Michael Bolen
Belmont,WV
Summary
Dynamic Corrections Captain with extensive experience at the WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Expert in crisis management and inmate supervision, successfully reducing altercations through effective de-escalation techniques. Proven leader, enhancing team performance through training and collaboration, while ensuring compliance with security protocols and maintaining a safe environment for staff and inmates.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corrections Captain
WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
03.2011 - 01.2025
- Managed emergency situations effectively by executing well-coordinated response plans with precision.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations through diligent audits and documentation management.
- Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution techniques and clear communication.
- Conducted thorough investigations into alleged misconduct or criminal activity within the facility, ensuring accurate evidence collection and proper follow-up actions were taken.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination of services for inmates.
- Enhanced staff efficiency with regular training sessions on policy, procedure, and best practices.
- Increased interdepartmental communication through regular meetings and transparent reporting procedures.
- Evaluated employee performances regularly; providing constructive feedback designed help individuals reach their full potential professionally while also promoting overall team success through collaboration, shared goals, mutual respect among all members involved.
- Acted as an authoritative source of information for staff regarding department policies, procedures, and updates on industry trends or legal changes impacting corrections work environments as well as their responsibilities within them.
- Improved facility safety by implementing effective security measures and protocols.
- Streamlined daily operations by optimizing schedules, assignments, and resource allocation.
- Participated in development of correctional policies and procedures.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
Corrections Lieutenant
WV Division of Corrections
11.2007 - 03.2011
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Corrections Sergeant
WV Division of Corrections
05.2007 - 11.2007
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in corrections.
- Promoted inmate accountability through regular inspections of living quarters and personal belongings.
- Facilitated open communication channels among team members to create a cohesive unit working towards common goals.
- Ensured proper documentation of incidents, maintaining accurate records for further analysis or legal proceedings.
- Maintained a secure environment for inmates and staff by closely adhering to established protocols and procedures.
- Expedited resolution of inmate grievances by serving as an impartial mediator during conflicts between offenders or between offenders and staff.
- Managed inventory control systems for efficient use of resources while minimizing waste within the correctional facility budget constraints.
- Ensured safety within the correctional facility by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring surveillance systems.
- 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.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Supervised 5 employees and performance of tasks and managed 196 offenders.
Corrections Corporal
WV Division of Corrections
07.2003 - 05.2007
- Enhanced facility safety through thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and perimeter fencing.
- Maintained high levels of vigilance while monitoring inmate activities, promptly addressing any suspicious or concerning behaviors to ensure overall security within the facility.
- Reduced incidents of violence by proactively addressing potential conflicts and mediating disputes between inmates.
- Managed the transportation of inmates to external appointments while ensuring security measures were upheld at all times.
- Developed strong interpersonal skills by interacting with diverse populations of inmates, addressing their unique needs and concerns.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among staff by providing mentorship and support to fellow corrections officers in need of guidance or assistance.
- Prepared detailed reports on notable events or incidents within the facility, contributing to informed decision-making by upper management.
- Trained new corrections officers on institutional policies, procedures, and best practices for maintaining order within the facility.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate behavior, grievances, and incident reports to impact management decisions and contribute to overall facility improvements.
- Served as a role model for professionalism and integrity within the workplace, fostering an environment of respect among colleagues and inmates alike.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on industry best practices, enhancing personal knowledge and effectiveness in the role.
- Provided support during emergency situations, effectively managing crisis incidents while prioritizing safety for all involved parties.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
Corrections Officer I and II
WV Division of Corrections
11.1999 - 07.2003
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Supervised inmates during all activities and transfers to monitor compliance and implement corrective actions.
- Reduced inmate altercations by maintaining consistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
- Supported successful emergency response efforts by participating in regular drills and training exercises.
- Conducted pat downs and strip searches of inmates and visitors to prevent contraband from entering facility.
- Monitored radio transmissions between staff to respond immediately to directions and emergencies.
- Effectively interacted with staff, offenders, visitors, and public to maintain security within facility.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure and orderly environment within the correctional facility.
- Inspected condition of locks, window bars, doors and gates to prevent prisoner escapes.
- Reduced escape attempts, crimes, and other hazardous activity through close observation and situational awareness.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping by diligently documenting incidents, medical issues, and daily activities.
- Developed a reputation for professionalism and integrity, serving as a role model for fellow officers in the performance of daily duties and adherence to ethical standards.
- Led inmate community service work crews completing duties for the WV Division of Highways.
- Received and processed inmates into custody of institution by searching prisoners and taking charge of personal property.
- Drove passenger vehicles to transport inmates to other institutions, hospitals, and work sites.
- Streamlined operational efficiencies by effectively maintaining daily shift activity logs.
- Authored incident reports for management on violations and discrepancies.
- Routinely counted inmates and in response to potential security breaches.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
Education
No Degree - Business
WVU Parkersburg
Parkersburg WVHigh School Diploma -
Sistersville High School
Sistersville WV05-1987
Skills
- Inmate supervision
- Contraband control
- Self-defense techniques
- Surveillance monitoring
- Staff leadership
- Incident reporting
- Security protocols
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis management
- Restraint application
- Decision-making
- Firearms proficiency
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved patterns of unexcused absences which led to improved staff attendance.
- Supervised team of 30+ staff members.
Certification
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use Certification.
- Use of Force Training Certification.
- Firearms Proficiency Certification.
- Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Training.
- Supervisory Leadership.
- Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800 Certificates - FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.
- First Aid Certification.
- WV Driver's License.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Corrections Captain
WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
03.2011 - 01.2025
Corrections Lieutenant
WV Division of Corrections
11.2007 - 03.2011
Corrections Sergeant
WV Division of Corrections
05.2007 - 11.2007
Corrections Corporal
WV Division of Corrections
07.2003 - 05.2007
Corrections Officer I and II
WV Division of Corrections
11.1999 - 07.2003
No Degree - Business
WVU Parkersburg
High School Diploma -
Sistersville High School
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