Leopoldo Villegas
San Luis,AZ
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at the Arizona Department of Corrections, excelling in policy enforcement and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing service delivery through effective problem-solving and conflict resolution. Skilled in emergency response, fostering a safe environment, and implementing strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Complex Food Service Liaison
ADCRR
72125 E Cesar Chavez Blvd San Luis Az 85349
09.2025 - Current
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff to improve customer service protocols and practices.
- Streamlined processes for handling service requests, reducing response times significantly.
- Developed and maintained documentation for service procedures to ensure compliance and consistency.
- Led initiatives to identify areas for process improvement, enhancing overall service quality.
- Oversaw project implementations aimed at optimizing resource allocation within the organization.
- Implemented new procedures to increase efficiency within the service liaison department, resulting in faster response times.
- Increased repeat business through exceptional relationship management skills and proactive issue resolution strategies.
- Streamlined communication between departments for improved service delivery and customer experience.
- Collaborated with team members to develop innovative solutions for challenging client concerns.
- Organized regular team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, share insights, and collaborate on strategies for continuous improvement in client services.
Correctional Sergeant
Arizona Department of Corrections
7125 E Cesar Chavez Blvd, San Luis AZ 85349
09.2018 - Current
- Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Supervised Correctional Officers and performance of tasks and managed conditions of confinement of inmate under my custodial responsibility..
- Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
- Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct or rule violations, resulting in fair disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
- Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
- Evaluated job performance of subordinate staff members regularly while providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Efficiently managed resources such as time, personnel, and equipment to ensure smooth operations within the correctional facility.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of large-scale facility operations including cell searches, shakedowns, and evacuation drills.
- Facilitated positive relationships between staff members and inmates by encouraging respectful interactions at all times.
- Improved staff performance by providing training and guidance on institutional policies and best practices.
- Contributed to creating a safer environment for both staff and inmates by maintaining vigilance, reporting concerns, and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Coordinated responses to critical incidents effectively ensuring minimal disruption to facility operations.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to develop rehabilitation programs for inmates, promoting successful reintegration into society.
- Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and enhance knowledge base.
- Supervised daily operations of correctional facility, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure regulatory compliance and security protocols.
- Managed inmate behavior through effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
Correctional Officer
Arizona Department of Corrections
7125 E Cesar Chavez Blvd San Luis, AZ 85349
05.2006 - 09.2018
- 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.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- 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.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- 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.
- Supervised inmate activities to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on procedures and crisis intervention techniques.
Education
High School Diploma -
KOFA HIGH SCHOOL
3100 S Avenue A Yuma AZ 8536405-2003
Skills
- De-escalation techniques
- Emergency response
- Policy enforcement
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active listening
- Conflict resolution
- Incident reporting
- Time management abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Computer skills
- Understanding customer needs
- Customer service excellence
- Rapport building
- Document and records management
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel and Google Suite to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved Positive Results through effectively helping with the yearly Complex Wide Audits..
- Documented and resolved Conditions of Confinement issue which led to a safer work environment for staff and living areas for the individuals under my custodial responsibility..
- Earned the Life Saving Award in 2015
- Promoted to Correctional Sgt. after 12 years with the Department.
- Earned the Officer of the Month Award in 2018
- Earned the Officer of the Quarter Award in 2018
- Earned the Supervisor of the Month Award in 2021
- Earned the Supervisor of the Month Award in 2022
- Earned the Supervisor of the Month Award in 2023
- Earned the Supervisor of the Month Award in 2024
Certification
- Correctional Facility Emergency Preparedness Course Completion.
- Use of Force Training Certification – State Police Academies or Professional Law Enforcement Training Organizations.
- Chemical Agents Handling Certification - Manufacturer or Industry-Specific Training Providers.
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate– Professional organizations focusing on workplace diversity initiatives.
- Self-Defense and Restraint Techniques Certification - Defensive Tactics Training.
- Tactical Communication Skills for Correctional Supervisors Certificate – Communication Skills based training providers specific to law enforcement.
- Firearms Proficiency Certification
- Incident Command System (ICS) Certificates - FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.
- Arizona Correctional Information System (ACIS).
- Familiar with Arizona Criminal Justice Information System ACJIS
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use Certification - American Red Cross.
- Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Training Certificate – PREA Resource Center.
- CPR/AED Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Complex Food Service Liaison
ADCRR
09.2025 - Current
Correctional Sergeant
Arizona Department of Corrections
09.2018 - Current
Correctional Officer
Arizona Department of Corrections
05.2006 - 09.2018
High School Diploma -
KOFA HIGH SCHOOL
Life Saving Award
Life Saving Medal Recipient: Recognized for providing immediate, life-sustaining Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR to an unresponsive individual during a critical self-harm incident. Successfully restored consciousness and stabilized the patient until emergency medical services arrived.