Mario Fernandez
Ridgefield Park
Summary
Dynamic Corrections Sergeant with extensive experience at Hudson County Corrections, excelling in inmate supervision and conflict resolution. Proven track record in enhancing facility security through effective policy enforcement and incident investigation. Recognized for training staff and fostering a culture of safety and respect, ensuring compliance with regulations while promoting inmate accountability.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Corrections Sergeant
Hudson County Corrections And Rehabilitation Center
12.2017 - 02.2025
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and procedural compliance.
- Trained and mentored new staff on effective inmate management and conflict resolution techniques.
- Coordinated incident response efforts, maintaining order during emergencies and disturbances.
- Implemented staff scheduling systems, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular inspections of facility conditions, identifying areas for improvement and maintenance needs.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for inmates attending offsite appointments or transferring to other facilities.
- Developed training programs focused on crisis intervention strategies for correctional personnel.
- Evaluated performance metrics and recommended policy adjustments to improve overall facility operations.
- Reduced instances of inmate conflict by developing and enforcing strict disciplinary policies.
- Supported development of proactive emergency response plans for potential crises such as riots or hostage situations.
- Ensured safety within the correctional facility by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring surveillance systems.
- Prevented potential security breaches by routinely inspecting perimeter fencing, gates, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofs, locks, alarms systems, lighting fixtures in the facility.
- Conducted investigations into alleged staff misconduct ensuring fair treatment while upholding high ethical standards.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in corrections.
- Increased operational efficiency by effectively managing daily shift schedules, work assignments, and resource allocation.
- Improved staff performance through consistent training, evaluations, and constructive feedback.
- Maintained a secure environment for inmates and staff by closely adhering to established protocols and procedures.
- Promoted inmate accountability through regular inspections of living quarters and personal belongings.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
- Coordinated responses to emergency situations arising in different prison locations.
- Verified all prison visitors carried proper identification and had no contraband before entering institution.
- Checked all book in and discharges, making sure all charges have paperwork and all discharges have orders of discharge.
Correctional Officer
Hudson County Corrections And Rehabilitation Center
09.2005 - 12.2017
- Monitored inmate behavior to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Conducted routine inspections of cells and common areas to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and emergency services during critical incidents to ensure swift resolution.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, policies, and effective communication techniques.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate tensions between inmates and staff.
- Maintained accurate logs of daily activities, incidents, and inmate interactions for record-keeping purposes.
- Assisted in developing and refining operational protocols to enhance facility security measures.
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Improved compliance with state and federal regulations by updating and enforcing facility policies.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
- Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City, NJ01-2018
Skills
- Inmate supervision
- Restraint techniques
- Microsoft office
- Incident investigation
- Security protocols
- De-escalation techniques
- Policy enforcement
- Facility maintenance
- Disciplinary actions
- Contraband detection
- Security and law enforcement
- Inmate movement control
- Rules of conduct
- Inmate transport
- Security procedures
- Surveillance monitoring
- Officer training
- Body searches
- Staff supervision
- Work planning
- Conflict management
- Courtroom testimony
- Rule enforcement
- Records maintenance
- Inspections
- Offender escort
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Self motivation
- Search and seizure procedures
- Operational planning
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Adaptability
- Employee scheduling
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Corrections Sergeant
Hudson County Corrections And Rehabilitation Center
12.2017 - 02.2025
Correctional Officer
Hudson County Corrections And Rehabilitation Center
09.2005 - 12.2017
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Hudson County Community College
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