and case resolutions.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering open communication channels for addressing concerns collaboratively.
- Utilized advanced technology tools for efficient information gathering during investigations and daily operations.
Deputy Jailer
ATKINSON County Sheriff
10.2018 - 09.2019
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols.
- Monitored inmate behavior to maintain order and prevent disturbances.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify maintenance needs and enforce cleanliness standards.
- Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and emergency protocols.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to facilitate inmate transfers and court appearances.
- Implemented conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate tense situations among inmates.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate activities, incidents, and facility conditions for reporting purposes.
- Developed strategies for improving communication between staff members and inmates to enhance facility environment.
- Trained new deputy jailers on department policies, procedures, and best practices for maintaining a safe working environment within the correctional setting.
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and efficiently, de-escalating potentially dangerous incidents before they escalated further.
- Facilitated the transport of inmates to court appearances, medical appointments, and other off-site locations while ensuring security at all times.
- Maintained professional relationships with both colleagues and inmates, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
- Contributed to maintaining a secure facility by diligently monitoring inmate activities and behavior.
- Streamlined administrative processes by regularly updating inmate records in the database system.
- Participated in ongoing professional development training courses to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
- Developed strong rapport with local law enforcement agencies, facilitating effective information sharing related to inmate backgrounds or ongoing investigations.
0311 Infantry Rifleman
US Marines Corps
07.2008 - 07.2013
- Operated and maintained standard infantry weapons and equipment.
- Participated in tactical drills to enhance operational readiness and teamwork.
- Conducted physical training to improve personal fitness and unit cohesion.
- Assisted in reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence for strategic planning.
- Collaborated with team members to execute mission objectives efficiently.
- Developed problem-solving skills through real-time decision-making scenarios.
- Acquired knowledge of military procedures and protocols through hands-on experience.
- Performed as fire team member during situational training exercises and infantry dismounted battle drills.
- Increased operational efficiency through meticulous planning and execution of missions in various environments.
- Displayed adaptability by quickly learning new tactics, techniques, and weapon systems when faced with evolving threats or mission requirements.
- Participated in joint exercises with other military branches to foster teamwork and improve overall combat effectiveness.
Education
High School Diploma -
Highland High School
Highland, NYNo Degree - Basic Law Enforcement
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (BLETC)
Tifton, GA09-2019
No Degree - Basic Agent Academy
Special Agent Academy GDC
Forsyth, GA10-2024
No Degree - Supervision 1, 2, 3
Tift College
Forsyth, GA06-2025
No Degree - Advanced Detection Canine Training
Southern Coast Detection Seminar
Daytona Beach, FL11-2023
Skills
- Canine handling proficiency
- Fitness training
- Strategic public relations
- Emergency response training
- Surveillance methods
- Dog behavior expertise
- Canine obedience training
- K9 handling and management
- Narcotics detection
- Workplace safety
- Task delegation
- Crisis management
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment monitoring
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Canine Handler
Georgia Department of Corrections
10.2021 - Current
Criminal Investigator
ATKINSON County Sheriff
10.2021 - 10.2021
Deputy Sheriff
ATKINSON County Sheriff
09.2019 - 09.2021
Deputy Jailer
ATKINSON County Sheriff
10.2018 - 09.2019
0311 Infantry Rifleman
US Marines Corps
07.2008 - 07.2013
High School Diploma -
Highland High School
No Degree - Basic Law Enforcement
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (BLETC)
No Degree - Basic Agent Academy
Special Agent Academy GDC
No Degree - Supervision 1, 2, 3
Tift College
No Degree - Advanced Detection Canine Training
Southern Coast Detection Seminar