Michael D. Watson
Taylorville,IL
Summary
Corrections professional with over 10 years of experience in custody supervision and emergency response. Proficient in conducting thorough searches, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with facility regulations. Ability to work in stressful and dangerous situations while staying focused with a diligent attention to detail. Trustworthy, dependable, proactive problem solver willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to consistently exceed safety standards.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corrections Food Supervisor II
Illinois Department Of Corrections
Taylorville, IL
02.2022 - Current
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety and sanitation practices.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Maintained the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, dining area, and storage spaces.
- Trained new employees on proper food handling, safety, and sanitation procedures.
- Assisted in preparing meals during busy periods, or when short-staffed, to maintain efficient service levels.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication among team members.
- Managed daily operations of a food service establishment.
- Oversaw food preparation processes to maintain high quality and consistency in final products.
- Achieved high inspection scores by managing food handling and safety procedures.
- Enforced policies and quality standards through supervision and performance reviews.
Tactical Officer
Illinois Department Of Corrections
Taylorville, IL
09.2016 - Current
- Assessed team members' skills regularly to ensure optimal performance during high-pressure situations.
- Oversaw the maintenance and repair of tactical equipment and vehicles.
- Managed inventory of tactical supplies, such as ammunition, communications devices, and first aid kits.
- Developed tactical plans and strategies for various missions.
- Fostered a positive working environment that encouraged collaboration among team members.
- Trained personnel in combat tactics, weapons handling, and emergency response procedures.
- Analyzed intelligence reports to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
- Conducted regular safety inspections of all personal protective gear used by team members.
- Coordinated with other departments and agencies to ensure successful mission execution.
- Evaluated new technologies and methods for potential implementation in future missions.
Corrections Food Supervisor I
Illinois Department Of Corrections
Taylorville, IL
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Directing and training individuals in custody in food preparation, service, and sanitation procedures.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety practices in the kitchen and dining areas.
- Overseeing the preparation and serving of meals, including special dietary needs and portion control.
- Requisitioning, receiving, and storing food supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels.
- Adhering to and enforcing security and safety regulations within the food service area, including searching individuals in custody and work areas for contraband.
- Keeping accurate records of food consumption, inventory, and other relevant data.
- Ensuring all food service operations comply with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques, sanitation standards, and safety regulations.
- Ability to effectively communicate with individuals in custody, staff, and other personnel.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion and maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Correctional Officer
Illinois Department Of Corrections
Taylorville, IL
03.2015 - 02.2021
- Participated in ongoing training sessions covering topics such as first aid procedures, self-defense tactics, crisis intervention techniques, and cultural sensitivity.
- Used and maintained keys, two-way radios, and equipment, reporting faults or issues promptly.
- Supervised individuals in custody activities, including work assignments, meal times, and recreational sessions.
- Monitored individuals in custody, behavior, and addressed disciplinary action during shower and meal periods.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to develop strategies for maintaining a safe environment within the facility.
- Patrolled assigned areas within the correctional facility to prevent rule violations and potential conflicts among individuals in custody.
- Conducted headcounts of individuals in custody to maintain facility security and order.
- Detected and removed contraband with unscheduled cell inspections.
- Fulfilled tower surveillance duty, and continuously monitored the grounds for potential security breaches.
- Upheld safety, security, and discipline by enforcing facility rules and regulations.
- Performed thorough cell searches to locate contraband items, such as drugs or weapons.
- Oversaw individuals in custody, meal service, hygiene needs, and daily activities of individuals in custody housing units.
- Responded to emergency situations quickly and efficiently to ensure safety for staff and individuals in custody.
- Enforced institutional rules and regulations fairly and consistently among all individuals in custody.
- Built and maintained trust-based working relationships with individuals in custody, supervisors, and coworkers.
- Remained alert for signs of disorder or tension to anticipate problems, and implement proactive actions.
- Patrolled assigned areas to assess facility security and verify individuals in custody counts.
Driver / Yard Supervisor
Pawnee Lumber Company
Pawnee, IL
05.2010 - 03.2015
- Answered or directed customer queries as appropriate.
- Made frequent stops to perform deliveries or pick-ups.
- Delivered exceptional service, going above and beyond to satisfy customers.
- Interacted with customers to build a friendly, professional rapport.
- Executed on-time deliveries to adhere to strict schedules.
- Secured loads reduce damage to goods during transport.
- Represented the company by demonstrating positive values and commitment.
- Maintained the vehicle to prevent breakdowns and malfunctions.
- Clean the vehicle to make excellent first impressions.
- Selected the most efficient route to minimize vehicle idle time.
- Managed routes and organized schedules to achieve delivery targets.
- Demonstrated initiative to follow through on assigned tasks without supervision.
- Checked the vehicle for any mechanical issues before starting the shift.
- Followed traffic rules and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians.
- Resolved customer issues quickly to prevent dissatisfaction.
- Planned optimal routes using GPS devices or maps to reach destinations in a timely manner.
- Operated vehicles safely and efficiently on designated routes.
Education
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL05-2014
High School Diploma -
South Fork High School
Kincaid, IL05-2014
Skills
- Food preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Inventory management
- Staff supervision
- Maintaining order and safety within the facility
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Training and development
- Adaptability
- Emergency response
- Security and compliance
- Individuals in custody management
- Discipline and focus
- Delegate assignments
- Reliability
- Teamwork and loyalty
- Strategic planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Professionalism
- Self motivation
- Attention to detail
- Task prioritization
Accomplishments
- Commendation - Operations Division - Statewide Tactical Unit - February 21, 2018 Tactical Shakedown at Menard Correctional Center
- Certificate of Commendation - Tactical Team Activation June 28, 2018
- 2020 Correctional Officer of the Year
- February 2020 Employee of the Month
- 5 Years of Service - Certificate of Service March 30, 2020
- Certificate of Appreciation for Perfect Attendance during the 2021 Year
- Certificate of Appreciation for Perfect Attendance during the 2023 Year
- Certificate of Appreciation for Perfect Attendance during the 2024 Year
- Certificate of Appreciation - Statewide Tactical Operation May 6-8, 2025 at Lawrence Correctional Center
Certification
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals - Certified Food Safety Manager
Timeline
Corrections Food Supervisor II
Illinois Department Of Corrections
02.2022 - Current
Corrections Food Supervisor I
Illinois Department Of Corrections
02.2021 - 02.2022
Tactical Officer
Illinois Department Of Corrections
09.2016 - Current
Correctional Officer
Illinois Department Of Corrections
03.2015 - 02.2021
Driver / Yard Supervisor
Pawnee Lumber Company
05.2010 - 03.2015
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Lincoln Land Community College
High School Diploma -
South Fork High School
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