Charles Johnson served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1997. He began his correctional career as a Correctional Officer in 2007 at MTC Arizona State Prison. His career has since expanded to GEO where he is currently a Correctional officer at the Kingman Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (KCRF). He also serves as the unofficial Chaplain for the Facility’s Tactical Unit.
Mr. Johnson is a Complex Officer for KCRF and oversees the highly active Arizona Corrections Industries program, which employs 30 inmates who fabricate vehicle trailers. His responsibilities include managing tools, chemical, and a bustling factory operation, and he has been recognized by the client, the Arizona Department of Cocrrections Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) for setting an exemplary standard for all security staff across the state.
Mr. Johnson also provides oversight for inmates working on special projects in the Facility’s wastewater treatment plant, which is a crucial role, as it ensures the Facility meets the expectations and standards of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. He also plays an important role in coordinating transportation for inmate medical appointments.
Before becoming a Complex Officer, Mr. Johnson was a Traffic Control Officer, responsible for screening all staff, vendors, and visitors entering the Facility. His positive and energetic personality, along with his signature greeting of “you are awesome!” were widely appreciated.
Mr. Johnson is always ready to take on any assignment. His strong work ethic and genuine desire to exceed expectations have been instrumental in helping KCRF meet or surpass the highest standards of service for GEO and the ADCRR.
In 2023, Mr. Johnson volunteered to serve on temporary duty at GEO’s Lea County Correctional Facility in New Mexico. During a routine security check, Mr. Johnson was involved in an inmate on staff altercation. He sustained minor injuries from the incident and was treated at the local hospital per GEO protocol. Mr. Johnson gives credit to the self-defense training he received at KCRF for giving him the skills and knowledge to mitigate and manage the incident and come away from it only lightly scathed. His degree of professionalism and effectiveness is demonstrative of the operational excellence that GEO strives for.
You can always count on Charles to say “God bless you and have a blessed day!” He is a cherished member of the KCRF family. Congratulations on being selected as the Correctional Officer of the Year!
