James McDonald — Instructor Profile

About James McDonald

Jim McDonald is a 34-year veteran employee of the Florida Department of Corrections. Jim has held all correctional officer ranks through Colonel to Assistant Warden. Jim was formerly a team member and Team Commander for an Institutional CERT Team (Tactical Team).

Jim has worked in all level institutions with the department of corrections from Road Prisons, Medium- Minimum Custody Institutions, Work Release Centers, Close Custody Institutions with Special Housing Inmates and Reception Centers, as well as Central Office where Jim was instrumental in the creation of the Special Operations Unit with the Florida Department of Corrections and was assigned as the first Colonel responsible for the development, implementation and training of the Crisis Negotiation Unit. As the state-wide commander of the CNU, Jim trained staff in crisis negotiation and trained members of the law enforcement community from Sheriff’s Offices, local police departments and county jails. Jim also conducted training for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Jim has served as the Training Director, Vice President and President for the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators and currently serves on the Executive Board of the association. The Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators is the second largest association (number of members) of its kind in the United States and is a member of the National Council of Negotiator Associations. Jim is also a member of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency.

Jim received his education at Lake City Community College, the University of North Florida and the University of Central Florida.

Jim currently trains for the Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida, the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center, Camp Dodge, Iowa, and the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators.