Paula Stringer-Rohleder
Palmyra,VA
Summary
Accomplished training leader known for improving program effectiveness and compliance. Skilled in incident management and team leadership, with a commitment to fostering professional development and maintaining high operational standards.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Institutional Training Officer
Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
Troy, Virginia
07.2024 - Current
- Direct and oversee the facility’s comprehensive training program, including the assessment, development, delivery, evaluation, documentation, and tracking of mandated, elective, and specialty training.
- Led efforts to bring the facility’s training department into compliance with applicable DCJS standards, strengthening documentation, accountability, and overall program effectiveness.
- Rebuilt and strengthened the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, improving the structure, consistency, and accountability of training for newly hired staff.
- Hired and trained Assistant Institutional Training Officer (AITO), expanding adjunct instructor team to enhance training capacity and operational effectiveness.
- Supervise and lead assigned training personnel while ensuring compliance with departmental policies, regulatory requirements, and DCJS standards.
- Conduct ongoing institutional inspections to ensure compliance with security, sanitation, safety, and operational standards while maintaining the security and good order of the facility.
- Fully certified DCJS instructor including General Instructor, Firearms, Less-Lethal Munitions, Bola Wrap, Defensive Tactics, and Transportation Vehicle Operations
- Maintain current certifications in Red Cross BLS, CPR, First Aid, Revive!, and Core Communications.
- Partnered with the Recruitment and Retention Lieutenant to improve the onboarding environment for newly hired employees, including renovation and restructuring of offices, establishment of a computer lab, and improvements to the staff break room and vending area.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, organization, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills within a high-security correctional environment.
Lieutenant/Investigator
Cold Springs Correctional Unit #10
Greenville, Virginia
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Conduct comprehensive administrative and institutional investigations involving staff, offenders, security incidents, allegations of misconduct, policy violations, and matters affecting institutional safety and operations.
- Conduct interviews, review reports and institutional records, evaluate surveillance and other evidence, maintain investigative integrity and confidentiality, and prepare detailed, objective investigative reports.
- Coordinated investigative and operational matters with institutional administration, VADOC leadership, law enforcement, and outside agencies to enhance collaboration and operational effectiveness.
- Provide leadership, supervision, security oversight, and investigative support within a secure correctional institution, directing daily operations and ensuring the safe, secure, and orderly operation of the facility.
- Serve as an Administrative Duty Officer, providing facility-wide administrative oversight and leadership, coordinating institutional operations, addressing operational and security concerns, and making critical decisions during periods of heightened activity, emergencies, and after-hours operations.
- Respond to emergencies, critical incidents, and security concerns, providing effective leadership and sound decision-making in high-stress situations.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute institutional emergency drills, including completing all required documentation, coordinating participating staff, evaluating drill performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring corrective actions are addressed.
- Supervised correctional staff, assigned and monitored duties, and oversaw inmate movement and security operations to ensure compliance with VADOC policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Conducted inspections and audits to identify security, safety, sanitation, and operational concerns, recommending corrective actions to assist management in maintaining compliance and operational readiness.
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff; address performance concerns, promote accountability, and maintain professional standards throughout the organization.
Correctional Sergeant/AITO
Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
Troy, Virginia
06.2020 - 08.2022
- Coordinated administration and delivery of mandated, annual, elective, remedial, and specialty training for institutional staff to enhance compliance and operational readiness.
- Incident Commander and coordinated the institutional response and infection-control measures during COVID-19 outbreaks in a VADOC correctional facility. Able to set up and begin Emergency Operations following Policy 075 and FEMA requirements.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to security protocols to maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on safety procedures and protocols.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to maintain safety standards.
K9 Unit (Sergeant/Officer)
Virginia Department of Corrections
State Farm, VA
08.2009 - 06.2020
- Supervises and manages K9 officers and daily K9 unit operations, ensuring compliance with VADOC policies, procedures, and security standards. Scheduled, deployed, trained, evaluated, and managed performance of K9 teams. Coordinated K9 operations for searches, contraband detection, facility security, investigations, and emergency response.
- Conducted K9 training, certifications, and proficiency testing while guiding K9 staff and coordinating with administration, security departments, and outside agencies to ensure operational readiness and prioritize health, safety, and welfare of K9s. Responded to critical incidents and led security operations, searches, and special assignments.
- Planned, coordinated, staffed, and executed large-scale security interdictions involving staff and visitors; deployed DCT, TSU, and K9 personnel, conducted institutional shakedowns, and supported outside law enforcement agencies during searches of schools and other facilities, ensuring effective coordination and operational security.
- Maintained K9 training, health, equipment, and required documentation, complying with VADOC policies and K9 program standards. Collaborated closely with security staff and other agencies during investigations, searches, and critical incidents.
- Trained and handled assigned correctional K9 to enhance security measures within facility.
Corrections Officer
Fluvanna Correctional Center
Troy
12.2005 - 08.2009
- Ensured safety and security of inmates within the facility by conducting searches, supervising activities, and maintaining order.
- Conducted security rounds through housing units at Fluvanna Correctional Center.
- Monitored inmate movement during meals, recreation, and program schedules.
- Searched for contraband during cell inspections and pat-downs.
- Enforced correctional rules with clear verbal instructions and firm presence.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to emergency situations that may arise within the facility.
- Responded to emergencies using trained restraint and escort procedures.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fluvanna County High School
Palmyra, VA06-2002
Associate of Applied Science - Police Science
Virginia Community College
VA09-2026
Skills
- Incident management
- Training program development
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- Compliance monitoring
- Training program development
- Technology integration
- Program management
- Crisis management
- Documentation
- Adaptability
Affiliations
- Southern States Correctional Association
Timeline
Institutional Training Officer
Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
07.2024 - Current
Lieutenant/Investigator
Cold Springs Correctional Unit #10
08.2022 - 07.2024
Correctional Sergeant/AITO
Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
06.2020 - 08.2022
K9 Unit (Sergeant/Officer)
Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2009 - 06.2020
Corrections Officer
Fluvanna Correctional Center
12.2005 - 08.2009
High School Diploma -
Fluvanna County High School
Associate of Applied Science - Police Science
Virginia Community College