OTIS WALKER
Disputanta,VA
Summary
Highly accomplished corrections professional with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in correctional security, institutional operations, emergency preparedness, staff development, training, recruitment, and compliance management. Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams, manage complex security operations, develop operational policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Corrections standards and accreditation requirements. Experienced in strategic planning, emergency management, security assessments, and organizational leadership with a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, staff development, and institutional safety.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lieutenant / Captain
LAWRENCEVILLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
07.2024 - Current
- Supervise institutional security operations and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Supervised perimeter security, inmate transportation, and Sally Port operations to enhance institutional safety.
- Direct daily operations of a 5&2 shift consisting of 2 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants, and 15 Correctional Officers.
- Provide leadership and operational oversight during emergency incidents and institutional events.
- Lead Security Vulnerability Assessment preparation by conducting self-assessments, coordinating documentation reviews, and interviewing staff.
- Design, coordinate, and conduct quarterly tabletop and functional emergency preparedness exercises.
- Develop and revise Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) to ensure institutional readiness during emergencies and disruptions.
- Assist with writing, reviewing, and revising institutional post orders.
- Acted as Recruitment and Retention Officer to advance workforce development initiatives and boost employee engagement.
- Fostered a culture of unity and high morale to promote a positive work environment.
- Maintain Adjunct Instructor certifications in Defensive Tactics, Firearms, First Aid/CPR, and General Instruction.
Correctional Officer / Sergeant
DEERFIELD CORRECTIONAL CENTER
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Served as Work Center Watch Commander responsible for security operations and inmate accountability.
- Supervised correctional staff and managed inmate populations to uphold safety and security.
- Ensured institutional safety, security, and operational effectiveness through diligent oversight and enforcement.
- Inspected cells and institutional grounds to ensure adherence to security standards and protocols.
- Conducted routine security rounds in housing units and facility common areas.
Jail Officer
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL JAIL
10.2021 - 05.2023
- Controlled inmate movement and maintained security to prevent incidents and ensure orderly operations.
- Supervised inmates in Special Housing Units, Mental Health Wards, and Detoxification Units to ensure safety and security.
- Conducted security inspections and housing unit rounds.
- Ensured compliance with facility policies and inmate management procedures to uphold institutional standards.
- Maintained certifications in Firearms and First Aid/CPR.
Sergeant / Lieutenant / Administrative & Retention Lieutenant
SUSSEX II STATE PRISON
12.2008 - 10.2021
- Functioned as Shift Operations Supervisor, Building Supervisor, and Yard Supervisor.
- Coordinated Security Vulnerability Assessment preparation, including self-assessments, documentation reviews, and staff interviews.
- Assisted Operations Managers and Human Resources personnel with operational and administrative functions.
- Supervised perimeter security, inmate transportation operations, and Sally Port activities.
- Maintained and organized ACA accreditation and security compliance documentation.
- Conducted security inspections, housing unit rounds, and institutional audits.
- Oversaw accountability of tools, equipment, and weapons inventories.
- Supervised inmate movement and institutional operations.
- Functioned as Recruitment and Retention Officer and Adjunct Instructor.
- Assisted in developing and revising institutional post orders and operational procedures.
- Developed and updated Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP).
- Planned and conducted quarterly tabletop and functional emergency preparedness exercises.
- Trained executive administrative staff supporting the Assistant Warden and Chief of Security.
- Fostered teamwork, professionalism, employee engagement, and staff morale.
Correctional Officer / Sergeant
SOUTHAMPTON CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Capron, Virginia
04.2004 - 11.2008
- Served as Work Center Watch Commander and Segregation Supervisor.
- Supervised Correctional Officers and inmate movement operations.
- Conducted security rounds, inspections, cell searches, and facility security checks.
- Maintained accountability of tools, equipment, and institutional weapons.
- Served as a certified Strike Force Team member supporting emergency response operations.
- Ensured compliance with institutional security policies and procedures.
Communications Sergeant
UNITED STATES ARMY
02.1997 - 02.2004
- Served as Tactical Command Center Communications Sergeant responsible for mission-critical communications operations.
- Completed Professional Leadership and Development training.
- Conducted communications training for Soldiers and unit personnel.
- Led platoon physical fitness and readiness programs.
- Maintained certifications in firearms and First Aid.
- Certified Defensive Driver.
- Qualified on multiple weapons systems.
Communications Specialist / Noncommissioned Officer
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
01.1991 - 02.1997
- Completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training.
- Served as Tactical Command Center Communications Sergeant.
- Conducted communications training and operational readiness activities.
- Led platoon physical fitness programs.
- Maintained firearms and First Aid certifications.
- Certified Defensive Driver.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lakeland High
Suffolk, VA06-1992
Associate of Arts -
South University Savannah
GASkills
- Correctional Operations Management
- Institutional Security and Risk Management
- Emergency Preparedness and Continuity Planning
- Staff Leadership and Development
- Security Vulnerability Assessments
- ACA Compliance and Documentation
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Incident Command and Emergency Response
- Recruitment and Retention Strategies
- Inmate Transportation Operations
- Perimeter Security Management
- Training and Instruction
- Operational Planning and Coordination
- Team Building and Organizational Culture
- Emergency preparedness
- Team supervision
- Leadership development
- Conflict resolution
- Training facilitation
- Incident command
Certification
- Adjunct Instructor
- General Instructor
- Firearms Instructor
- Defensive Tactics Instructor
- First Aid / CPR Instructor
- Certified Strike Force Member
- Defensive Driver Certification
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- More than 20 years of correctional leadership experience.
- Extensive experience supervising correctional staff, inmate populations, and institutional operations.
- Expertise in security assessments, accreditation preparation, and compliance management.
- Experienced in emergency preparedness planning, continuity of operations planning, and emergency exercise development.
- Proven leader in staff recruitment, retention, training, and professional development.
- Strong background in policy development, operational planning, and institutional security management.
Timeline
Lieutenant / Captain
LAWRENCEVILLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
07.2024 - Current
Correctional Officer / Sergeant
DEERFIELD CORRECTIONAL CENTER
07.2023 - 07.2024
Jail Officer
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL JAIL
10.2021 - 05.2023
Sergeant / Lieutenant / Administrative & Retention Lieutenant
SUSSEX II STATE PRISON
12.2008 - 10.2021
Correctional Officer / Sergeant
SOUTHAMPTON CORRECTIONAL CENTER
04.2004 - 11.2008
Communications Sergeant
UNITED STATES ARMY
02.1997 - 02.2004
Communications Specialist / Noncommissioned Officer
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
01.1991 - 02.1997
High School Diploma -
Lakeland High
Associate of Arts -
South University Savannah