Ricardo Velez
Tappahannock,VA
Summary
Self motivated goal oriented Certified Public Safety Professional with 7 years of experience, with effective verbal, and written communication skills seeking a challenging position offering career growth and advancement. Looking for an opportunity to make a difference in specific capacities, by using diverse skills, and abilities. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Probation Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2024 - Current
- Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies and procedures.
- Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
- Established productive relationships with local law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing and cooperation.
- Maintained organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards.
- Ensured compliance with court-ordered sanctions by closely monitoring probationers'' adherence to conditions of release.
- Evaluated people on probation to determine best course of rehabilitation.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of community corrections.
- Conducted investigations into violations and other allegations.
- Supervised offenders to reduce risk to community.
- Mentored new probation officers, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure their success in managing caseloads effectively.
- Screened offender referrals and completed intake interviews and paperwork.
- Monitored defendants' compliance and progress in treatment by reviewing reports from counseling agencies.
- Conducted thorough pre-sentence investigations and prepared detailed reports for the courts, aiding informed decisionmaking.
- Collaborated with treatment providers to ensure seamless delivery of services for probationers, resulting in improved outcomes.
- Promoted a culture of accountability among probationers by setting clear expectations for behavior and promptly addressing violations when necessary.
- Provided guidance and support to probationers in securing employment, housing, and other essential resources for successful reintegration into society.
- Coordinated community and job placement resources.
- Helped resolve probationer issues with housing, employment and healthcare.
- Researched each case thoroughly to strengthen case outcomes.
- Reduced recidivism rates through diligent supervision and monitoring of probationers'' activities.
- Reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities and maintained record of case activity.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on parole.
Corrections Sergeant
Haynesville Correctional Center
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in corrections.
- Prevented potential security breaches by routinely inspecting perimeter fencing, gates, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofs, locks, alarms systems, lighting fixtures in the facility.
- 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.
- Increased operational efficiency by effectively managing daily shift schedules, work assignments, and resource allocation.
- Improved staff performance through consistent training, evaluations, and constructive feedback.
- Supported development of proactive emergency response plans for potential crises such as riots or hostage situations.
- 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.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Verified all prison visitors carried proper identification and had no contraband before entering institution.
- Working with a Diverse group of people
- Case management
- Public Safety
Corrections Officer
Haynesville Correctional Center
07.2022 - 10.2023
- 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.
- Prevented contraband introduction through diligent cell searches and visitor screenings.
- Maintained safety and security of staff and public by applying defensive techniques and physical restraints.
- 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.
- Provided guidance for new staff members as part of an ongoing training program aimed at enhancing overall team performance.
- Reduced escape attempts, crimes and other hazardous activity through close observation and situational awareness.
- Promoted a positive environment for rehabilitation with effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
- 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.
- Working with a Diverse group of people
- Case Management
- Assisting Treatment Officers
- Public Saftey
Deputy Sheriff
Essex County Sheriff's Department
12.2019 - 11.2021
- Served court documents and completed civil process duties.
- Provided public safety assistance at community events to maintain safe and secure environments.
- Assisted Social Services with welfare checks and cases
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Maintained structure and security during court proceedings.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence and recorded witness statements.
- Gathered information and evidence to assist in solving crimes.
- Interviewed criminal targets and witnesses to uncover facts for verification and authentication.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar and lidar speed detection.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights and transported offenders to jail.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Responded immediately to reports of automobile accidents and criminal activity, calling for additional support as necessary.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Reported deficient streetlights, signs and road surfaces to keep residents safe.
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders to discuss crime reduction strategies.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Business, Church, and building checks
- Booked suspects into custody by processing mug shots and fingerprints.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Gathered necessary information for court appearances and testified as witness under oath in court.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses and damage to property.
- Case management
- Public Saftey
Material Handler
Ross Industries Inc
02.2015 - 11.2019
- Performed cycle counts and inventory control to accurately track product levels.
- Read production orders, work orders, shipping orders and requisitions to determine items to be moved, gathered or distributed.
- Operated equipment while observing standard safety procedures.
- In 8 hour shift average for outbound shipments were 45 to 60 packages per shift.
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to transfer large products from one area of warehouse to another, allowing for easier accessibility.
Education
Probation & Parole Certification - Community Corrections
DOC Academy For Staff Development
Crozier, VA09.2024
Doc Academy of Staff Development For Corrections
DOC Academy For Staff Development
Crozier, VA10.2022
DCJS CERTIFICATION - Law Enforcement
Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy
Fredericksburg, VA08.2020
Electrical Certification - Electrical
Lincoln Technical Institute - Hamden
Hamden, CT09.2004
High School Diploma -
Orville H. Platt High School
Meriden, CT06.2002
Skills
- Emergency Response
- Public Safety
- Summons and Subpoena Serving
- Verbal and Written Communication
- First Aid
- Report Writing
- Protecting People and Property
- Dispatch Communication
- Criminal Investigations
- Motor Vehicle Law Enforcement
- Community Relations
- Crime Scene Processing
- Suspicious Activity Monitoring
- Inmate Supervision
- Restraint Techniques
- Security Protocols
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Policy Enforcement
- Gang Intelligence
- Defensive Tactics
- Disciplinary Actions
- Inmate movement control
- Inmate Transport
- Security Procedures
- Inventory counting
- Surveillance monitoring
- Officer Training
- Body Searches
- Staff Supervision
- Team Leadership
- Inmate monitoring
- Search and seizure procedures
- Facility Security
- Staff Training
- Offender supervision
- Courtroom Testimony
- Behavioral assessment
- Cultural Competency
- Risk and needs assessments
- Motivational Interviewing
- File reviews
- Interviews
- Case Management
- Case Documentation
- Leadership Training and Development
- Incident Investigation
- Inmate Classification
- Rules of conduct
- Conflict Management
- Behavioral Management
- Schedule Management
- Administrative Oversight
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Intake procedures
- Court Procedures
- Drug Testing
Accomplishments
Deputy Sheriff of the month for July/2021
On going Caseload Compliance
Certification
- DCJS CERT- Department of Criminal Justice System Certification
- CFR - Certified First Responder
- Radar and Lidar Certified
- Electrical Certification
- GPS/Scramwork Certification
- 2024/2025 Probation and Parole in service Certifications
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Probation Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2024 - Current
Corrections Sergeant
Haynesville Correctional Center
10.2023 - 08.2024
Corrections Officer
Haynesville Correctional Center
07.2022 - 10.2023
Deputy Sheriff
Essex County Sheriff's Department
12.2019 - 11.2021
Material Handler
Ross Industries Inc
02.2015 - 11.2019
Probation & Parole Certification - Community Corrections
DOC Academy For Staff Development
Doc Academy of Staff Development For Corrections
DOC Academy For Staff Development
DCJS CERTIFICATION - Law Enforcement
Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy
Electrical Certification - Electrical
Lincoln Technical Institute - Hamden
High School Diploma -
Orville H. Platt High School