Nicole J. Smith
Humble,TX
Summary
Retired criminal justice professional with over 25 years of hands-on experience in law enforcement, criminal law, and public safety, now seeking to transition into an educational role. Highly skilled in applying real-world knowledge to practical teaching environments, with a passion for mentoring the next generation of criminal justice professionals. Proven expertise in law enforcement operations, investigation techniques, legal procedures, and ethical practices, coupled with a strong ability to communicate complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. Dedicated to creating a positive and dynamic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. Committed to helping students build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various criminal justice careers, while promoting values such as integrity, professionalism, and community service.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Librarian Asst.
Windham School District
09.2021 - Current
- Assisted patrons with research strategies, resulting in more effective use of library resources.
- Collaborated with fellow staff members to develop engaging library programming and events for diverse audiences.
- Promoted interlibrary loan services, streamlining access to external resources for patrons seeking specialized materials outside our collection scope.
- Developed subject expertise on selected topics to better assist patrons with specialized research needs.
- Supported librarians in maintaining an organized, up-to-date collection through meticulous cataloging and shelving tasks.
- Ensured timely acquisition of new materials by processing purchase requests and monitoring delivery timelines.
- Increased the visibility of underutilized resources by creating attractive displays and promotional materials.
- Managed overdue notices and fines, ensuring timely returns while maintaining positive rapport with patrons regarding their accounts.
Major of Corrections
Texas Deparment Of Criminal Justice (Plane Unit)
10.2009 - 07.2019
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Enhanced staff training programs, leading to improved operational standards.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
Captain of Corrections
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, (Plane Unit)
03.2007 - 10.2009
- Streamlined daily operations by developing efficient staff scheduling and shift rotations.
- Maintained strict adherence to confidentiality protocols while managing sensitive information pertaining to inmates, staff, and overall facility operations.
- Increased overall safety by conducting thorough inspections of cells, equipment, and common areas.
- Enhanced facility security by implementing effective surveillance and monitoring procedures.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations through meticulous documentation and record-keeping practices.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism with strong leadership skills, setting the standard for all correctional officers within the facility.
- Addressed inmate grievances promptly, ensuring that all concerns were thoroughly investigated and resolved in a fair and timely manner.
- Improved staff performance with comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, keeping staff and inmates safe during incidents such as lockdowns or evacuations.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
Lieutenant of Corrections
Texas Dept. Of Criminal Justice(Lynchner Unit)
03.2004 - 04.2007
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
- Contributed to policy development, ensuring alignment with best practices in corrections management.
Sergeant of Corrections
Texas Dept. Of Criminal Justice (Joe Keegan Unit)
03.2000 - 03.2004
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to inform strategic planning processes and measure progress towards goals.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance and support to foster professional development and career progression.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and adoption of best practices in law enforcement techniques.
- Enhanced officer safety with introduction of new protective gear and safety protocols.
- Improved team morale and performance with consistent feedback and recognition of achievements.
- Increased awareness and preparedness for potential threats by developing comprehensive training materials for new recruits.
- Ensured compliance with national and local laws through regular policy reviews and updates.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
University of North Texas
Denton, TXNo Degree - Criminal Justice
North Central Texas College
Gainesville, TXHigh School Diploma -
West Brook High School
Beaumont, TX05-1987
Skills
- Preservation techniques
- Effective leadership skills
- Implementation of security procedures
- Crisis management
- Criminal investigations
- Relationship management
- Employee development
- De-escalation techniques
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Ethical standards of conduct
- Correctional rights knowledge
- Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)
- Knowledge of criminal justice systems
Certification
-Principals of Supervision
-Certified Chemical Agents Instructor
-Firearms Instructor Certification
Certified Disciplinary Hearing Officer
Timeline
Librarian Asst.
Windham School District
09.2021 - Current
Major of Corrections
Texas Deparment Of Criminal Justice (Plane Unit)
10.2009 - 07.2019
Captain of Corrections
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, (Plane Unit)
03.2007 - 10.2009
Lieutenant of Corrections
Texas Dept. Of Criminal Justice(Lynchner Unit)
03.2004 - 04.2007
Sergeant of Corrections
Texas Dept. Of Criminal Justice (Joe Keegan Unit)
03.2000 - 03.2004
No Degree - Criminal Justice
University of North Texas
No Degree - Criminal Justice
North Central Texas College
High School Diploma -
West Brook High School
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