Melissa Ona
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Patrol Sergeant and Investigative Specialist with proven expertise in criminal investigations, particularly in juvenile law and behavioral analysis. Skilled in integrating technical investigative methods with effective communication to address sensitive situations. Developed and implemented a Unit Culture Initiative, enhancing the roll call environment and establishing a recognition system to boost morale (awards and mental well-being among officers). Committed to fostering a positive work environment that ensures operational readiness and professional growth.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
16
16
Certifications
Work History
Patrol Sergeant
Jersey City Police Department
Jersey City, New Jersey
07.2024 - Current
- Promoted officer wellness through self initiated and self funding a positive roll call environment with positive affirmations/decor, awards, and challenge coins
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations for patrol of over a dozen officers
- Effectively led investigations, ensured safety protocols were followed, handled high pressure situations, and reviewed reports.
Citywide & Juvenile Detective
Jersey City Police Department
Jersey City, New Jersey
12.2014 - 07.2024
- Interrogated suspects using interview techniques to obtain crucial information to solve cases.
- Led on-scene criminal investigations, including scene management, interviews of victims and witnesses, and evidence collection.
- Conducted conflict resolutions between juveniles and parents to resolve cases and counseled juveniles.
Police Patrol Officer
Jersey City Police Dept
Jersey City, New Jersey
10.2004 - 12.2014
- Participated in on-going training opportunities to stay current on best practices.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals
- Responding to non-emergency and emergency calls and securing high-integrity crime scenes to conducting expert witness interviews and the safe apprehension of suspects.
TV/Film/Video-Production Assistant
Viacom, MTV/Nickelodeon/TV Land
Manhattan, New York
05.2003 - 10.2004
- Operated cameras and sound equipment under guidance during live events and shoots.
- Utilized editing software to cut, arrange, and refine raw footage effectively.
- Collaborated with production teams to develop creative concepts and storyboards.
Emergency Medical Technician
Lifestar Ambulance Services
Totowa, New Jersey
09.1999 - 11.2003
- Responded swiftly to emergency & non-emergency calls and assessed patient conditions.
- Executed critical life-saving actions within a limited time frame amid chaotic conditions.
- Provided life support care during transportation to medical facilities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ06-2003
High School Diploma -
Marist High School
Bayonne, NJ06-1999
Skills
- Workplace Wellness & Morale
- Certified Forensic Interviewer
- Certified Crash Investigation I & II
- Degree & Experience in Video/Film Editing, Producing, & Directing
- Juvenile law
- Multilingual abilities
- Behavioral analysis
- Patience and empathy
- Emergency response
- Incident management
- Law enforcement procedures
- Report writing
- Managing a tour of over a dozens officers
- Leadership development
- Critical thinking
- Field training
- Problem-solving
- Foot patrolling
- Organizational skills
- Crowd management
- Criminal investigations
- Interviewing witnesses
- Conflict resolution
- Crime scene analysis
- Logical reasoning
- Interrogation
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
American Sign Language
Limited
Certification
Google Cyber Security Training 2025 - Current
Accomplishments
Valor Award from the Hudson County Animal League May 2008
Affiliations
Volunteered Created & Self-Funded West District Awards, Challenge Coins, & Decorated Roll Call Room in an attempt to lift moral and encourage our officers 2024 (*Currently assigned and working on the same for the South District 2026)
Timeline
Patrol Sergeant
Jersey City Police Department
07.2024 - Current
Citywide & Juvenile Detective
Jersey City Police Department
12.2014 - 07.2024
Police Patrol Officer
Jersey City Police Dept
10.2004 - 12.2014
TV/Film/Video-Production Assistant
Viacom, MTV/Nickelodeon/TV Land
05.2003 - 10.2004
Emergency Medical Technician
Lifestar Ambulance Services
09.1999 - 11.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts
New Jersey City University
High School Diploma -
Marist High School