Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Sara Mays

Buffalo

Summary

Dedicated correctional officer with extensive experience at NYSDOCCS, excelling in crisis management and conflict resolution. Successfully reduced contraband incidents through vigilant monitoring and proactive strategies. Proven ability to maintain safety and compliance while fostering a collaborative environment. Strong communication skills enhance teamwork and support effective policy implementation.

Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Correctional Officer

NYSDOCCS
06.2014 - Current
  • 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.
  • Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
  • 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.
  • Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
  • Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
  • Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
  • Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
  • Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
  • Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
  • Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
  • Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
  • Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
  • 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.
  • Facilitated rehabilitation programs for inmates, promoting positive behavioral changes and reducing recidivism rates.
  • Contributed to policy development, ensuring alignment with best practices in corrections management.
  • Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
  • Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.

Police Matron

Cheektowaga Police Department
03.2020 - 06.2021
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations and provided medical aid.
  • Processed inmates by taking photographs and fingerprints.
  • Improved facility safety by performing thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and property for contraband or damage.
  • Took custody of prisoners from arresting officers to begin processing into detention facility.
  • Contributed to the efficient processing of new detainees by conducting intake procedures such as fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying personal belongings.
  • Conducted physical searches of prisoners and premises in search of weapons and contraband.
  • Wrote daily reports and maintained logs of inmate activities and behaviors.
  • Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on best practices in detention management and security protocols.
  • Enhanced inmate security by conducting regular cell checks and monitoring daily activities.
  • Promoted a culture of respect within the detention center by modeling professionalism at all times and treating inmates with dignity.
  • Processed prisoners through appropriate identification and documentation processes as part of facility booking procedures.
  • Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain order and resolve conflicts among detainees efficiently.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping of all detainee information through meticulous documentation of incidents, infractions, or medical needs.
  • Provided support to inmates by addressing their concerns promptly and professionally while maintaining facility rules and regulations.

Abbott Pizzeria

Abbott Pizza
05.2013 - 05.2014
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Learned and memorized menu items and specials to provide accurate and up-to-date information to kitchen staff.
  • Developed strong time management skills by juggling multiple orders during peak hours without compromising quality.
  • Monitored and maintained clean working areas and cooking surfaces.
  • Handled cash register operations by applying coupons, giving customer totals, and processing cash and credit card payments.
  • Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
  • Established a positive work environment by fostering effective communication and teamwork among colleagues, contributing to overall job satisfaction and productivity.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing high-quality pizzas according to company standards and customer preferences.
  • Demonstrated versatility by assisting with other kitchen tasks such as prep work, dishwashing, or front-of-house duties as needed.
  • Assisted in training new employees on proper pizza-making techniques, contributing to overall staff proficiency.

Server

Taste Of India
08.2011 - 05.2013
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
  • Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
  • Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.

Education

No Degree - Criminal Justice

SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NY

GED -

Maryvale High School
1050 Maryvale Dr Cheektowaga, NY
06-2009

Skills

  • Contraband control
  • Crisis management
  • Inmate escorting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Behavioral monitoring
  • Record keeping
  • Policy compliance
  • Emergency response
  • Team collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Point of sale operation
  • Cash handling
  • Time management
  • Communication skills

Certification

  • Substance Abuse Identification and Intervention Certification - Various substance abuse education and prevention organizations.
  • Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Standards Training Certificate - National PREA Resource Center.
  • Suicide Prevention Training Certificate - Various mental health organizations or correctional training academies.
  • Chemical Agents Certification - Various certified security and law enforcement training providers.
  • Electronic Monitoring Devices Operation Certificate – Providers of electronic monitoring technology training programs.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Heart Association.
  • First Aid Certification - American Red Cross.
  • Self-Defense Training Certification - Various authorized training centers.
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use Certification - National Safety Council.
  • Firearms Proficiency Certificate - State Police or equivalent state licensing authority.
  • Use of Force Training Certification - Various authorized training centers.
  • Infectious Disease Control in a Correctional Setting Certificate – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Departments, or similar organizations.
  • NYS Driver's License

Interests

  • Cooking
  • Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
  • Crafting and DIY Projects
  • Music
  • Documenting and sharing travel experiences
  • Historical Exploration
  • Food Tourism
  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Community Cleanup
  • Youth Development Programs
  • Volunteering
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Gardening
  • DIY and Home Improvement
  • Animal Care
  • Reading

Timeline

Police Matron

Cheektowaga Police Department
03.2020 - 06.2021

Correctional Officer

NYSDOCCS
06.2014 - Current

Abbott Pizzeria

Abbott Pizza
05.2013 - 05.2014

Server

Taste Of India
08.2011 - 05.2013

No Degree - Criminal Justice

SUNY Buffalo State

GED -

Maryvale High School

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Sara Mays