Michael Cochran
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Dynamic Correctional Sergeant with extensive experience at the Arizona Department of Corrections, skilled in crisis management and conflict resolution. Successfully reduced potentially violent situations through effective de-escalation techniques and tactful communications, fostering a respectful environment that enhanced safety for staff and inmates alike, as well as ensuring safe institutional operations. Proven ability to enforce policies while maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Sergeant
Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry
04.2025 - Current
- Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Supervised over 20 employees and performance of tasks and managed dozens of offenders.
- Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
- Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Efficiently managed resources such as time, personnel, and equipment to ensure smooth operations within the correctional facility.
- Facilitated positive relationships between staff members and inmates by encouraging respectful interactions at all times.
- Contributed to creating a safer environment for both staff and inmates by maintaining vigilance, reporting concerns, and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
Correctional Officer
Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry
01.2022 - 04.2025
- 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.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- 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.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Mitigated potential security breaches with vigilant contraband detection practices.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
- Assisted in crisis negotiations, preventing escalations and ensuring safety of inmates and staff.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Restrained juvenile inmates when disturbances required physical intervention.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZSkills
- De-escalation techniques
- Emergency response
- Policy enforcement
- Conflict management
- Security procedures
- Crisis management
- Public safety
- Firearms proficiency
- Facility security
- Professional ethics
- Interpersonal communication
- Public relations
Certification
- Staff Instructor Certification - Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry
- Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification - Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry
Distinguished Graduate - Correctional Officer Training Academy
Awarded for excellence in didactic and practical studies as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership of Correctional Officer Training Academy (COTA) Class 1245.
Timeline
Correctional Sergeant
Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry
04.2025 - Current
Correctional Officer
Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry
01.2022 - 04.2025
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College
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