Shiela Mercer
Sneads
Summary
Experienced Correctional Officer adept at enforcing regulations and ensuring facility safety. Skilled in problem-solving, conducting inspections, and fostering teamwork, leading to a reduction in contraband incidents and a more secure environment for staff and inmates.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Officer
Apalachee Correctional Institute
05.1995 - 05.2025
- Enforced institutional regulations and maintained safety within facility environment.
- Supervised inmate activities, ensuring compliance with established protocols and procedures.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify security risks and maintain operational integrity.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve conflicts and promote a safe environment.
- Developed incident reports detailing occurrences, improving documentation accuracy across shifts.
- Implemented strategies for improved communication among staff, enhancing teamwork efficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- 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.
- 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.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Mitigated potential security breaches with vigilant contraband detection practices.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
- Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
- Implemented innovative inmate management techniques, leading to decrease in disciplinary incidents.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Facilitated effective emergency response drills, preparing staff for potential crises.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
Education
Certificate of Completion Basic Correctional Offic - Corrections
Chipola College
Marianna, FL08-1991
Skills
- First aid training
- Emergency response
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution skills
- Inmate supervision
- Mental health awareness
- Correctional facility procedures
- Policy enforcement
- Restraint techniques
- Inmate monitoring
- Self-defense tactics
- Search and seizure procedures
- Contraband seizure
- Security procedures
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Facility security
- Weapons training
- Prisoner transport
- CCTV monitoring
- Suicide prevention
- Gang awareness
- Firearm operations trained
- Search procedures
- Evidence preservation
- Radio communication
- Tower surveillance
- Search and seize procedures
- Contraband inspections
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions
- Visitation oversight
- Perimeter control
- Work crew management
- Firearms proficiency
- Contraband detection
- Belongings inspection
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Incident reporting
- Interpersonal communication
Timeline
Correctional Officer
Apalachee Correctional Institute
05.1995 - 05.2025
Certificate of Completion Basic Correctional Offic - Corrections
Chipola College