Christopher Atkins
Gatineau,QC
Summary
A compassionate and safety-conscious Public Safety worker with excellent communication, de-escalation and crisis intervention skills resulting in professional conflict resolution. Successful at developing long-term positive relationships with colleagues, community partners, and the public. Adept in thorough report writing and legal procedures to ensure positive court outcomes
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team-Leader
Ottawa Victim Services
08.2021 - Current
- Assist OVS Coordinator and staff with on-boarding and training of newly hired volunteers via online and in person training sessions
- Provide new/current volunteers with training, mentorship, and guidance by sharing first-hand knowledge, personal experiences, and thorough understanding of OVS’ mandates and policies
- Ensure OVS pager/phone system coverage by redirecting all contact to OVS via personal phone
- Ensure the provision of trauma-informed direct service to victims of crime, including assessment of needs, navigation of the criminal justice system, health and child welfare systems, court preparation and accompaniment
- Complete risk assessments and support clients to create safety plans personalized to their specific situation, including high risk domestic violence and human trafficking cases
- Ensure victims are informed of their rights under the Victims of Crime Act and other relevant legislation while advocating for services and facilitating the flow of communication between service providers and the client
- Personally oversee intake and organization of any calls for assistance by partner agencies and victims, directing calls for service by dispatching volunteers and/or personally attending on scene
- Coordinate with OVS Director, Coordinator, fellow Team Leads, and staff to ensure victims are provided with any needed assistance via the Victim Quick Response Program
- Provide Supervisory coverage for weekly overnight and weekend shifts to allow regular staff time-off and holidays, ensuring 24/7 coverage and victim services support
- Develop, collect and maintain program information, volunteer reports, documentation, and client records in accordance with OVS policies and record management procedures
- Participates and contributes to personal and personnel professional development via virtual events, in-person presentations and in-service workshops on topics related to victimology and mental health
- Assists in building and maintaining healthy relationships through liaising and consulting with community partners, stakeholders, and related professionals to further OVS’ service provision and by facilitating victims of crime referrals to OVS.
Security Supervisor
Cadillac Fairview - Rideau Centre, Security & Life Safety
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Supervise security staff which includes training new Security Guards on rules, regulations and procedures, providing regular feedback, reviewing reports, and interviewing all potential candidates for vacant positions
- Provide continuous motivation, mentoring, and guidance to team members, culminating in multiple employees furthering their professional development
- Prepare employee time sheets to ensure their accuracy for payroll purposes, approve vacation, sick leave, wellness days and overtime, as well as managing adequate coverage on the floor, ensuring employee safety
- Evaluate employee performance, provide performance reviews, address misconduct, rule violations, or poor performance issues and manage follow-up disciplinary actions
- Formulate constant feedback on, as well as to, Security team members for logs and incident reports, ensuring their readiness for the Manager of Security, property Management, and for Court purposes
- Handle department-wide procurement of necessary equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment, First Aid supplies, sharp collection devices, and job related tools, allowing the continuity of operations
- Coordinate with Property and Security Management teams, as well as CF National Operations, to improve company-wide and site specific Security and Life Safety concerns, such as movement based lighting systems, access control issues, and evolving Security Guard safety concerns
- Lead emergency incidents including evacuation of the facility during active threats such as active fires, chemical leaks, shelter in place, bomb threats, active shooter/assailant response, floods, natural disasters, etc, preventing injuries, loss of life, and legal liability
- Conduct thorough investigations and review footage for internal purposes and, upon request, providing required documentation and evidence to Law Enforcement entities, often resulting in positive legal outcomes and the prevention of further criminal activity on property
- Undertook the creation of a tracking system to implement updates and repairs for Security&Life Safety departments’ issued Radio devices, resulting in fully functioning communication equipment on site and improved safety for team members on the floor
- Assist with the development of, and streamline additions to, an internal department-wide shared suspect/offender drive for identification purposes, allowing guards to positively ID persons during interactions, resulting in the deterrent or prevention of criminal activity and increased guard safety.
Security Guard/Dispatcher
Cadillac Fairview - Rideau Centre, Security & Life Safety
05.2021 - 02.2022
- Proactively patrol assigned areas and investigate incidents resulting in reports, warnings, and arrests, leading to a significant decrease in reliance on outer agency enforcement and assistance
- Monitor activities, initiate investigations, and respond to incidents and criminal activity, such as criminal trespass, security breaches, assaults, sexual assaults, harassment, thefts, mischief, public order, domestic incidents, noise complaints, and safety hazards; resulting in a considerable reduction in all reported incidents
- Apply de-escalation techniques to ensure that interactions with the public conclude in the most peaceful resolutions possible and offer the highest level of customer service
- Utilize Closed Circuit Television Cameras to assist in conducting investigations and footage review for incidents on CF Rideau Centre property
- Consistently monitor site-wide Closed-Circuit Television Cameras and dispatch Officer’s to found incidents, display officer presence, and investigate suspicious persons or vehicles, and coordinate with Ottawa Police Service and first responders, resulting in the deterrence and prevention of criminal acts
- Assist and direct Ottawa Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Ottawa Fire Services during investigations and emergency situations to ensure the quickest possible response time
- Perform extensive report writing and detailed note taking of events and incidents, resulting in proper recording and documentation for legal purposes.
Supervisor - Lead Fusion Security Specialist
Logixx Security (Formerly ASAP Secured)
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Supervise employees work on client sites to ensure it is conducted in accordance with applicable health, safety and privacy legislation, policies and procedures which provided the client and public with the best possible security services
- Operate professionally and independently in a business-centered environment using a customer-first approach, which improved customer experiences for all and allowed for rapid intervention and de-escalation
- Provide leadership and support while overseeing, training, and coaching assigned staff using real world experiences, and resulting in excellent service to the client and it’s patrons
- Apply de-escalation techniques to ensure that interactions with the public conclude in the most peaceful resolutions possible and offer the highest level of customer service
- Proactively patrol assigned areas and investigate incidents resulting in reports, warnings, and arrests, leading to a significant decrease in reliance on outer agency enforcement and assistance
- Monitor activities, initiate investigations, and respond to incidents and criminal activity, such as criminal trespass, security breaches, assaults, sexual assaults, harassment, thefts, mischief, public order, domestic incidents, noise complaints, and safety hazards; resulting in a considerable reduction in all reported incidents
- Assist and direct Internal Mall Security, Ottawa Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Ottawa Fire Services during investigations and emergency situations to ensure the quickest possible response time.
Campus Security Guard (Foot Patrol, Mobile Patrol, Dispatch)
Algonquin College Safety and Security Services
12.2014 - 08.2018
- Display excellent customer service, while providing a security presence, and offer directions on Algonquin College campus to provide students and visitors with the best possible experience
- Proactively patrol assigned areas around Campus on foot, on bicycle, or in motor vehicle and investigate incidents resulting in reports, warnings, and arrests; leading to a significant decrease in reliance on outer agency enforcement or assistance and a safer campus for all
- Consistently monitor Campus-wide Closed-Circuit Television Cameras and dispatch Officer’s to found incidents, display officer presence, and investigate suspicious persons or vehicles resulting in the deterrence or prevention of criminal acts
- Ensure students, staff and visitors adhere to Algonquin College policies, directives and regulations, as well as Federal and Provincial Statutes, to foster a safe learning environment
- Assist investigators by conducting interviews and collecting statements, gathering information such as written, photo, and video documentation, and by completing comprehensive written incident reports to conclude investigations in a timely manner
- Respond, direct, and liaise with first responders when attending to emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, critical violent acts, lockdowns, fires, evacuations, and bomb threats
- Offer mental health and first-aid related assistance, resulting in providing information on community safety programs, services, and external resources to at-risk students
- Escort vulnerable persons, or staff for fund deposits, through the Walk Safe Program, contributing to greater overall campus safety
- Ensure the physical and electronic locking and unlocking of building entrances, classrooms, labs, and offices resulting in loss prevention and personnel and data protection.
Education
College Diploma - Community And Justice Services Program
Algonquin College School of Arts And Technology
Ottawa, ON04.2025
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
01.2009
Skills
- Legal Compliance and Report Writing
- Teamwork, Communication, and Collaboration
- Protection of People and Property
- Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention and Deescalation
- Community Engagement
- Complex Problem-Solving
Accomplishments
- Received Cadillac Fairview CEO Award of Excellence for actions during the Freedom Convoy Response
- Supervised team of 20+ staff members.
- Achieved improved Officer Safety through introduction of and implementation of new communication tools.
- Earned multiple life-saving recognitions at various roles.
Certification
- Ontario Ministry of Community and Correctional Services Security Guard License, 2024
- Standard First Aid with CPR C & AED – Certification Ottawa Paramedic Service, 2024
- Ontario Full G Class Driver’s License
- Stop The Bleed Save a Life Course - ReSTART & American College of Surgeons, 2024
- Use of Force Certification, 2023
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation - Anti-Racism Workshop via OVS, 2023
- Mental Health First Aid Training Course – Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2023
- Ottawa Police Service Vulnerable Record Check, 2021
- Death Notification Certification – Ottawa Victim Services & MADD Canada, 2020
- Victim Support Worker Certification – Ottawa Victim Services, 2019
- Administration of Naloxone and Signs of Overdose Course, 2022
- PPE Training and Safety Precautions – Ottawa Victim Services, 2020
- National Harm Reduction Coalition - Foundations of Harm Reduction Certificate, 2021
- Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute - 33 Certifications, 2021
- CPI Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training Certification, 2018
Awards
- Cadillac Fairview Building Excellence Program - 11 Commendations & Recognitions
- Cadillac Fairview CEO Award of Excellence - Freedom Convoy Response
- Letter of Commendation from Algonquin College Vice President Duane McNair for actions performed in the line of duty
- Letter of Commendation from Algonquin College Manager of Security Services Earl Green for actions performed in the line of duty
- Letter of Commendation from Paladin Security Vice President of Operations Iain Morton Algonquin College for actions performed in the line of duty
- Paladin Superstar Performance of the Month December 2017
Volunteer Experience
- Team Leader / Victim Support Worker, 02/2019, Present, Provide emotional support after a crime has been committed, Perform Court accompaniments, offer support while victims navigate the Criminal Justice System, and provide accompaniments or transportation to hospitals, shelters and Police services, Assist with tragic circumstances (i.e. funeral arrangements, death notifications), Provide information and referrals to community social service agencies, legal resources and justice professionals, Accompany victims with Police for retrieval of belongings in cases of domestic violence, Assist with filling out Criminal Injury Compensation Applications and victim impact statements, Help victims in understanding their options under the Victims Bill of Rights
- Capital City Cleanup, Ottawa, Ontario, 09/2020, Present, Collaborating in a grassroots effort for bettering our communities through the removal of improperly discarded items, Ensuring the proper retrieval, collection, and disposal of needles and sharps in our communities, Developing leadership opportunities through team based initiatives, Adapting to and overcoming new challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue volunteer efforts, Joined as a Partner for Life with Canadian Blood Services, Giving Back Bottle Drive donations provided to charitable causes
- Out of the Cold Foundation, 120 Lisgar St., Ottawa, ON, K2P 2L7, 01/2021, Present, Welcomes disadvantaged members of the community indoors to provide them a nutritious and hot meal each Saturday evening during the cold months, Assist in organizing, preparing, packaging, cleaning up, and delivering hot meals on a takeout delivery system in accordance with COVID-19 Health and Safety regulations, Provide a welcoming atmosphere, smiles, and personal service to those who need a community, Respected and followed policies and regulations related to changing public health requirements
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Security Supervisor
Cadillac Fairview - Rideau Centre, Security & Life Safety
02.2022 - 05.2023
Team-Leader
Ottawa Victim Services
08.2021 - Current
Security Guard/Dispatcher
Cadillac Fairview - Rideau Centre, Security & Life Safety
05.2021 - 02.2022
Supervisor - Lead Fusion Security Specialist
Logixx Security (Formerly ASAP Secured)
05.2019 - 04.2021
Campus Security Guard (Foot Patrol, Mobile Patrol, Dispatch)
Algonquin College Safety and Security Services
12.2014 - 08.2018
College Diploma - Community And Justice Services Program
Algonquin College School of Arts And Technology
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
- Ontario Ministry of Community and Correctional Services Security Guard License, 2024
- Standard First Aid with CPR C & AED – Certification Ottawa Paramedic Service, 2024
- Ontario Full G Class Driver’s License
- Stop The Bleed Save a Life Course - ReSTART & American College of Surgeons, 2024
- Use of Force Certification, 2023
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation - Anti-Racism Workshop via OVS, 2023
- Mental Health First Aid Training Course – Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2023
- Ottawa Police Service Vulnerable Record Check, 2021
- Death Notification Certification – Ottawa Victim Services & MADD Canada, 2020
- Victim Support Worker Certification – Ottawa Victim Services, 2019
- Administration of Naloxone and Signs of Overdose Course, 2022
- PPE Training and Safety Precautions – Ottawa Victim Services, 2020
- National Harm Reduction Coalition - Foundations of Harm Reduction Certificate, 2021
- Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute - 33 Certifications, 2021
- CPI Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training Certification, 2018
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