Ashley Cook
Midland,GA
Summary
Highly experienced Police Captain with extensive leadership experience overseeing complex investigations, regulatory adherence, and organizational integrity initiatives within law enforcement environments. Brings a proven record of exercising sound judgment in high-stakes situations and ensuring accountability across operational functions. Demonstrates deep expertise in investigative strategy, evidence management, policy enforcement, and risk mitigation.
Adept at leading cross-functional teams, strengthening compliance frameworks, and promoting ethical standards while maintaining alignment with legal and regulatory requirements. Skilled in personnel oversight, incident management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, with a strong focus on transparency and continuous improvement. Recognized for fostering collaboration, enhancing operational effectiveness, and delivering results in dynamic, high-pressure settings.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patrol Captain
Columbus State University Police Department
Columbus, GA
10.2025 - Current
- Directed daily patrol operations, ensuring effective monitoring and response to security concerns on campus.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new officers, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts during critical incidents, ensuring swift resolution.
- Conducted regular assessments of campus facilities to identify security vulnerabilities.
- Analyzed crime trends on campus to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
- Mentored junior officers, fostering professional development and departmental cohesion.
- Streamlined internal communications for increased efficiency between shifts, squads, units, or departments involved in patrol activities.
Lieutenant (Patrol Supervisor/Support Services/Administrative Services)
Columbus State University Police Department
01.2021 - 10.2025
- Supervised departmental units, focusing on the execution of investigations, internal affairs, hiring, training, and patrol operations.
- Oversaw administration of CCURE access control systems and departmental technology, including surveillance and body-worn cameras.
- Streamlined employment processes and optimized extra duty assignments to enhance workforce productivity. Achieved operational excellence in vehicle fleet management and elevated field training effectiveness.
- Cultivated community engagement and managed departmental social media platforms to enhance brand visibility.
- Oversaw CVSA testing operations and managed responsibilities as agency's GPSTC/Post Administrator.
Detective, Criminal Investigations Unit
Columbus State University Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted in-depth investigations and interviews to gather critical intelligence and support law enforcement objectives.
- Managed evidence intake operations to ensure proper handling and storage of materials.
- Operated surveillance systems to facilitate thorough case investigations.
- Oversaw training and mentorship of officers, ensuring proficiency in both patrol and investigations operations.
- Achieved increased social media engagement through strategic initiatives.
- Streamlined hiring processes and conducted thorough background investigations to secure qualified candidates.
Corporal, Patrol Division
Columbus Police Department
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Delivered frontline law enforcement services, ensuring effective emergency response and community policing initiatives.
- Advanced to Corporal, managing supervisory tasks and contributing to the professional growth of officers.
Officer, Patrol Division
Columbus Police Department
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Handled emergency call responses and led initial investigative procedures.
- Engaged with specialized units, such as burglary and theft teams, to support comprehensive case analysis.
Education
Master of Public Safety Administration - Legal Issues, Strategic Management, National Security Policy
Columbus State University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbus State University
Skills
- Criminal investigations
- Administrative oversight
- Safety and security management
- Conducting internal investigations
- Access control management
- Asset and evidence oversight
- Field training coordinator
- Proficient in CVSA techniques
- Social media management
- Employee onboarding processes
- Policy and strategy execution
- Records management
Accomplishments
- Recognized for outstanding service and leadership, including being named Officer of the Year in 2020
- Officer of the Month honors in both 2014 and 2019 by the Columbus State University Police Department.
- Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for dedication and accuracy during a comprehensive 15-year Property & Evidence audit.
- Demonstrated strong community engagement skills by leading a successful social media initiative, increasing Facebook reach by 49.4% (+75,122) and Instagram reach by 29.9% (+1,269) within seven months.
- Played a key role in a high-profile burglary investigation through collaboration with the Columbus Police Department’s Burglary and Theft Unit. This joint effort led to the recovery of approximately $50,000 in stolen property, the clearance of 27 charges, and the execution of a successful search warrant. The investigation resulted in the resolution of multiple cases shared between CPD and CSUPD.
- Received the Presidential Culture Award in October 2025 for a Sexual Assault Case, in which I was the lead investigator.
Affiliations
- Sexual Assault Board
- CSU Staff Council
- Save Task Force – Sexual Assault and Violence Education
- Hiring and Onboarding Manager
Certification
- Certified Voice Stress Analyzer
- Field Training Officer
- Managerial Certificate
Timeline
Patrol Captain
Columbus State University Police Department
10.2025 - Current
Lieutenant (Patrol Supervisor/Support Services/Administrative Services)
Columbus State University Police Department
01.2021 - 10.2025
Detective, Criminal Investigations Unit
Columbus State University Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2021
Corporal, Patrol Division
Columbus Police Department
01.2014 - 01.2019
Officer, Patrol Division
Columbus Police Department
01.2010 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbus State University
Master of Public Safety Administration - Legal Issues, Strategic Management, National Security Policy
Columbus State University