Accomplished leader with extensive experience in security operations and crisis management, notably with the United States Marine Corps, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and as a contractor with the Department of Homeland Security. Demonstrated expertise in weapons proficiency and verbal de-escalation, achieving significant improvements in safety and compliance standards. Proven ability in training development and resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency and team performance.
As a Correctional Officer at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), my duties include enforcing rules and maintaining order within the prison while supervising inmate activities. I ensure security by resolving disputes between inmates, preventing assaults, disturbances, and escapes. Additionally, I search inmates and their cells for contraband, such as weapons and drugs, and submit any found items into evidence, issuing Rules Violation Reports (RVRs) for any infractions. While assigned to a post in the institution, I inspect for signs of security breaches and tampering with cells, locks, windows, and other areas accessible to inmates. I conduct daily inmate counts (close custody, standing count) to ensure the whereabouts of all inmates at all times. I use strong verbal communication skills to deescalate disorderly and disruptive inmates. Furthermore, I effectively address the needs of prisoners with disabilities, ensuring proper medication, medical treatment, accessible toilet and shower facilities, phone calls, mental health services, transportation, education, religious services, and work release, in compliance with ADA regulations.
While employed with CDCR, I have obtained the following certifications:
By attending the CRT Courses, I was certified to perform the following operations: High-Risk Arrest/Prison Handling, Injured Victim Extractions, Barricaded Suspect, Warrant Service, and Active Shooter Response.
While serving in the armed forces, my role involved training and becoming proficient in utilizing the M777 Howitzer to provide fire support for infantry, light armored reconnaissance, and tank units. I completed my service at the rank of Staff Sergeant, with my primary duties as I advanced being to hold the billet of Section Chief. As a Section Chief, I was responsible for ensuring that all Marines in my section were adequately trained in firing, testing, and adjusting fire control equipment for the M777 Howitzer. I conducted inspections and maintenance of all section equipment, patrolled section areas while maintaining camouflage discipline, provided local security, and adhered to radiological, biological, and chemical security protocols.
As a Section Chief, I was also responsible for requisitioning necessary supplies and equipment to implement new measures for the preservation of life, safety, and continuity of mission operations. During my service, I was designated to carry the M249 squad automatic weapon, M16 and M4 rifles, as well as the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, MK 19 grenade launcher, and M240 machine gun while assuming the role of Crew-Serve Chief and Section Chief.
At the beginning of my military service, I graduated as Squad Leader in both Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Marine Combat Training, leading a squad of over 80 Marines. Additionally, I was assigned to and assisted the Local Security Team, where I was responsible for implementing Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection measures. My duties included, but were not limited to, setting up checkpoints and screening areas, establishing observation and surveillance posts, developing evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols, conducting threat assessments of operations and housing areas, and receiving and addressing concerns from personnel.
I was employed by Paragon Systems, a company with over 14,000 professionals specializing in security and mission support services for the U.S. Federal Government and other critical infrastructure clients nationwide, under the supervision of the Federal Protective Service Police. While at Paragon Systems, I held the position of Major and was responsible for overseeing the contract in Los Angeles, California, as the Assistant Area Supervisor.
During my employment, I started as a Protective Security Officer (PSO) and, through hard work, was promoted to management, achieving the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Major. As a management supervisor, my duties included providing support to the Federal Protective Service Southern California contract to ensure effective, efficient, and accurate operations by handling the day-to-day operations of the guard force in the Los Angeles, Coastal, and San Bernardino areas. I was responsible for scheduling and inputting PSO hours, extra guard service requests, and range qualification hours into payroll while monitoring and regulating overtime for all areas of the contract. I conducted inspections to ensure all PSOs throughout the contract met uniform and certification guidelines. Additionally, I assisted with implementing alternative screening procedures at the direction of FPS when systems failed and acted as a liaison between PSOs and the Assistant Program Manager regarding the implementation of all policies and procedures, including disciplinary actions. I initiated and conducted investigations into PSO misconduct/complaints and followed through with disciplinary action as directed by corporate.
Additional duties included assisting as a range safety officer on a weekly basis to help prevent weapon safety violations and/or injuries under the direct supervision of Federal Protective Service Police. I ensured that all PSOs were adequately trained by scheduling training classes, such as screening procedures with x-ray machines and magnetometers, range qualifications, and baton usage.
As a Protective Security Officer, my duties included apprehending/detaining individuals engaged in acts of terrorism or violating the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) on federal property and transferring them to law enforcement. I reported all detentions to the Federal Service MegaCenter, which monitors alarm systems, closed-circuit television networks, and wireless dispatch communications for federal facilities nationwide, while ensuring the civil rights of all persons during these incidents. I provided physical security services to protect federal property from hazards such as sabotage, trespass, theft, fire, and accidental or willful damage and destruction. I conducted vehicle inspections, verified identifications, and authorized individuals while using magnetometers and wand metal detectors to screen visitors and personnel upon entry. As a PSO, I successfully conducted over 20 detainments involving possession of narcotics, weapons, ammunition, FPS penetration tests, and even a case involving a possible Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in a vehicle.