TONY WATTS
Newberry,FL
Summary
Statewide operations leader with a background in law enforcement, security, investigations, and program compliance. Directs facility administrators, supports staff development, and helps maintain safe, regulated environments through policy review, risk management, and quality improvement. Known for strengthening operations, documentation, and accountability across complex public-service settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Florida State Director
Wayne Halfway House/Rite of Passage
10.2024 - Current
- Managed statewide operations across Florida, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulatory compliance standards.
- Directed statewide operations to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations across treatment, education, vocational, health, and welfare services.
- Supervised facility administrators to maintain operational standards aligned with organizational and Department of Juvenile Justice policies.
- Led performance and quality improvement work to strengthen safety and security across all facilities.
- Monitored physical conditions and security standards across all facilities to maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines.
- Worked with Human Resources on staffing, training, and personnel accountability to support professional standards.
- Took part in policy review, risk management, and strategic planning to align operations with organizational goals.
Private Investigator
Sentry Service, LLC
Ocala, FL
06.2021 - Current
- Conducted thorough investigations to uncover fraud and analyze criminal activity, enhancing case outcomes
- Interviewed witnesses, suspects, and clients to extract critical information, strengthening investigation integrity
- Collected and analyzed evidence, producing detailed reports that supported legal actions
- Exposed fraudulent activities and supported legal proceedings through accurate documentation
- Utilized databases and public records to locate individuals and gather intelligence
Program Director
Rite of Passage – Oak Grove Academy
Jasper, FL
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Directed program operations ensuring compliance with policies, licensing, and regulations for treatment and welfare services
- Managed budgeting, staff development, and training to create a safe and therapeutic environment
- Led facility efforts to maintain licensure, contract, and accreditation standards
- Oversaw safety, health, and welfare of staff and students through proactive measures
- Cultivated community partnerships to expand resources and align support with program goals
- Chaired site management meetings and oversaw daily program delivery and facility maintenance
Program Director
Rite of Passage – Walton Academy for Growth and Change
De Funiak Springs, FL
12.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed budgeting and staff training while modifying programs to uphold safety and compliance standards
- Oversaw site operations to ensure compliance with policies, licensing, and regulatory requirements for treatment and welfare services
- Supervised delivery of clinical, educational, and vocational services with a focus on safety and welfare
- Led facility safety initiatives and maintained clean, secure environments
- Chaired management meetings to facilitate effective communication among stakeholders
Assistant Facility Administrator
Youth Opportunity Investments, Inc.
Ocala, FL
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Assisted in directing program and facility service delivery to ensure safety and therapeutic environment compliance
- Facilitated maintenance of facility licensure, contracts, and accreditation to ensure compliance standards met
- Coordinated staffing, recruitment, and personnel development initiatives aligned with HR policies
- Ensured compliance with health, fire, and safety codes and contractual agreements
- Established community partnerships and enhanced volunteer programs to strengthen facility operations
Chief of Security
Youth Opportunity Investments, Inc.
Ocala, FL
12.2020 - 03.2021
- Supervised security personnel, overseeing work assignments, conducting performance evaluations, and facilitating training to enhance operational effectiveness
- Ensured compliance with state regulations, facility policies, and security procedures through thorough contraband searches and effective electronic monitoring
- Coordinated emergency response efforts including fire, severe weather, and security incidents
- Conducted daily security camera reviews and internal investigations to maintain safety standards
- Managed incident reporting processes, ensuring accurate and timely documentation to support operational integrity
- Maintained communication with operations management regarding personnel and security issues
Unit Manager
03.2020 - 12.2020
- Supervised staff, assigned duties, provided training, and enforced behavior management systems to promote a positive environment
- Managed housing units to ensure safety and compliance with regulations while facilitating effective operations during assigned shifts
- Inspected housing units regularly to identify and resolve safety and operational issues
- Conducted individual and group counseling to enhance resident development and address personal challenges
- Maintained detailed records and prepared reports for administrative and legal purposes
Community Liaison
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Implemented behavioral redirection strategies and intervened in altercations to maintain a safe environment
- Modeled positive behavior and acted as a role model to inspire youth engagement and growth
- Supervised youth during off-campus activities ensuring safety and compliance with program rules
- Documented curfew compliance and communicated with stakeholders regarding student status
- Facilitated staff meetings and training sessions to enhance program delivery and teamwork
Operations Manager
Arindel Farm
Ocala, FL
01.2017 - 02.2019
- Coordinated daily operations and supervised staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, enhancing operational consistency
- Managed budgeting and human resources while ensuring compliance with safety regulations, supporting a safe work environment
- Developed and implemented operational schedules and maintenance plans
- Prepared management reports on financial and operational status to inform strategic decision-making
Adjunct Instructor
College of Central Florida
06.2011 - 12.2017
- Delivered comprehensive law enforcement training in basic certification and advanced specialized topics, equipping personnel with essential skills
- Developed curriculum to enhance skills and knowledge of law enforcement personnel, fostering professional growth and effectiveness
- Instructed College of Central Florida students in assigned course content
- Developed lesson plans aligned with college curriculum standards
- Evaluated student assignments and maintained accurate grade records
Police Officer
Ocala Police Department
11.2015 - 01.2017
- Conducted proactive patrols to enhance safety and deter crime within city jurisdiction
- Investigated criminal and suspicious activities, secured evidence, and compiled comprehensive case reports to support prosecution
- Interviewed witnesses, suspects, and victims to support investigations
- Enforced traffic laws while fostering positive community relations through engagement and support
- Executed warrantless searches and arrests following legal protocols
Special Agent
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
06.2014 - 11.2015
- Investigated major crimes including domestic security, drug cases, violent crimes, and public integrity violations
- Coordinated multi-agency investigations, enhancing collaboration across jurisdictions
- Processed crime scenes and collected evidence while ensuring integrity of chain of custody
- Developed and managed confidential informants, presenting impactful case summaries to legal authorities
- Conducted forensic phone analysis and managed search and arrest warrants
Detective (Major Crimes Unit)
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
12.2011 - 06.2014
- Investigated violent crimes including homicide, kidnapping, fraud, sexual battery, and armed robbery
- Prepared and presented cases for prosecution, providing expert testimony in court
- Conducted thorough investigations, leading to successful resolutions of assigned cases
- Conducted interviews with complainants, suspects, victims, and witnesses
- Monitored and tracked sexual predators and offenders to ensure compliance with legal requirements
Drug Agent (Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Team)
12.2008 - 11.2011
- Controlled confidential sources and conducted undercover operations to dismantle drug networks
- Executed search warrants and conducted surveillance including wiretap and GPS monitoring
- Collaborated with federal and local law enforcement agencies to enhance intelligence gathering
- Identified narcotics and facilitated coordination in multi-agency investigations
- Supervised case management, ensuring thorough preparation for court presentation
Patrol Deputy
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Executed traffic enforcement measures to uphold road safety and deter violations. traffic laws and executed warrantless searches and arrests
- Investigated criminal and suspicious activities, secured evidence, and prepared reports
- Patrolled designated areas to enhance safety and security for community members. county jurisdiction to protect lives and property
- Interviewed witnesses, suspects, and victims
- Maintained positive relationships with community members and businesses
Education
B.S. - Justice Administration
Southwest Minnesota State University
05-2006
A.A. - Social and Behavioral Science
Butte College
Oroville, CA12-2004
Skills
- Operational oversight
- Program compliance
- Risk assessment
- Analysis skills
- Management
- Cross-functional team management
- Senior leadership
- Executive leadership
- Community relationship building
- Organizational skills
- Team leadership
- Communication skills
Certification
- Class G Security Guard License — Florida Department of Law Enforcement | Expires 10/31/2028
- Class D Security Guard License — Florida Department of Law Enforcement | Expires 09/30/2028
- Class C Private Investigator — Florida Department of Law Enforcement | Expires 07/21/2027
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor 1/28/2026-1/28/2028
Timeline
Florida State Director
Wayne Halfway House/Rite of Passage
10.2024 - Current
Program Director
Rite of Passage – Oak Grove Academy
07.2023 - 10.2024
Program Director
Rite of Passage – Walton Academy for Growth and Change
12.2021 - 07.2023
Private Investigator
Sentry Service, LLC
06.2021 - Current
Assistant Facility Administrator
Youth Opportunity Investments, Inc.
03.2021 - 12.2021
Chief of Security
Youth Opportunity Investments, Inc.
12.2020 - 03.2021
Unit Manager
03.2020 - 12.2020
Community Liaison
05.2019 - 03.2020
Operations Manager
Arindel Farm
01.2017 - 02.2019
Police Officer
Ocala Police Department
11.2015 - 01.2017
Special Agent
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
06.2014 - 11.2015
Detective (Major Crimes Unit)
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
12.2011 - 06.2014
Adjunct Instructor
College of Central Florida
06.2011 - 12.2017
Drug Agent (Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Team)
12.2008 - 11.2011
Patrol Deputy
01.2007 - 12.2008
B.S. - Justice Administration
Southwest Minnesota State University
A.A. - Social and Behavioral Science
Butte College