Zamantha Penalva
Oak Ridge
Summary
Detail-oriented Cybersecurity Professional with strong background in law enforcement and public safety. Delivered effective investigations and incident response through expertise in evidence collection, report writing, and complex situation analysis under pressure. Completed Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, acquiring hands-on experience in Linux, SQL, Python, network security, and threat detection, focused on protecting organizations from cyber threats.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer
Newark Police Division
Newark, NJ
03.2021 - 07.2024
- Conducted investigations of criminal incidents, collecting and preserving evidence to support cases.
- Analyzed information from multiple sources to identify patterns, aiding in case development.
- Collaborate with investigators and prosecutors.
- Collaborated with investigators and prosecutors to coordinate case strategies and enhance prosecution efforts.
- Enforced laws and regulations to maintain public safety and order.
- Conducted thorough investigations of criminal incidents, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Security Supervisor
Securitas
South Orange, NJ
08.2019 - 03.2021
- Supervised security operations, investigating incidents to enhance safety protocols.
- Identified security risks, ensuring compliance to protect organizational assets.
- Supervised daily security operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols and policies.
- Trained and mentored junior security staff, enhancing team performance and operational efficiency.
- Developed incident response plans, improving reaction times during emergencies and reducing vulnerabilities.
Security Officer
Securitas
South Orange, NJ
12.2018 - 08.2019
- Monitored facilities, responded to alarms, documented incidents to ensure safety and security.
- Monitored premises to ensure safety and security protocols were adhered to consistently.
- Conducted regular patrols, identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Berkeley College
Newark, NJ01-2020
Skills
- Security: Security Operations (SOC), Incident Response, Threat Detection, Vulnerability Management, Risk Assessment, Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Surveillance Systems
- Community Engagement
- Case Management Software
- Law Enforcement Protocols
- Criminal investigations
- Analytical thinking
- Frameworks: NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
- Ethical Decision Making
- Crisis Intervention
- Relationship building and management
Certification
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (2026)
- New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC) Certification
- CPR / First Aid Certified
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Police Officer
Newark Police Division
03.2021 - 07.2024
Security Supervisor
Securitas
08.2019 - 03.2021
Security Officer
Securitas
12.2018 - 08.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Berkeley College
Google Cyber Security Certification
Completed comprehensive hands-on training in cybersecurity principles, security operations, and threat detection. Developed practical experience through labs and projects involving:
Linux system administration and command-line operations
SQL queries for security investigations and log analysis
Python fundamentals for automation and security tasks
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) concepts
Incident detection, response, and documentation
Network traffic analysis and packet inspection
Risk assessment using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Security audits, vulnerability management, and access control
Identity and Access Management (IAM) best practices