Latanya Smith
Lincoln,Delaware
Summary
Delaware Department of Correction Staff Sergeant with 24 years experience in corrections. Who understands and professionally applies rules and regulations to manage the inmate population to maintain the safety and security of our facilities. Skilled in training and motivating staff to meet requirements. Committed to the achievement of success through motivation, cooperation and dedication. Confident leader dedicated to process and procedure. Exceeds expectations for staff performance, consistently enforces rules and seeks opportunities for staff improvement. Offers high integrity, attention to detail and excellent decision-making abilities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Staff Sergeant
Sussex Correctional Institution
Georgetown , DE
2023.08 - Current
- Scheduled and supervised staff to ensure sufficient staffing levels.
- Monitored and evaluated employee performance, providing feedback and guidance as necessary.
- Conducted investigations into inmate complaints and grievances, ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Enforced security regulations, responding to disturbances in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate activities, including disciplinary reports, medical visits, and court appearances.
- Investigated incidents involving contraband or criminal activity within the facility.
- Prepared detailed incident reports documenting any rule violations or other issues encountered during shift hours.
- Referred special inmate counseling and therapy to meet treatment needs.
- Abided by all standard operating procedures and policies to protect staff and prisoners.
- Observed and responded to incidents, directed inspections for weapons and contraband
- Logged maintenance requests to adhere to operational safety guidelines.
- Responded to code crisis calls to assist in preventing escapes, fights and violations of facility rules.
- Exercised independent judgment to apply guidelines for unit staff on quads.
- Supervised 7 correctional officers and managed 260 offenders at the Sussex Correctional Institution.
- Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
- Communicated information regarding safety and security operations
- Diffused disruptive behavior by verbal interventions.
- Prepared written reports concerning inmate's misconduct.
- Monitored inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Searched building and grounds, living quarters and work areas for contraband.
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
Correctional Sergeant/Drill Instructor
Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy
Dover , DE
2019.07 - 2023.08
- Drill Instructor for Quasi military style training academy for new Department of Correction employees
- Implemented new holistic Physical Readiness Training program
- Conduct physical fitness to prepare cadets for fitness test
- Administered instruction and conducted Drill and Ceremony based on Army field manual 22-5
- Individualized training, supervision, and the development of cadets
- Emphasize on military bearing and discipline
- Concentration of the Mission Statement and Core Values
- Assigned daily tasks and responsibilities to employees
- Prepared written reports
- Assigned study groups to close knowledge and performance gaps.
- Promoted safety, order and functionality of Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy
- Safety and Sanitation Inspector of the Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy
- Lead organizer and coordinator of Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy Youth Academy
- Lead organizer and coordinator of collecting monetary donations for an employees dedication and selfless service
- Lead organizer on Deputy Commissioner Community Service Challenge
- Partnership with Middletown and Dover Police Department Youth Academy
- Presenter for the Citizens Academy
- Recruitment initiative at the Delaware State Fair
Correctional Corporal/Drill Instructor
Employee Development Center
Dover , DE
2018.02 - 2019.07
- Drill Instructor for Quasi military style training academy for new Department of Correction employees
- Conduct physical fitness to prepare cadets for fitness test
- Revised training manuals with updates to foster greater learning
- Administered instruction on Drill and Ceremony based on Army field manual 22-5
- Individualized training, supervision, and the development of cadets
- Emphasize on military bearing and discipline
- Concentration on the Mission Statement and Core Values
- Assigned daily tasks and responsibilities to employees
- Prepared written reports
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct and recommended disciplinary actions
Correctional Corporal
Sussex Correctional Institute
Georgetown , De
2014.02 - 2018.02
- Control room lead worker ensuring the safety and security of the facility
- Conducting accurate head counts using the matrix system
- Preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records using the Delaware Automated Corrections System
- Log book entries for inventory of tools, keys and equipment
- Training and mentoring new staff in the operations of equipment, cameras, policy and procedure for all control room duties
- Issuing equipment for female and emergency medical transport
- Conducting monthly man down radio tests to ensure equipment is working properly
- Reviewed radio transmissions
- Conducts vigilance checks and monitor video surveillance
- Consulted with leadership in relation to emergency response and drills
- Mobilized staff to ensure quick response to emergency codes
- Assigned staff to conduct female strip searches
- Assigned staff to conduct headcounts
- Demonstrated use computerized system to operate doors
- Guided staff with familiarity with issuing, sanitizing and re-charging various equipment
- Monitored audits and oversight for logs of tools and equipment
- Evaluate and review staff count sheets for error
- Complete Incident reports and work orders if needed
- Ensured faulty equipment was placed out of service and documented and briefed fellow staff members
Correctional Corporal/Drill Instructor
Sussex Boot Camp
Georgetown , DE
2005.02 - 2014.02
- Certified Drill Instructor on September 24, 2005 for quasi military style group training for non-violent first time offender program
- Emphasis on Drill and Ceremony customs and courtesy and miliary bearing
- Taught physical fitness
- Monitored substance abuse treatment and education classes
- Supervised community service projects at churches, municipalities, fire departments, schools,social service organizations, and state parks
- Lead worker on weekends supervising chow, conducting building area checks, taking counts, monitoring movement, monitoring visits, addressing female offender issues, addressing behavioral issues, completing work orders, monitoring inspections and program requirements
Correctional Officer
Delaware Correctional Center
Smyrna , DE
2000.05 - 2005.02
- Infirmary Officer ensuring the smooth operation of the medical department, escort medical staff on tiers assisting with uncooperative offenders
- Monitor medical and offender interaction
- Control all offender movement
- Manually open all doors keep area secure
- Conduct head counts
- Notify area Lieutenants of emergency
- Communicate with medical staff
- Conduct watches on Psychiatric Levels
- Monitor offender workers conduct frisk searches
- Complete incident reports or terminate workers if need be
- Log workers payroll
- Supervise workers serving chow and building clean up
- Assign and schedule workers job duties
- Work in different building classification as block officer
- Applying Institutional Policies and Procedures
- Complete incident reports based on rule violations
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
Dover, DeSome College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Delaware Technical and Community College - Owens
Georgetown, DESome College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Delaware State University
Dover, DESkills
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Restraint techniques
- First Aid and CPR certified
- Communication skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethical standards of conduct
- Natural leader with management skills
- Weapons training
- Emergency Preparedness
- Problem solving skills
- Supervision and Leadership skills
- Active Listening
- Training & Development
- Team Building
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Trained Drill Instructor
- Trained Youth Counselor
- Adjunct Instructor
Certification
- Drill Instructor Diploma certified by the Florida Drill Instructor Academy
- Training for Trainers foundation skills for trainers
- Defensive driving course
- Emergency Vehicle Operations License
- FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute
- FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute
- FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute
- High School Diploma
- Serve Safe certification
- FBI-LEEDA Leadership Integrity Course
Timeline
Correctional Staff Sergeant
Sussex Correctional Institution
2023.08 - Current
Correctional Sergeant/Drill Instructor
Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy
2019.07 - 2023.08
Correctional Corporal/Drill Instructor
Employee Development Center
2018.02 - 2019.07
Correctional Corporal
Sussex Correctional Institute
2014.02 - 2018.02
Correctional Corporal/Drill Instructor
Sussex Boot Camp
2005.02 - 2014.02
Correctional Officer
Delaware Correctional Center
2000.05 - 2005.02
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Delaware Technical and Community College - Owens
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Delaware State University
- Drill Instructor Diploma certified by the Florida Drill Instructor Academy
- Training for Trainers foundation skills for trainers
- Defensive driving course
- Emergency Vehicle Operations License
- FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute
- FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute
- FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute
- High School Diploma
- Serve Safe certification
- FBI-LEEDA Leadership Integrity Course
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