THOMAS GARCIA
Rowe,Nm
Summary
Dynamic corrections professional with extensive experience managing security operations and enhancing staff morale. Proven track record in crisis management and inmate rehabilitation programs, ensuring a safe environment while fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Officer
Penitentiary of New Mexico
01.2005 - 07.2008
- Oversaw unit operations and security protocols
- Monitored tower to detect and respond to security breaches
- Conducted vehicle patrols to ensure safety
- Supported operations in multiple areas as a correctional officer
- Provided food service to ensure guest satisfaction at events
- Organized recreational activities to enhance participant engagement
Officer
Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, Corrections
07.2008 - 03.2021
- Floor/Unit Officer, primarily responsible for the supervision, control, safety, and welfare of inmates assigned to housing units. RHU, Low, medium and maximum custody inmates.
- Maintained movement, safety, and security through visual observation, contributing to a secure environment as a unit control officer in Master Control.
- Oversaw medical care for inmates, ensuring timely access to healthcare services.
- Managed inmate property storage and retrieval processes, ensuring accountability and proper handling of personal belongings.
- Conducted routine vehicle patrols to monitor facility grounds, enhancing overall security posture.
- Hospital watch Officer
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring food safety and compliance with health regulations.
- Special Management Unit Officer
- Handled intake processes, including fingerprints, body scanner operations, and releases as a Booking Officer.
- Managed front desk operations, greeting visitors and ensuring security protocols were followed.
- Supervised arraignment proceedings to ensure security and proper conduct in the court room.
- Executed the safe transport of inmates to various locations, ensuring compliance with security protocols. (specialty Post required a letter of interest, selected through the letter of interest process, Required verified Experience, and second interview process approximately 1 year of service.) Armed post this is where I spent most of my time handling firearms.
- Received employee of the month and quarter, also received a letter of recognition during a crucial inmate on inmate incident during my years while in the officer role.
- Served as a corporal, assisting with the supervision and training of junior officers. 8-1-2012 to 5-3-2013
- First Line supervisor assisting all floor Officers approximately 15 per shift, run recreation, serve trays, ensure count is conducted correctly, maintain sanitation in all areas assigned to, assist unit sergeants in daily duties, pull post to cover posts when officer shortage occurs, conduct all duties of Officers when assigned to Officers posts.
- Sergeant 5-4-2013 to 12-12-2015
- Supervised 4 corporals and approximately 15-20 officers per shift as a Shift Sergeant, ensuring staff demonstrated professional conduct while providing a safe, secure, and humane environment.
- Assist shift commander with daily paperwork, incident packs, chain of custody, evidence handling.
- Ensure Medline is being conducted correctly while monitoring Officers, inmates must be dressed in full uniform, water and ID.
- Properly document use of force reports from subordinate staff
- Ensure staff are not leaving their post for any reason unless properly relieved.
- Conduct a count in master control matching the X-jail system to the count board ensuring all numbers match and all unit counts are correct.
- Checking in any deliveries checking vehicles, with mirror, DL, Plate numbers etc.
- Log book accountability ensures all daily activities are being logged properly and thoroughly.
- Makes personnel action recommendations, maintains employee confidentiality, mediation of issues or reported incidents /problems between inmates and subordinate staff.
- Review all inmate misconduct reports for proper charges, punctuation and spelling prior to them being submitted.
- Attend meetings as scheduled and participate by sharing observations and recommendations regarding the facility.
- Monitors and verifies all inmates have been provided clothing personal grooming products Hygiene and all laundry is conducted daily.
- Assists, trains, and mentors staff on job performance.
- Unit Manager as a Sergeant. Enforce all policy and procedure in the assigned unit. Monitor mentorship and assists staff when needed. Worked hand in hand with Mental health and case management assigned to the unit. Ensure all inmate, requests, concerns and issues are addressed and handled accordingly. Security is paramount in a unit while being managed; Sanitation and proper operations.
- Lieutenant 12-13-2015 to 7-1-2018
- Oversaw shift operations to ensure effective management of staff and inmate activities. oversee and is responsible for all facility operations, functions and logistics. Supervising entire security personnel assigned to the facility shift on a daily basis, 15-20 staff members.
- Manage critical incidents
- Response to officer involved incidents, situations.
- Recommends personal improvement plans for officers, Corporals and Sergeants.
- Coordination of staff leave requests.
- Led daily shift briefings.
- Staff post assignments daily
- Maintains oversight of all staff and inmate Activities
- Notification to on call duty officer or on call captain or major
- Served as liaison between shifts to facilitate communication and report critical updates. Upper upper administration approves subordinate reports and makes recommendations for disciplinary actions.
- Conducted monthly evaluations of employee performance to provide feedback and support improvement., review staff attendance records on a weekly basis
- Documented and reported all worker’s compensation and workplace injuries.
- Post inspection, staff daily log inspection signs all post orders, quizzes staff during rounds
- Covered all mandatory posts through either mandatory overtime or calling in staff.
- Ensure all inmate work areas are functioning and the booking department operates on time.
- Ensures all admin officers, Contact visits, laundry, property, transports, key control Sergeant are maintaining their assigned areas and all areas are functioning properly and efficiently.
- Worked with NMCPSO union, Afsrme council and all presidents
- Captain 7-2-2018 to 5-15-2019
- Oversight of all custody operations of the Santa Fe county Correctional facility
- Supervising all staff, Officers 10-15 per shift, Corporals 4 per shift, Sergeants 5-6 per shift and all Lieutenants managing shift rosters, supervision of all custody employees.
- Managed staff rosters to ensure adequate coverage and efficient personnel deployment. staff assignments
- Facility body camera (axon) maintenance and issuance to all supervisors maintaining server and ensuring all cameras were uploaded daily.
- Attended weekly wardens meeting, notifying of all activities occurring
- Ensure training department is in compliance with all staff's yearly 40-hour training
- Conducted internal investigations, staff and inmates investigations
- Assisted in development of policy, policy revision and programs having a direct effect on security, safety, training and investigation.
- Occasionally assigned to perform duties of the Chief of security (Major) when on leave or extended absences (Acting)
- Oversaw the grievance process and worked with the disciplinary officer.
- Managed the facility's camera system, ensuring proper functionality and access for authorized personnel. Avigilon Camera System, granting access to eligible supervisors and staff needing camera access for daily duties. Limiting use of cameras in the event of preservation of video footage for legal purposes.
- Provided assistance to the STIU department in conducting searches and investigations. in daily duties approving of operations, mass searches, vehicle searches, staff searches, Office Searches.
- Lieutenant 9-15-2019 to 3-18-2021
- Requested a shift change due to non-disciplinary self-demotion granted by the warden for family medical issues.
- Assigned to all Lieutenant duties listed above placed as shift commander.
- Resigned from a position with Santa Fe county to work for the NMDOC
part time
Home Depot, Lowes, Heritage hotels
- The following places of employment I also worked at part time during my career within corrections
- Delivered customer service by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Maintenance technician
- Operating boilers
- Minor electrical repairs
- Plumbing repairs
- Completed painting and spot painting tasks to ensure a clean and appealing environment.
- Executed preventive maintenance across all areas based on supervisor instructions.
- Grounds detail: maintaining all shrubs, pavement, concrete and outside lighting
Apprentice helper
Blue Ridge Mechanical
- Participated in new build construction, HVAC installation, plumbing, septic installation, and water line maintenance, contributing to project completion
- Supported team members in performing routine mechanical tasks and repairs.
- Assisted in maintaining tools and equipment for efficiency and safety.
- Organized workspaces to promote a clean and productive environment.
- Supported various tasks during apprenticeship at Blue Ridge, enhancing skill set over one year
Lieutenant
New Mexico Department of Corrections
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Shift commander Springer correctional center
- Supported Major with various responsibilities as acting captain in Admin Lt position.
- Staff disciplinary recommendations
- Staff evaluations
- Managed keys and tool control for all tools and equipment at SCC, ensuring accountability.
- Procured essential items to support operational needs of SCC.
- Daily shift rosters, overtime bucket
- Acted as on-call duty officer during scheduled shifts.
Captain
New Mexico Department of Corrections
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Admin captain duties, responsible for the unit complex operations
- Supervised a security program by providing direction to facility personnel and inmates to create a safe and secure environment.
- Conduct all Major duties, roster management, ACA Files, attend all weekly/Monthly meetings, Monthly reports
- Recommended staff disciplinary actions to enhance operational standards and maintain security protocols.
- Creating operation plans to search and lockdown a facility properly, ensuring adequate staff and resources are available.
- Knowledgeable in all security, policy and procedures.
- Over sight of all Lieutenants, Sergeants and Officers
- Maintained accountability for issued duty vests and equipment to support operational readiness and compliance.
- Conducted regular meetings with supervisors to ensure alignment on policies and document actionable items.
- Assist HR with staff interviews, selection and retention
- Staff interviews, Selection retention and recruiting
- Ensure all Supervisors are enforcing policy and procedure, oversight and management of all subordinate staff within GCCF, including co specialists.
- Maintained ACA compliance files to support regulatory standards.
- Monthly Captains and Major, reports
- Logistic planning of all transports and fleet management
- On call Duty Officer when scheduled
- Assist in ordering all supplies for armory and security staff, maintaining inventory on all sensitive equipment, Chemical agents, restraints and lethal weapons
- Warehouse inventory/management, accountability, FIFO, perpetual inventories
- Performed routine maintenance and accountability checks on vehicles to ensure operational readiness.
- Accounted for and stored inmate property as the property officer due to a vacant position.
- Property oversight ensuring all property is accounted for and a proper inventory is on hand
- Support of all inmate Programs in support of rehabilitation
- Assist and support successful programs maintaining DOG Program at GCCF, inmate clubs, inmate work programs etc.
- GAR assistance for Compliance/ ACA compliance files
- OPS investigator (office of professional standards)
- Attended all UMTS/ Committees providing adequate housing for inmates
- Assist the IEC with hiring and retention of all inmate jobs
- Conduct rounds to ensure all subordinate staff are performing their duties properly
- Review and inspect all posts and post order
- Have worked all posts Transports, Front desk, Vehicle patrol Control centers, Kitchen, Medical, Recreation, Hospital watch, high Security transports, Outside detail, Monitors, Foot Patrol, Chapel watch, Education Watch, traffic control
- Train all Lt's on SIR Procedures, Camera review, uploading of camera footage, and proper documentation. Facility camera system management. Avigilon Camera System, granting access to eligible supervisors and staff needing camera access for daily duties. Limiting use of cameras in the event of preserving video footage for legal purposes.
- Audited all post logs, post orders, and conducted daily activity reviews of documentation.
- Assist in Rec position ordering. rec equipment and maintaining the gym and rec area
- Conduct rounds to ensure all subordinate staff are performing their duties properly
- Conduct all Major duties, roster management, ACA Files, attend all weekly/Monthly meetings, Monthly reports
- Staff interviews, Selection retention and recruiting
- Assist in Rec position ordering. rec equipment and maintaining the gym and rec area
MAJOR Chief of Security
New Mexico Corrections Department
02.2023 - 08.2026
- All duties listed above oversight of three facilities at the Penitentiary of New Mexico
- Supervised overall security operations to maintain a safe environment across the facility.
- Ensure all subordinate staff comply with policies and post orders
- Provide leadership to subordinates
- Investigate staff misconduct and provide findings to management.
- Evaluated staff performance to identify strengths and areas for development, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Review daily rosters to ensure sufficient staff levels of shifts
- Managed overtime usage and ensured compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.
- Oversaw the maintenance team to ensure timely facility repairs and upkeep, supporting operational readiness.
UNIT Manager
New Mexico Corrections department
08.2026 - Current
- Administrator, supervisor, trainer, coordinator and monitor for a multidisciplinary staff team assigned in a designated housing unit.
- Organized and directed operations of assigned housing unit in a correctional setting to maintain safety and order
- Ensured effective functioning of inmate programs to support rehabilitation and meet department objectives
- Delivered quality programs and services to enhance inmate rehabilitation and support unit goals
- Department head, performing additional administrative functions including acting as duty Officer.
- Enforce all regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality
- Prioritized unit needs in order of importance.
- Applied classification knowledge across the entire facility.
- Maintained on-call status to provide immediate assistance during emergencies.
Education
Diploma -
Pecos High School
Pecos, NM05-2003
Skills
- Inmate supervision
- Security operations
- Incident reporting
- Emergency response
- Policy enforcement
- Use Of force instructor
- Defensive driving certification
- Chemical munitions training
- PepperBall Instructor
- ALS chemical agents training
- Defense technology less lethal training
- T4T instructor certified
- OPS/investigator Training NMCD
- Firearm inventory management
- Armorer, in charge of Armory GCCF
- Nm Department of corrections academy Certified graduated in January of 2005
- Cert By Waiver academy April 2021
- Documentation skills
- Investigation oversight
- Inmate assessment
- Conflict management
- Employee assessment
- Staff recruitment
- Effective decision-making
- Transparent leader who operates with integrity
- Community engagement
- Transparent leader who operates with integrity
- Community engagement
- Effective decision-making
Volunteer Experience
Previous Volunteer firefighter, Previous Volunteer firefighter for approximately 8 years, Assisted in the transition of the Guadalupe county correctional facility from a private entity to a state operated facility.
ACTIVITIES
- Current president of my local water association which I feel plays a vital role in leadership and my leadership skills, as I have to network, multiple items, areas and communication with multiple state agencies and persons for this operation. Assist in audits, obtaining grants, speaking to elected state officials for assistance in obtaining monies for this association etc. managing the associations money through a board of elected members, President, vice president, Secretary treasure and three board members.
- I do have on line courses completed that are assigned by the Santa Fe county human resources department as a continuing education.
- Sexual harassment for managers
- Use of force
- Contraband control
- Ethical behavior for elected officials
- Sexual harassment in the work place
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- Use of force instructor
- Investigator
- T4T certified
- Effective communication
- PREA investigator
Timeline
UNIT Manager
New Mexico Corrections department
08.2026 - Current
MAJOR Chief of Security
New Mexico Corrections Department
02.2023 - 08.2026
Captain
New Mexico Department of Corrections
11.2021 - 02.2023
Lieutenant
New Mexico Department of Corrections
03.2021 - 11.2021
Officer
Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, Corrections
07.2008 - 03.2021
Officer
Penitentiary of New Mexico
01.2005 - 07.2008
part time
Home Depot, Lowes, Heritage hotels
Apprentice helper
Blue Ridge Mechanical
Diploma -
Pecos High School