PAULA HARE
Columbia
Summary
Professional with strong background in maintaining safety and security within facilities. Skilled in crisis management, conflict resolution, and enforcing rules and regulations. Focused on collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Known for reliability and effective communication, with keen observational skills and strong sense of integrity.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Officer
Lexington County Sheriff's Department – Detention Center
07.2004 - Current
- Provided security, monitored inmate activity, and enforced facility rules and regulations.
- Patrol facilities, monitor inmate movements, perform headcounts, and prevent disturbances, escapes, or assaults.
- Search inmates, cells, mail, and facilities for weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items.
- Move inmates safely within the facility and to external locations like court or medical appointments.
- Write detailed reports on incidents, inmate behavior, and daily logs.
Lieutenant
Lexington County Sheriff's Department – Detention Center
07.2021 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of the Detention Center, providing leadership, supervision, and operational management for staff and facility functions.
- Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate, and discipline correctional officers and support staff; handle personnel issues.
- Ensure compliance with state/federal regulations, facility policies, and security procedures.
- Prepare and review incident reports, activity logs, and other documentation.
- Collaborate with administration on policies, procedures, and projects.
- Manage and coordinate key administrative and operational areas including:
- Inmate classification
- Grievance coordination
- Records custodian duties
- Expungement processing
- Booking management
- Visitation management
Correctional Officer → Corporal → Sergeant
South Carolina Department of Corrections
01.1995 - 01.2004
- Advanced through three ranks during tenure, demonstrating strong leadership, reliability, and adherence to operational standards.
- Supervised correctional staff, maintained facility security, and ensured compliance with departmental policies.
- Oversaw inmate management, incident response, and daily shift operations.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Prisma Baptist Hospital
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Provided patient care under the direction of nursing staff.
- Assisted with daily living activities, monitored vital signs, and maintained patient comfort and safety.
- Communicated patient needs and observations to healthcare professionals.
- Assisting with baths, showers, oral hygiene, dressing, feeding, and mobility.
- Taking and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
- Noticing and reporting changes in patient condition, behavior, or signs of illness/injury (like bruises or wounds).
- Measuring and documenting food/fluid intake and urine/fecal output.
- Keeping patient rooms, linens, and supplies clean and stocked.
- Ensuring patient safety, answering call lights, and providing emotional support.
- Communicating with nurses, doctors, and family members about patient needs.
Education
CNA Certification - Medical
Mansfield Business College
Columbia, SC01-1986
High School Diploma -
Eau Claire High School
Columbia, SC01-1985
Skills
- First aid training
- Emergency response
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Negotiation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Leadership skills
- Observation skills
Certification
Certified Correctional Detention Deputy
Certified Correctional Supervisor
Certified in Detention Management
Certified in Group Crisis Intervention
Timeline
Lieutenant
Lexington County Sheriff's Department – Detention Center
07.2021 - Current
Correctional Officer
Lexington County Sheriff's Department – Detention Center
07.2004 - Current
Correctional Officer → Corporal → Sergeant
South Carolina Department of Corrections
01.1995 - 01.2004
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Prisma Baptist Hospital
01.1990 - 01.1995
CNA Certification - Medical
Mansfield Business College
High School Diploma -
Eau Claire High School
Marquis Who's Who
Featured in the 2025-2026 publishing of Marquis Who's Who.