Experienced Correctional Officer with 25 years of experience in escorting inmates, conducting head counts, and preparing and maintaining forms, reports, logs, records and activity journals. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to maintain order and security in a correctional facility. Proven track record of success in diffusing volatile situations and providing support to inmates in need.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Officer
Mercer County Correctional Center
08.1999 - 08.2024
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.
Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
Assisted in development of procedures and policies to maintain peace and order in facility.
Facilitated rehabilitation programs for inmates, promoting positive behavioral changes and reducing recidivism rates.
Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
Provided guidance and support to inmates to help reintegrate in society and establish new beginnings.
Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
Received and inspected mail, property and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
Administered drug tests to inmates.
Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
Restrained juvenile inmates when disturbances required physical intervention.
Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
Education
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Training/Certifications
Skills
2023-2024 MERT (Mercer Emergency Response Team)
Firearms Instructor (Glock Armorer)
NJ Use of Force Specialist
2013 Corrections Officer of the Year (Warden's Assoc)