Aaron Taliaferro
Fort Washington,MD
Summary
I am an adaptable and security-focused professional transitioning from a law enforcement and technical support background into cybersecurity operations. Proven ability to manage high-pressure incidents, investigate anomalies, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. Skilled in incident documentation, procedural compliance, and real-time situational assessment experience aligned with triaging alerts, supporting SIEM operations, and enhancing security response. Academic foundation includes hands-on projects in Python-based chatbot development and object detection using AI, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and certification in information security best practices. Recognized for integrity, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to emerging threats in both digital and physical security landscapes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Master Police Officer
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
05.2022 - Current
- Led high-stakes incident response and threat assessments, applying real-time decision-making under pressure skills directly translatable to cybersecurity incident triage and escalation.
- Conducted thorough investigations, collected and documented evidence, and maintained detailed incident reports, supporting accurate and timely case resolution aligned with chain-of-custody protocols.
- Collaborated with interdepartmental units and emergency services, strengthening cross-functional coordination and communication during high-impact events.
- Monitored campus safety using surveillance and communications technology, proactively identifying anomalies and potential threats to ensure secure environments.
- Trained junior officers in policy compliance, situational awareness, and procedural standards, reinforcing organizational readiness and risk mitigation strategies.
- Demonstrated strict adherence to protocols and ethical standards, maintaining integrity while handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Supported university emergency operations, including real-time coordination and post-incident analysis skills directly supporting SOC alert handling and incident documentation.
Residential Police Officer
Alexandria Police Department
Alexandria, Virginia
06.2014 - 04.2022
- Monitored and secured residential communities, utilizing situational awareness and proactive patrol strategies to mitigate risk and prevent incidents.
- Conducted incident response for emergencies and security breaches, demonstrating real-time decision-making and coordination with internal units.
- Drafted detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, and investigations with accuracy and clarity, ensuring compliance with confidentiality protocols and documentation standards.
- Educated residents on safety practices and emerging local threats, fostering community awareness.
- Maintained logs and evidence records in accordance with chain-of-custody and data integrity protocols.
- Supported coordination with city departments and emergency response partners to maintain continuity of operations.
Mechanic Dispatcher
JBT Aerotech
Dulles, Virginia
11.2012 - 06.2014
- Coordinated and prioritized maintenance dispatches for critical ground support systems, ensuring timely resolution of operational issues reflecting the incident triage and response coordination necessary in cybersecurity environments.
- Monitored real-time service logs and equipment performance data, proactively identifying trends or anomalies to prevent downtime aligning with continuous system monitoring and risk detection in IT security.
- Maintained detailed records of maintenance activity, work orders, and system malfunctions in centralized tracking systems, reinforcing best practices in documentation and audit-readiness.
- Collaborated with technicians, operations staff, and leadership to resolve urgent mechanical and electrical issues, demonstrating effective cross-functional communication under pressure.
- Developed and enforced dispatch protocols to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, mirroring policy adherence and security compliance efforts in technical environments.
- Tracked part inventories and work completion metrics, leveraging data accuracy and attention to detail key competencies for supporting cyber tool oversight and reporting.
- Supported shift transitions with clear status briefings and escalation notes.
- Contributed to incident investigations and root-cause analysis following mechanical failures.
Education
Masters of Information Technology -
Virginia Tech
08.2024
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Anthropology
University of Virginia
05.2011
Skills
- Python
- JavaScript
- SQL Basics
- Internet and Network Technologies
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Cybercrime awareness
- Surveillance
- Cybersecurity Management
Certification
- Cybersecurity Management, Virginia Tech, December 2023
- Internet and Network Technologies, Virginia Tech, December 2023
- Security Plus, Comptia, February 2025
Awards
- Outstanding Achievement Award: Recognized as the top community safety contributor by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
- Extraordinary Contributor: Recognized for going above and beyond the scope of duty to strengthen community police relations.
- Football Scholarship Award: Full Scholarship for 14 semesters to play Division 1A Football at UVA.
- Outstanding Character Recognition (Spring 2010): Recognition of outstanding character given to students who have displayed outstanding character on a daily basis by the Z Society (the oldest and largest secret society at UVA).
Timeline
Master Police Officer
George Mason University
05.2022 - Current
Residential Police Officer
Alexandria Police Department
06.2014 - 04.2022
Mechanic Dispatcher
JBT Aerotech
11.2012 - 06.2014
Masters of Information Technology -
Virginia Tech
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Anthropology
University of Virginia