Kenneth Cheney
Homestead
Summary
Dedicated and highly experienced Detention Officer with over 13 years of experience maintaining safety, security, and order within correctional and detention environments. Skilled in inmate supervision, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation, with a strong ability to enforce policies while maintaining professionalism and respect. Proven ability to identify security risks, respond effectively to emergencies, and support secure facility operations. Fluent in English and Spanish, with strong communication skills in diverse and high-pressure environments. Proven ability to lead by example, manage daily operations and support team performance through clear communication and accountability.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Detention Officer
The Geo Group
10.2017 - Current
- Supervise and maintain control of inmate populations within assigned housing units in accordance with facility policies and federal standards
- Conduct routine and emergency headcounts, security checks, and inspections to ensure safety and accountability
- Monitor inmate behavior to identify potential threats, disturbances, or policy violations and take immediate corrective action
- Perform intake and release procedures, including searches, fingerprinting, documentation, and classification
- Apply de-escalation techniques and, when necessary, use approved restraint methods to manage combative individuals
- Prepare detailed incident and disciplinary reports to document violations and use-of-force events
- Escort inmates to court, medical appointments, and other secure locations while maintaining custody and control
Detention Officer
Akal Security Inc.
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Conducted searches of inmates, facilities, and incoming/outgoing property to prevent contraband introduction
- Escorted inmates to courts, hospitals, and other external facilities while ensuring compliance with security protocols
- Supervised daily inmate activities and enforced facility rules and regulations
- Assisted with intake processing, including searches, documentation, and housing assignments
- Identified and diffused potentially volatile situations through effective communication and situational awareness
- Processed visitors and attorneys arriving to see prisoners.
- Took custody of prisoners from arresting officers to begin processing into detention facility.
- Transported prisoners throughout facility and off-site to medical appointments and court appearances.
Correctional Officer
Florida Department Of Corrections
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Maintained custody and control of inmates in a high-security correctional environment
- Conducted routine and random searches of cells, inmates, and common areas to detect contraband
- Performed scheduled and emergency headcounts to ensure inmate accountability
- Transported inmates to medical and other authorized appointments
- Responded to incidents and emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and established procedures
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
Correctional Officer
The Geo Group
03.2013 - 01.2015
- Supervised inmate movement and daily activities, ensuring compliance with institutional rules
- Monitored behavior and intervened in conflicts to maintain order and safety
- Conducted security checks, inspections, and searches of housing units
- Observed inmate interactions and reported suspicious or disruptive activity
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
Department Manager
The Home Depot Inc
01.2009 - 03.2013
- Led and supervised team members, ensuring productivity and customer service standards
- Managed inventory control, stocking, and operational efficiency
- Trained and mentored staff, improving team performance and accountability
- Resolved customer concerns and maintained a professional environment
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Education
GED -
Florida Department of Education
01-2014
Skills
- Inmate supervision & control
- Search & seizure procedures
- Crisis intervention & de-escalation
- Report writing & documentation
- Transportation & escort operations
- Housing unit management
- Emergency response & safety protocols
- Restraint & defensive tactics
- Surveillance & security operations
- Team leadership & communication
- Time management & organization
Timeline
Detention Officer
The Geo Group
10.2017 - Current
Detention Officer
Akal Security Inc.
04.2017 - 10.2017
Correctional Officer
Florida Department Of Corrections
01.2015 - 04.2017
Correctional Officer
The Geo Group
03.2013 - 01.2015
Department Manager
The Home Depot Inc
01.2009 - 03.2013
GED -
Florida Department of Education
Specialized Experience
Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member
Certified Less-Lethal Weapons Instructor
- Selected to serve on a specialized tactical response unit responsible for managing high-risk incidents within the facility
- Respond to emergencies including inmate disturbances, riots, cell extractions, and facility lockdowns
- Execute planned and emergency cell extractions using approved tactical procedures and team coordination
- Utilize defensive tactics, less-lethal options, and restraint equipment to safely gain control of non-compliant or violent inmates
- Serve as a certified instructor for less-lethal weapons, providing training on proper deployment, safety protocols, and use-of-force guidelines
- Conduct practical and classroom instruction to ensure staff proficiency and compliance with agency standards
- Participate in regular training exercises focused on use-of-force protocols, team movement, and emergency response readiness
- Assist in restoring order during critical incidents while ensuring safety of staff, inmates, and facility operations