William Kestner
Prairie du Chien,WI
Summary
Experienced Correctional Officer with a proven record of sound judgment, reliability, and leadership within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Skilled in coordinating unit operations, mentoring new staff, and maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols and DOC policy and procedure. Known for taking initiative during high-pressure situations, providing calm direction to staff, and effectively de-escalating inmate conflicts. Demonstrates strong communication, thorough documentation, and consistent adherence to professional and ethical standards. Committed to fostering a secure, orderly environment while supporting staff development and reinforcing the department’s mission. Ready to step into the Sergeant role with a focus on accountability, team coordination, and operational excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Correctional Officer
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Prairie du Chien, WI
04.2021 - Current
- Conducted regular security checks to ensure inmate safety and facility security.
- Monitored inmate behavior to prevent disturbances and maintain order.
- Responded to emergencies promptly, following protocols for crisis management.
- Documented incidents and maintained accurate reports for record-keeping.
- Collaborated with team members to enforce rules and regulations consistently.
- Trained new staff on policies, procedures, and safety measures effectively.
- Engaged with inmates professionally to promote communication and trust-building efforts.
- Enforced policies and procedures while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Inspected cells and conducted random searches of common areas.
- Observed inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Detected potential threats and quickly defused conflicts.
- Monitored daily activities to identify and manage suspicious behavior, improper conduct, and signs of conflict.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Maintained clear and open communications with facility areas to support safe operations.
- Informed inmates and visitors of rules, safety and security procedures and responsibilities.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Applied physical restraint during problematic situations.
- Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
- Transported prisoners between facilities using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Transported prisoners to outside facility hospitals.
- Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
- Oversaw public areas and grounds to verify cleanliness and inmate safety.
- Supervised offender work assignments and evaluated performance for compliance with standard regulations.
- Investigated incidents involving prisoners or staff to determine who was responsible for any violations of policies or procedures.
- Reviewed housing assignments and reassigned inmates to meet allocation and safety needs.
- Directed visitor sign-in, documenting processes, and completing appropriate visitation logs.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by subordinates concerning violations of policy or procedure observed during shift changes.
- Provided guidance and counseling services to help inmates adjust to their new environment and develop life skills needed upon release from prison.
- Assisted in the processing of new inmates and explaining facility rules.
- Operated security control systems to monitor entrances, exits, and movement within the facility.
- Conducted headcounts to ensure that all inmates were accounted for.
- Enforced institutional policies and procedures to maintain order and security within the correctional facility.
- Managed conflict and negotiated resolutions between inmates to prevent violence and ensure the safety of all individuals in the facility.
- Provided first response medical care in emergency situations until professional medical staff could take over.
- Served as a role model for inmates by demonstrating positive behavior and promoting educational and vocational training programs.
- Performed head counts, checking cells for missing inmates.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Guarded facility entrances to screen visitors.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Counseled inmates and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Issued clothing and other authorized items to inmates.
- Used appropriate means to discipline prisoners.
- Reported on quality of inmate work and violations committed by prisoners.
- Served meals and dispensed medications to inmates.
- Distributed commissary items and dispensed prescribed medication to prisoners.
Correctional Officer
LaSalle Corrections
Olla, Louisiana
09.2019 - 04.2021
- Conducted regular security checks to ensure inmate safety and facility security.
- Monitored inmate behavior to prevent disturbances and maintain order.
- Responded to emergencies promptly, following protocols for crisis management.
- Collaborated with team members to enforce rules and regulations consistently.
- Documented incidents and maintained accurate reports for record-keeping.
- Trained new staff on policies, procedures, and safety measures effectively.
- Participated in rehabilitation programs to support inmate personal development initiatives.
- Engaged with inmates professionally to promote communication and trust-building efforts.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Inspected cells and conducted random searches of common areas.
- Observed inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands, and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Monitored daily activities to identify and manage suspicious behavior, improper conduct, and signs of conflict.
- Detected potential threats and quickly defused conflicts.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Maintained clear and open communications with facility areas to support safe operations.
- Informed inmates and visitors of rules, safety and security procedures and responsibilities.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all relevant information related to daily operations at the correctional facility.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Applied non-violent response tools and physical restraint during problematic situations.
- Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
- Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Enforced resident behavior management protocols and drafted incident reports for infractions.
- Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
- Received property from incoming inmates, provided receipts and inspected items for contraband.
- Maintained inmate logs and entered information into electronic offender record systems for regulatory monitoring.
- Oversaw public areas and grounds to verify cleanliness and inmate safety.
- Supervised offender work assignments and evaluated performance for compliance with standard regulations.
- Investigated incidents involving prisoners or staff to determine who was responsible for any violations of policies or procedures.
- Reviewed housing assignments and reassigned inmates to meet allocation and safety needs.
- Directed visitor sign-in, documenting processes, and completing appropriate visitation logs.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by subordinates concerning violations of policy or procedure observed during shift changes.
- Collaborated with outside agencies such as social workers, psychologists, and probation officers when necessary.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for each inmate based on assessments of their mental health needs.
- Served as liaison between families of inmates ensuring they were kept informed about their loved ones' progress in custody.
- Provided guidance and counseling services to help inmates adjust to their new environment and develop life skills needed upon release from prison.
- Assisted in the processing of new inmates, including taking photographs, collecting personal information, and explaining facility rules.
- Operated security control systems to monitor entrances, exits, and movement within the facility.
- Conducted headcounts to ensure that all inmates were accounted for.
- Participated in the development and implementation of escape prevention plans and emergency evacuation procedures.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and court personnel regarding inmate transportation and legal proceedings.
- Enforced institutional policies and procedures to maintain order and security within the correctional facility.
- Managed conflict and negotiated resolutions between inmates to prevent violence and ensure the safety of all individuals in the facility.
- Provided first response medical care in emergency situations until professional medical staff could take over.
- Served as a role model for inmates by demonstrating positive behavior and promoting educational and vocational training programs.
- Performed head counts, checking cells for missing inmates.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Guarded facility entrances to screen visitors.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Counseled inmates and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Issued clothing, tools and other authorized items to inmates.
- Used appropriate means to discipline prisoners.
- Reported on quality of inmate work and violations committed by prisoners.
- Served meals and dispensed medications to inmates.
- Distributed commissary items and dispensed prescribed medication to prisoners.
Traffic Control Flagger
Diamond B Construction Company
Alexandria, LA
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Directed traffic flow at construction sites for safety and efficiency.
- Set up and maintained signage to alert drivers of work zones.
- Coordinated with construction crews to ensure safe operations around vehicles.
- Communicated clearly with motorists to guide them through detours.
- Monitored site conditions and reported hazards to supervisors promptly.
- Assisted in training new flaggers on safety protocols and procedures.
- Responded swiftly to emergencies, ensuring worker and public safety.
- Assisted with the setup of cones, barricades, and other traffic control devices.
- Placed warning and detour signs to alert drivers of alternate routes and dangerous driving areas.
- Directed traffic away from hazardous areas, using signs and hand signals.
- Maintained a high level of visibility by wearing reflective clothing at all times while on duty.
- Displayed excellent customer service skills when interacting with members of the public who were affected by road closures or delays due to construction projects.
- Performed manual labor tasks such as lifting barricades and setting up cones, when necessary.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols established by the employer while performing duties as a Traffic Control Flagger.
- Informed motorists about road closures, detours, and alternate routes.
- Assisted construction crews by removing debris, waste and hazardous materials to improve safety and road conditions.
- Ensured that drivers followed all safety regulations while operating in construction zones.
- Utilized hand signals and positioned direction signs to guide traffic around hazardous or construction sites.
- Attended regular safety meetings hosted by supervisors or company representatives.
- Discussed traffic routing plans, locations and control points with supervisors.
- Communicated with supervisors regarding changes in traffic patterns and and or potential hazards.
- Coordinated two-way traffic on single lane roads by placing markers and cones.
- Observed all applicable laws concerning speed limits, parking restrictions, and other regulations pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles.
- Responded quickly to inquiries from motorists regarding directions or other information related to their travels.
- Kept track of work hours for payroll purposes and reported any overtime worked promptly.
- Assisted drivers with directions and routes and recorded license plates of negligent drivers.
- Conducted daily inspections on equipment used in traffic control operations.
- Communicated with drivers, providing clear directions to detour routes.
- Wore protective and reflective gear regularly.
- Guided traffic at street and railroad crossings, school zones and construction sites.
- Cultivated effective relationships with pedestrians by utilizing active listening and dynamic interpersonal skills.
Delivery Driver
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Alexandria, LA
07.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered sandwiches promptly to customers in designated areas.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of delivery vehicle.
- Followed safe driving practices during all deliveries.
- Communicated effectively with team members and customers.
- Managed payment transactions accurately during deliveries.
- Assisted in preparing orders during peak hours as needed.
- Provided excellent customer service to enhance satisfaction.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely order fulfillment.
- Delivered goods in a timely fashion while adhering to speed limits and other traffic regulations.
- Transported and safely delivered items to prevent damage or loss.
- Drove safely in all weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, ice.
- Navigated routes with relevant map programs and GPS systems.
- Received daily delivery instructions and route assignments from dispatch.
- Loaded, secured, and unloaded cargo in a safe and timely manner.
- Handled customer service complaints with utmost professionalism and knowledgeable responses to maintain trust and company loyalty.
- Handled merchandise in accordance with product handling standards.
- Grouped and routed deliveries according to designated areas to maintain efficient delivery times.
- Followed safety protocols for loading, unloading, securing, inspecting, operating, and maintaining the assigned vehicle.
- Adhered to all applicable traffic laws while driving delivery vehicle.
- Verified deliveries against shipping instructions prior to delivering to customers.
- Inspected vehicle and maintained gas, oil and water levels.
- Monitored fuel level throughout shift and refueled when necessary.
- Maintained accurate records of goods delivered and collected payments as required.
- Stayed up-to-date on changing local roads and construction areas that may affect routes.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving vehicles or personnel on the roadways.
- Inspected vehicles' condition, supplies and equipment before and after trips
- Reviewed delivery documents and orders and reported errors to supervisor.
Cage Cashier
Lady Luck Casino
Marquette, Iowa
01.2016 - 07.2016
- Processed cash transactions for gaming activities and customer exchanges.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balances throughout shifts.
- Assisted customers with inquiries regarding casino services and promotions.
- Monitored gaming regulations and compliance during cash handling activities.
- Managed large sums of currency and chips securely during transactions.
- Trained new staff on cash handling procedures and customer service standards.
- Resolved customer issues promptly to enhance overall guest experience at the casino.
- Greeted customers and answered inquiries regarding services.
- Processed payments for chips, tokens, and cash transactions.
- Performed daily balancing activities including count-downs, verifications, and reconciliations.
- Maintained accurate records of cage transactions and balances.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as counting money drawers and verifying floats.
- Verified customer identification to ensure compliance with gaming regulations.
- Followed strict security protocols when handling large sums of money.
- Counted and verified cash amounts at shift start and balanced funds prior to shift end or close.
- Ensured that all state gaming laws were followed at all times.
- Redeemed coins and tokens for cash at customer request.
- Complied with safety regulations while operating cash handling equipment.
- Provided customer service assistance in resolving disputes or discrepancies related to cage transactions.
- Collected monies from slot machines when necessary.
- Adhered to security protocols and cash-handling best practices to maintain correct totals.
- Exchanged money, credit, tickets, or casino chips for patrons.
- Handled slot machine payouts and guest prize redemption to meet diverse guest needs.
- Checked identifications to verify patrons' ages.
- Balance daily financial records by reconciling transaction summaries.
- Reconciled cash and casino currency by auditing cash drawers and transaction receipts.
- Accepted credit applications to verify credit references for check-cashing authorization.
- Facilitated check-cashing authorizations and house credit accounts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Waukon High School
Waukon, IA05-2013
Skills
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Security monitoring and facility oversight
- Emergency response and first aid
- Team collaboration and communication
- Active listening and problem solving
- Incident documentation and evidence preservation
- Safety compliance and regulation adherence
- Inmate supervision and monitoring
- Policy enforcement and contraband detection
- Firearms proficiency and weapons training
- Self-defense tactics and restraint techniques
- Suicide prevention and incident prevention
- Visitation oversight and prisoner transport
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Certification
15 Passeger Van Driver Training, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Correctional Officer
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
04.2021 - Current
Correctional Officer
LaSalle Corrections
09.2019 - 04.2021
Traffic Control Flagger
Diamond B Construction Company
09.2016 - 09.2019
Delivery Driver
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
07.2016 - 01.2017
Cage Cashier
Lady Luck Casino
01.2016 - 07.2016
High School Diploma -
Waukon High School