GARY COPELAND
San Antonio
Summary
Criminal Justice Graduate and a trained Law enforcement student with leadership training and experience in criminology at Mississippi Valley State University. Proven skills in, organization and research with a background in identifying and analyzing social problems while developing solutions. Communicative Police Officer successful at developing positive relationships with colleagues and citizens. Approaches each situation with alertness, compassion and concern. Continually followed procedures to maintain safety, documentation, and meet legal requirements.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Deputy Sheriff
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
04.2024 - Current
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Maintained accurate reports and records, aiding in the proper documentation of cases for judicial proceedings.
- Enhanced public trust by providing professional and compassionate assistance during emergencies.
- Observed jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety.
- Contributed to department initiatives focused on improving policies, procedures, equipment usage, or overall performance standards within the organization.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
- Thoroughly analyzed criminal information and processed crime scenes.
- Participated actively in ongoing training programs designed to enhance skills necessary for deputy sheriff duties.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping through diligent documentation of daily activities, incident reports, and other required forms; maintaining strict adherence to established policies for data privacy and confidentiality.
- Efficiently processed new inmate admissions by completing necessary paperwork, conducting searches, and assigning appropriate housing assignments based on individual needs and risk assessments.
- Maintained a safe and secure environment for inmates by conducting regular cell inspections and monitoring inmate activities.
- Provided compassionate care for injured or ill inmates by administering first aid when necessary and coordinating medical assistance from qualified professionals.
- Promoted a culture of respect within the facility by modeling professional behavior and treating all inmates fairly regardless of their personal background or circumstances.
- Contributed to improved facility conditions by regularly participating in maintenance tasks such as cleaning common areas, inspecting equipment for damage, and reporting needed repairs.
- Assisted with inmate release procedures by verifying completion of necessary paperwork, ensuring return of personal belongings, and coordinating transportation arrangements as needed.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Checked all book in and discharges, making sure all charges have paperwork and all discharges have orders of discharge.
Machine Operator M-F 3:00p.m. - 11:00p.m
Ashley Furniture Manufacturing
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Kept detailed production records and identified hold-ups.
- Calibrated, tested, and adjusted machine settings or controls in preparation for production operations.
- Assessed equipment after each production run and performed preventive maintenance to keep machines running smoothly.
- Maintained equipment performance by lubricating and cleaning components.
- Monitored machines during operation to detect sounds of malfunction or excessive vibration and adjusted machines to eliminate problems.
- Operated machining equipment safely with team of operators.
- Updated daily production logs and informed management of production incidents or non-conformance issues.
- Set up and ran machinery to produce exceptional products for industrial needs.
- Complied with company and OSHA safety rules and regulations.
- Loaded raw materials into machines and unloaded finished products to keep manufacturing process running smoothly.
- Managed and monitored processes and machine systems by observing readings on control boards.
- Monitored compliance with plant procedures, safety, and sanitation protocols as well as government regulation.
- Quickly shut down equipment in emergency situations following protocols.
Police Officer M-F 7:00am - 4:00pm
United Independent School District
07.2020 - 07.2023
- This job requires me to be committed to providing the highest quality of police service to the citizens and the school district by aiding in the development and implementation of a well-defined plan to promote discipline and safety and to prevent drugs and violence on the campuses
- I’m also required to be committed to support the district’s mission by providing service- oriented enforcement of the law, maintaining the peace and protecting the school community.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Issued traffic citations and electronic tickets for violations of traffic laws.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Monitored criminal activity in community to identify suspicious activity.
- Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
- Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
Deputy Sheriff M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
Warren County Sheriff's
08.2016 - 08.2018
- M-F 8:00AM to 5:00PM
- This job requires me to enforce the law as an officer of the state while protecting the courthouse- its Members, employees, visitors, and facilities so it can fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment
- I escort judges and court administrators, safeguards for selected jurors, supervise jury council
- I'm also required to bailiff in youth, county, and circuit courts
- Policing the Warren County Courthouse to protect members of the District Attorney’s Office and staff from crime and threats of disruption and terrorism while providing rules and regulations.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Organized criminal documents such as logs, records, reports, and agendas to streamline processing and improve traceability.
- Observed jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety of 200 inmates and guards.
- Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Monitored criminal activity in community to identify suspicious activity.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Observed jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety of [Number] inmates and guards.
- Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
- Gathered information and evidence to assist in solving crimes.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
Chief J.B. Long
Verona Police Department (Internship)
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Maintained accurate and detailed logs of all events that occurred during each shift
- Prevented crimes by immediately reporting all unusual, unauthorized and illegal activity on the premises
- Patrolled commercial property and the associated parking garage
- Unlocked rooms and suites for authorized contractors
- Directed guests around the building and answered regarding accessibility
- Investigated all security and safety violations
- Responded quickly and efficiently to all safety violations and duress alarms
- Checked all baggage using X-ray machines, metal detectors, and Garrett wands.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS05.2016
High School Diploma -
Shannon High School
Cherry, Shannon, MS05.2011
Skills
- Courtroom Testimony Narcotics
- Criminal Investigation
- Trained Emergency Vehicle Respondent
- Patrol and Response
- Leadership
- Observant
- Conflict Resolution
- Strong Verbal Communications
- Court Systems & Practices- Courtroom Testimony
- Terrorism- Narcotics Criminal Investigation
- Law Enforcement Systems/Practices- Case Management
- Juvenile Justice Systems/Practices- Ability to Identify and Analyze Social Problems and Develop Solutions
- Intro to Data Processing- Microsoft Office Skills
- Fundamentals of Public Speaking- Strong Verbal Communication, Written & presentation Skills
- Research Methods- Research Strategies
- Machine Maintenance
- Automated Assembly
- Equipment Operation
- Equipment Inspection
- Machinery Operation
- Stress Tolerance
- CCTV Monitoring
- Restraint Techniques
- Inmate Supervision
- Surveillance monitoring
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Body Searches
- Security Protocols
- Inspections
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Inmate monitoring
- Effective Communication
- Active Listening
Accomplishments
- Completion of the Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy on July 22, 2016-
- Awarded as Road Warrior during this academy I was a contributing leader to all running events
- Also learned leadership, how to patrol and respond to different cases also how to be observant, resolve conflicts and I learned all Ethics and moral values as a good officer
- Certified on how to handle an "Active Shooter" situation
- Certified to perform Defensive Tactics (S.S.G.T.)
- Completion of the Laredo College Regional Law Enforcement Academy on May 20, 2020- Awarded as Class
- Leader, during this academy I was a contributing leader to all physical fitness workouts and running events
- Also learned leadership and all Ethics and moral values as a good officer.
- Completion of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Academy on June, 7, 2024- Awarded as Class Leader
Certification
TCOLE Peace Officer License - August, 2020 - Current
- TCOLE Jailer's License - June, 2024- Current
Timeline
Correctional Deputy Sheriff
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
04.2024 - Current
Machine Operator M-F 3:00p.m. - 11:00p.m
Ashley Furniture Manufacturing
09.2023 - 02.2024
Police Officer M-F 7:00am - 4:00pm
United Independent School District
07.2020 - 07.2023
Deputy Sheriff M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
Warren County Sheriff's
08.2016 - 08.2018
Chief J.B. Long
Verona Police Department (Internship)
05.2015 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Mississippi Valley State University
High School Diploma -
Shannon High School
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