Professional Experience
Undersheriff
(2022-Present)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Chief Administrator and Executive Officer to the Sheriff
Responsible for strategic planning, project management and creative implementation and oversight of progressive measures to increase agency legitimacy, transparency, and accountability
Directly supervises Chief Deputies, legal counsel, finance and public information office; coordinates their work, identifies training needs; manages and directs agency recruitment
Plans and assists in developing the overall Department budget; monitors the status of designated funding and expenditures during the fiscal year, ensuring proper maintenance of fiscal controls and reviewing/approving purchase orders and recommending purchase, repair, or replacement of equipment
Consults with employee representative; serves as Sheriff’s management representative during labor negotiations.
Evaluates division performance, reviewing work methods and procedures, and develops and implements changes in work processes and/or equipment used to improve efficiency
Responsible for strategic operations and oversight of all divisions (Administration,
Operations, Special Operations, Detention) including 482 commissioned and 334 civilian staff
Fiscally responsible for budget of more than $136 million
Effectively represents Sheriff’s Office I contracts with the public and other law enforcement agencies, including making effective public presentations
Implements work methods and procedures that promote a safe, harassment and hostile free work environment and ensure proper staff training in work safety
Chief Deputy (Detention/Courts)
(2019-2022)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Mentor, manage and lead division of 246 sworn positions and 149 civilian positions plus contracted employees
Responsible and accountable for annual budget of approximately $60 million
Plan, coordinate, and direct division to accomplish established goals and objectives and optimize efficiency
Effectively represent the Sheriff’s Department in contacts with the public and other law enforcement agencies, including making effective public presentations
Captain (Detention Division – Services)
(2017-2019)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Established and implemented goals, objectives, policies and procedures within the Detention Division
Planned, coordinated, scheduled, assigned, evaluated and directed the work of sworn and civilian personnel
Managed Detention services including medical, courts and administrative support units
Monitored, evaluated and managed $7 million medical contract ensuring compliance with health services contract within National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards
Evaluated complex operations problems, developed sound conclusions and made effective decisions and recommendations to executive staff
Created and maintained effective working relationships with department personnel, outside agencies, community stakeholders, inmates within the detention division and the public we serve
Developed, coordinated and planned effective strategies, collaborations and partnerships with Washoe County management, stakeholders, community providers and non-profits
Regional Public Safety Training Center Director Northern Nevada LE Academy Commander Lieutenant/Substation Commander Patrol Division/Incline Substation
(2012-2017)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Managed, directed and commanded the Regional Public Safety Training Center and the Northern Nevada Law Enforcement Academy
Acted as Substation Commander; determined personnel and equipment assignments; reviewed investigation and arrest reports, and determined disposition requirements
Supervised and participated in the work of personnel engaged in the investigation of crimes and other offenses against persons and property; handled difficult and sensitive situations; reviewed investigation reports
Analyzed and assisted with management of $17 million Budget
Assisted executive staff in developing and implementing new or revised policies and procedures; interpreted policies and procedures to departmental employees
Analyzed situations quickly and objectively and determined proper course of action on own initiative
Assumed administrative and operational command of Washoe County Sheriff’s Office during after hours, weekends, and holidays
Directly and indirectly supervised 22 Deputy Sheriffs, 5 Sergeants, 1 Sheriff Support Specialist, and 3 Office Assistants
Sergeant (Patrol Division/Training Division/Office of Professional Integrity/Detention Division)
(2008-2012)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Managed Commissioned and Civilian Training for 874 employees
Managed Department Training Budget of $1.3 million
Supervised Field Training Programs including Detention, Operations and Supervisory
Supervised commissioned and civilian personnel in daily operational duties and tasks
Delegated specific assignments, tasks, and responsibilities
Wrote, reviewed, and managed agency policies, procedures and standard operating procedures
Conducted internal investigations within the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
Detective – Detective Division Property, Juvenile, Street Crimes, Persons
(2003-2018)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Utilized a variety of investigative techniques including locating and interviewing witnesses and suspects, examining and analyzing various records and documents, and gathering and preserving physical evidence
Managed and coordinated case progression through interviews, statement analysis and evidence assessment
Supervised confidential informants prior to, during and after undercover operations to ensure safety of informant and law enforcement personnel
Regularly documented investigations through supplemental written reports, notes and dictation
Meticulously testified in judicial hearings including jury and grand jury trials
Deputy Sheriff – Patrol Division, Deputy Sheriff – Training Division, Deputy Sheriff – Detention Division
(1996-2003)
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada
Responded to calls for service, evaluating situations, implementing appropriate action including arrest, mediation between parties and emergency medical aid
Accountable for written reports documenting information gathered and actions taken as a result of calls for service, investigations, field interviews, citations, arrests and use of force
Successfully investigated multiple crimes and criminal activity through self-initiated patrol and calls for service assuring public safety and security in Washoe County
Utilized communication techniques in dealing with a variety of people in various situations including persuasion, tact, self-restraint, common sense, judgment, strategy and interpersonal communication
Testified in judicial and administrative hearings presenting evidence and testimony relevant to the proceedings
Researched, documented and presented new Law Enforcement technology to Senior Administrative staff resulting in the approval, purchase and implementation of the M26
Advanced Taser and telescopic impact weapons department wide
Implemented new strategies, techniques and lesson plans
Assisted as a Lead Instructor at the High Sierra Law Enforcement Academy
Supervised all phases of Sheriff’s Office continuing education program including courses, instructors and scheduling
Effectively managed and coordinated all civilian, unit and outside agency training
Maintained security, searched, and supervised the conduct and transport of arrestees and inmates within and outside the detention facility
Reviewed and responded to inmate requests and grievances, including inmate disciplinary hearings to determine warranted sanctions
Operated and monitored electronic equipment allowing safe movement for staff and inmates within the detention facility
Performed daily inspections to ensure safety and security within the detention facility