Armando Gardea
Las Cruces,NM
Summary
Proven leader in high-stress environments, notably with the Southern New Mexico Dept. of Corrections, where I honed skills in inmate supervision and conflict resolution. Excelled in reducing misconduct through effective communication and contraband control, demonstrating a keen ability to maintain safety and security. Skilled in both de-escalation techniques and defensive tactics. Consistently achieved positive outcomes in critical situations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Lieutenant
Southern New Mexico Dept. of Corrections
07.2003 - Current
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by subordinates for accuracy before forwarding them up the chain of command for further action if needed.
- Served as a role model for subordinate staff by consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within the correctional facility.
- Utilized strong conflict resolution skills to defuse tense situations among inmates or staff members, maintaining order within the facility.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts during critical incidents, ensuring effective communication among team members and adherence to protocol.
- Conducted thorough investigations into incidents, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up actions were taken.
- Reduced instances of misconduct by establishing positive relationships with inmates and addressing grievances in a timely manner.
- Maintained safety within the correctional facility through consistent monitoring and enforcement of rules and regulations.
- Managed daily operations within assigned unit, ensuring adequate staffing levels were maintained and resources were allocated effectively.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly through observation and feedback sessions to support their professional development and maintain high levels of competence within the team.
- Coordinated responses to emergency situations arising in different prison locations.
- Conducted regular inspections of the physical facilities within the unit, identifying any maintenance or safety concerns that required immediate attention.
- Enhanced staff performance by providing ongoing training, guidance, and support to correctional officers under my supervision.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Served as a liaison between correctional staff and external entities such as law enforcement agencies, social services providers, or courts regarding inmate matters or facility operations.
- Maintained accurate records related to inmate conduct, staff performance, or facility operations, ensuring all documentation was up-to-date and readily accessible when needed.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Monitored security systems throughout the facility to ensure full compliance with established guidelines while promptly addressing any potential issues or concerns that arose.
- Assisted in developing policies and procedures for the efficient operation of the facility, resulting in increased safety and security.
- Assigned officer tasks such as cleaning cells and stocking clean laundry to keep prison running efficiently.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
- Verified all prison visitors carried proper identification and had no contraband before entering institution.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Member of the facility C.E.R.T (Correctional Emergency Response Team) for 11 years. I attended numerous SWAT training schools as well as specialized training in tracking with USBP, and the US Military.
Department Manager
Wal-Mart
03.1995 - 05.2015
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Provided ongoing staff development opportunities through training programs, workshops, and regular feedback sessions.
- Developed and executed innovative promotions, driving increased foot traffic and sales.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
Sale Associate
Dillards Department Store
01.2002 - 08.2005
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
Sales Associate
American Eagle
02.2003 - 03.2004
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
Sales Associate
Hastings Entertainment Inc
06.1998 - 02.2003
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
Sales Associate
E.B.S Enterprises
01.2000 - 11.2002
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
Education
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMGrand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 01.2022 -
High School Diploma -
Onate High School
Las Cruces, NM05.1996
Skills
Inmate Supervision
Contraband Control
Mental health awareness
Substance Abuse Knowledge
Self-defense techniques
Weapons Handling
Physical Fitness
Incident Investigation
Weapons training
Security Protocols
Suicide Prevention
De-Escalation Techniques
Policy Enforcement
Gang Intelligence
Defensive Tactics
Spending time with family, fishing and spending time with friends.
I value my time with my family. I believe a father who is always working, still leaves their children fatherless. So I spend time with my family by taking them fishing, traveling and supporting their sports. My daughter is less than a year old. She is my everything. I value friendships as my friends are considered my brothers. When I need them, I am there and vice versa.
Timeline
Grand Canyon University
01.2022 -
Correctional Lieutenant
Southern New Mexico Dept. of Corrections
07.2003 - Current
Sales Associate
American Eagle
02.2003 - 03.2004
Sale Associate
Dillards Department Store
01.2002 - 08.2005
Sales Associate
E.B.S Enterprises
01.2000 - 11.2002
Sales Associate
Hastings Entertainment Inc
06.1998 - 02.2003
Department Manager
Wal-Mart
03.1995 - 05.2015
New Mexico State University
High School Diploma -
Onate High School