Aaron Umphress
Concho,AZ
Summary
Dynamic Police Sergeant with expertise in team management, conflict de-escalation, and effective communication. Proven track record in leading investigations and mentoring junior officers to achieve operational excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Sergeant
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Phoenix, AZ
09.2020 - Current
- Coordinated multi-agency responses to critical incidents, improving interdepartmental collaboration and communication.
- Developed and implemented community policing strategies, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public.
- Led training programs for new officers, enhancing their skills and knowledge in law enforcement practices.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Analyzed crime trends using data-driven approaches, informing resource allocation and tactical decisions.
- Mentored junior officers, promoting professional development and adherence to high standards of conduct.
- Reviewed incident reports for accuracy, ensuring thorough documentation of investigations and enforcement actions.
- Managed special projects related to public safety initiatives, driving improvements in community engagement efforts.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 6 officers.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 6 officers.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Managed personnel schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for shifts while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on best practices for policing techniques and career advancement opportunities.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Provided critical incident command during emergency situations, directing response efforts to protect public safety swiftly.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Coordinated special event security details, working closely with organizers to ensure public safety during large gatherings.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Enhanced officer safety through the development of comprehensive training programs and ongoing performance evaluations.
- Oversaw evidence collection and management to maintain proper chain of custody in criminal cases.
- Conducted internal investigations, addressing both ethical violations and procedural discrepancies among officers.
- Strengthened inter-agency cooperation, fostering partnerships with other law enforcement agencies for joint initiatives.
- Established and enforced employee performance policies.
- Implemented proactive community policing strategies to build trust between officers and residents in high-crime areas.
- Conducted regular audits of department operations, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures while identifying areas for improvement.
- Monitored development of new technologies and tactics to improve police department activities.
- Led multi-disciplinary task forces, combining resources from various agencies to address complex criminal issues effectively.
- Promoted a culture of accountability and integrity, conducting regular reviews to uphold high ethical standards.
- Directed traffic enforcement initiatives, significantly reducing the number of road accidents in high-risk areas.
- Oversaw department's budget, optimizing resource allocation to meet operational needs effectively.
- Designed and executed training simulations, preparing officers for a wide range of real-world scenarios.
- Conducted thorough investigations into serious crimes, resulting in significant case closures and community safety improvements.
- Enhanced surveillance operations, leveraging technology to monitor and address suspicious activities promptly.
- Mentored junior officers, promoting culture of continuous learning and professional development within department.
- Effectively led investigations, ensured safety protocols were followed, and handled high-pressure situations.
- Conducted investigations to identify suspicious activities, violations of policies and regulations and potential threats.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
- Liaised with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to streamline investigation completion.
Detective Sergeant
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Show Low, AZ
09.2021 - 01.2025
- Led complex criminal investigations, coordinating with multiple agencies to enhance case outcomes.
- Developed strategic investigative plans, optimizing resource allocation and improving efficiency in case resolution.
- Analyzed evidence and crime scene data, ensuring thorough documentation and accurate reporting for prosecution.
- Trained and mentored junior detectives, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Implemented advanced investigative techniques, resulting in increased case clearance rates and successful convictions.
- Directed surveillance operations, utilizing technology to gather critical intelligence for ongoing investigations.
- Evaluated departmental policies and procedures, recommending improvements for enhanced operational effectiveness in investigations.
- Reviewed detective case reports for accuracy, integrity, and completeness.
- Testified effectively in court proceedings as an expert witness, securing convictions in numerous high-profile cases.
- Conducted surveillance on high-risk individuals, gathering vital intelligence that contributed to successful arrests and convictions.
- Improved community relations through participation in public events and forums to discuss safety concerns and gather feedback from residents.
- Oversaw complex investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, coordinating resources across departments for successful outcomes.
- Guided, mentored, and supervised subordinates to improve job performance and case clearing rates.
- Increased interdepartmental collaboration through regular communication with other law enforcement agencies for information sharing and joint operations.
- Mentored junior detectives, providing guidance on investigative techniques and procedures, resulting in improved performance and career growth.
- Developed strong relationships with local businesses, schools, and community groups to foster cooperation in addressing crime issues.
- Managed budgets for undercover operations and equipment procurement, ensuring responsible allocation of funds while maintaining operational readiness.
- Coordinated multi-agency task forces targeting organized crime networks, dismantling criminal enterprises through collaborative efforts.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Preserved evidence for court hearings and checked integrity of individual pieces.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Kept meticulous and detailed records of each case to avoid causing any problems with prosecution.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
Detective
Department of Public Safety
Phoenix, AZ
05.2008 - 08.2021
- Member of the Arizona State Gang Task Force Phoenix, West Valley and East Valley squads.
- Detective with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Career Criminal Unit.
- Member of the Arizona State Gang Task Force Navajo/ Gila County Squad.
- Conducted thorough investigations to solve complex criminal cases, ensuring justice and public safety.
- Mentored junior detectives to improve their investigative skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Interviewed suspects and witnesses using skilled interrogation techniques for gathering crucial information related to investigations.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Wrote detailed reports outlining case findings for internal files and legal purposes.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Preserved evidence for court hearings and checked the integrity of individual pieces.
- Developed strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for collaborative efforts in solving high-profile cases.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Kept meticulous and detailed records of each case to avoid causing any problems with the prosecution.
- Acted as a liaison between the detective division and community members, fostering trust and strengthening communication channels for improved crime reporting.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing, and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new developments in forensic science and investigation methodologies.
- Managed surveillance operations effectively, contributing toward timely apprehension of offenders before further crimes were committed.
- Initiated and concluded investigations of crime organizations.
- Sent specimens to labs and ran fingerprints through databases to identify individuals of interest.
- Documented drug transactions to gather evidence and complete undercover investigations.
- Conducted undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations, resulting in the successful dismantling of illegal activities.
- Managed complex case loads efficiently, prioritizing tasks for optimum outcomes.
- Led undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations, resulting in significant arrests and convictions.
- Solved complex cases with thorough investigation and critical thinking.
- Mentored junior detectives, sharing knowledge and experience to enhance their investigative skills.
- Enhanced community safety by leading high-profile criminal investigations.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
- Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
- Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
- Collected crime scene evidence, examined bodies, and investigated secondary locations to build detailed cases based on sound evidence handling practices.
- Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and develop case strategies for prosecution.
- Analyzed crime patterns using advanced forensic tools and technologies to support proactive policing initiatives.
- Mentored junior detectives, enhancing their investigative skills and improving overall team performance.
- Led multi-agency task forces on high-profile cases, coordinating resources and expertise for optimal outcomes.
Patrol Officer
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Phoenix, AZ
06.2006 - 08.2014
- Enforced traffic laws, ensuring public safety through proactive patrols and monitoring of roadways.
- Conducted thorough investigations of incidents, compiling detailed reports for review and analysis.
- Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate responses to emergencies and streamline communication efforts.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on procedures, policies, and best practices in law enforcement.
- Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Enhanced public safety by patrolling assigned areas and responding to emergency situations promptly.
- Handled crisis situations effectively by utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and sound judgment under pressure.
- Provided assistance to citizens in need, including medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns, demonstrating compassion and professionalism at all times.
- Conducted traffic stops, issuing citations or warnings when necessary to maintain order on the roads.
- Collaborated with fellow officers for efficient crime prevention and response efforts.
- Participated in specialized training sessions to enhance skills in areas such as firearms proficiency, self-defense tactics, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Testified in court cases as needed, providing clear and concise accounts of events witnessed or investigated.
- Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
- Identified and addressed potential hazards within the community – conducting regular checks and making necessary recommendations to mitigate risks.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement agencies during joint operations or investigations to ensure efficient communication and teamwork.
- Maintained a high level of physical fitness to effectively perform job duties while minimizing risk of injury on duty.
- Improved response times to incidents by optimizing patrol routes.
- Responded to emergency calls, providing timely assistance and reducing incident escalation.
- Assisted in emergency situations, providing first aid and support until medical teams arrived.
- Compiled detailed reports on daily activities and incidents to inform law enforcement strategies.
- Provided testimony in court cases, ensuring successful prosecution of offenders.
- Enforced legal statutes, contributing to maintenance of public order.
- Conducted thorough investigations to solve crimes, bringing closure to affected individuals.
- Investigated suspicious activities, leading to prevention of potential crimes.
- Facilitated smoother traffic flow by managing congestion and enforcing traffic laws.
- Utilized advanced technology for efficient reporting and tracking of incidents.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
- Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Thoroughly analyzed criminal information and processed crime scenes.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kofa High School
Yuma, AZ01-2000
No Degree - Fire Science
Maricopa Community Colleges, Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZNo Degree - Criminal Justice
Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZ01-2003
Skills
- Criminal investigation
- Crime scene management
- Drug interdiction
- Operational oversight
- Patrol supervision
- Budget management
- Narcotics enforcement
- Non-lethal force apprehension
- Conflict de-escalation
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Professional demeanor
Certification
General instructor
Driving instructor
Less-Lethal instructor
Graduate of FBI Leadership Trilogy
Dean Crisp Servant leadership course
Director Citation award for criminal investigation
Career Criminal Unit was a multi agency task that prioritized its investigation into violent repeat offenders. The Unit was made up of task force members from Phoenix Police Department, ATF, Arizona Department of Corrections and Department of Public Safety. With in the first year of conception we executed hundreds of residential search warrants, yielding seizures of hundred's of illegal firearms and accessories, record number of drug seizures and successful prosecutions.
Timeline
Detective Sergeant
Arizona Department of Public Safety
09.2021 - 01.2025
Police Sergeant
Arizona Department of Public Safety
09.2020 - Current
Detective
Department of Public Safety
05.2008 - 08.2021
Patrol Officer
Arizona Department of Public Safety
06.2006 - 08.2014
No Degree - Fire Science
Maricopa Community Colleges, Mesa Community College
High School Diploma -
Kofa High School
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College