Erica Melchor
Visalia,CA
Summary
Accomplished Correctional Officer with a proven track record at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, adept in crisis management and conflict resolution. Skilled in employing de-escalation techniques and emergency response to enhance safety and security. Successfully reduced contraband instances, demonstrating exceptional vigilance and stress tolerance. Worked with mental health patients with direct supervision of psychiatrists and mental health staff.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Officer
California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation
Corcoran, CA
11.2005 - 05.2022
- 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.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- 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.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
- 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.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
Correctional Probation Officer
Tulare County Probation Department
Visalia, CA
10.2001 - 11.2005
- Enhanced safety and security by conducting thorough cell searches and confiscating contraband items.
- Conducted thorough pre-release evaluations, assessing risk levels and making appropriate recommendations for parole considerations.
- Utilized advanced interviewing techniques when gathering information from offenders, ensuring accuracy in case documentation.
- Conducted regular probationer check-ins, monitoring compliance with conditions of release and addressing any concerns or issues that arose.
- Maintained order within the facility through consistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
- Assisted in successful emergency response situations, ensuring the safety of staff and inmates alike.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to develop strategies for managing difficult inmates and maintaining a safe environment.
- Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution skills when mediating disputes between inmates or staff members.
- Prevented potential security breaches by staying vigilant during inmate transportations and off-site appointments.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies effectively when dealing with volatile situations involving offenders or other individuals at risk of harm.
Resident Supervisor
Turning Point
Visalia
10.2000 - 10.2001
- Assisted with move-in and move-out processes, ensuring smooth transitions for new and departing residents.
- Managed conflict resolution efforts, maintaining a peaceful living environment for all residents.
- Maintained a safe and clean living environment by conducting routine inspections and coordinating maintenance efforts.
- Facilitated roommate mediations to address issues before they escalated into larger problems.
- Encouraged positive behavior among residents through role modeling appropriate conduct.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
- Promoted positive relations between residents and staff.
- Assisted residents with transitioning into new living environment and maintained strong relationships with residents.
- Enforced policies and safety standards through building and room rounds.
- Conducted daily welfare checks and coordinated with facility staff to meet resident needs.
- Assisted in recruitment and selection of student leaders.
Education
Certification - California Department of Corrections Academy
Department of Corrections And Rehabilitation
Galt, CA03.2006
Skills
- First Aid Training
- Emergency Response
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Conflict resolution skills
- Inmate Supervision
- Mental health awareness
- Correctional facility procedures
- Policy Enforcement
- Restraint Techniques
- Safety and security enforcement
- Self-defense tactics
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Stress Tolerance
- Weapons training
- Crisis Management
- Suicide Prevention
- Gang Awareness
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Correctional Officer
California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation
11.2005 - 05.2022
Correctional Probation Officer
Tulare County Probation Department
10.2001 - 11.2005
Resident Supervisor
Turning Point
10.2000 - 10.2001
Certification - California Department of Corrections Academy
Department of Corrections And Rehabilitation