Clarella Thomas
Criminal Justice
Marlborough,Massachusetts
Summary
Results driven public safety leader with over 20 years of experience committed to fair and equitable policing, and exceptional service delivery. Experience leading police, security, emergency management and threat assessment operations within both public, private institutions and medical centers. Portfolios have included leadership of police department in communities both mid-size and large cities, including Chicago, Nashville, Tennessee, Richmond, Virginia along with extensive experience managing special event safety and security operations to include oversight for high-profile events and venues with seating capacity of more than 100k.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Police
Wellesley College
11.2019 - 05.2023
- Maintained thorough records and issued regular reports highlighting activities, successes and notable incidents.
- Talked regularly with campus partners, students, faculty and staff to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Establish strategies and plans to ensure optimal performance in oversight of uniform patrol and investigations.
- Monitored sensitive areas of property closely to detect unauthorized access or activities.
- Arrange accountability practices, increased and improve streamline assignments of operation with investigations unit which resulted in quality response and success in case clearance.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Educated staff members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency..
- Enforced performance standards to keep team operating effectively and meeting challenging objectives.
- Submitted documentation for bi- weekly payroll, managed schedules and enforced policies.
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders to discuss ways to reduce crime and support community.
- Oversaw team of up to 15 fifteen staff (sworn and non-sworn and student employees) and managed administrative duties
- Developed improved training methods with focus on public safety and officer awareness
- Recorded incident reports with detailed accounts of occurrences
- Served as resource for other departments to maintain big picture understanding of security needs covering all campus safety concerns
- Assessed ongoing risk factors and suggested improvements to senior management
- Prepared budgets for safety management operations and kept team on-track with strong expense controls and effective staff scheduling.
- Enhanced emergency preparedness procedures, commanding oversight and maintenance of tactical plans, equipment and weapons.
- Evaluated effectiveness of security team and implemented improvement plans to close critical loopholes.
- Applied principles of law enforcement and fire protection.
- Interviewed officers eligible for promotions and new hires.
- Liaised with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to streamline investigation completion.
- Effectively led investigations, ensured safety protocols were followed, and handled high-pressure situations.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
Chief of Police
Virginia Union University
07.2019 - 10.2021
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Actively listened to customers' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
- Managed 12 employees, overseeing hiring, training and professional growth of employees to include 2 student employees.
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
- Liaised with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to streamline investigation completion.
- Educated staff members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency.
- Maintained thorough records and issued regular reports highlighting activities, successes and notable incidents.
- Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Reviewed internal systems and organized training plans to address ares in need of improvement.
- Prepared budgets for safety management operations and kept team on-track with strong expense controls and effective staff scheduling.
- Enforced performance standards to keep team operating effectively and meeting challenging objectives.
- Attended public gatherings to maintain order.
Captain, Professional Standards & Accreditation
Vanderbilt University Police
03.2016 - 07.2019
- Received, processed and investigation of complaints made against members of the Department and for three precincts.
- Conduct immediate and objective investigations of all complaints and allegations of police misconduct thoroughly and objectively.
- Conduct written reports and interviews.
- Oversight of all policies and procedures, implementation of new policies.
- Chair departmental policy review group to discuss police implementation and concerns.
- Issue letters of counseling and reprimands as needed.
- Maintain spreadsheet and copies of all approved secondary employment.
- Respond to citizen's questions or concerns through department email account.
- Maintained department personnel files to include backgrounds, employment packets, disciplinary actions and commendations and training certificates.
- Represent the Police Department at events in the absences of or at the request of the Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police and Assistant Police Chief.
- Ensure accreditation deadlines are met and proofs are free from errors.
- Track accreditation updates and recommend policy changes to support continued department compliance.
- Oversee, maintain and update the department accreditation files, both manually and using a department approved electronic system.
- Managed (4) four accreditation processes.
- Responsible for coordination and implementation of Annual Reports submitted to the Associate Vice Chancellor.
- Developed and Campus Security Authorities safety training for all VUPD personnel and trained over (250) employees.
- Developed Third Party Security team plans and post operations on expectations and resources.
- Interviewed officers eligible for promotions.
Captain
University Of Chicago Police, Dept Of Safety & Sec
06.2013 - 02.2016
- Scheduled and adjusted duty rosters to achieve efficiency of department operations, functions and actions.
- Developed and implemented ordinances rules and regulations to further departmental goals.
- Liaised with government, civic and private organizations to promote community safety.
- Documented incidents and arrest activities, reviewed written reports and communicated with subordinates to facilitate administrative follow-up.
- Inspected and oversaw functions of patrol officers, detectives and lieutenants.
- Provided supervision and support for Special Operations (Auxiliary Services, Records Management, Patrol)
- Monitored performance of employees and established police requirements.
- Approved training and education designed to maintain and improve officer patrol and protective services.
- Handled inquiries and made presentations before various community groups and campus partners.
- Conducted interviews with suspects and retained statements.
- Assigned and supervised subordinates to prevent crime, protect life and property and enforce laws.
- Supervised administrative and support functions of non-sworn personnel.
- Educated staff members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of important considerations such as properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Mitigated risks by accurately analyzing and evaluating criminal prosecutory information, including complaints, citations and search warrants while processing crime scenes.
- Managed team of (15) fifteen officer and (2) two supervisors on shift, including establishing and enforcing performance policies.
- Answered calls from citizens and business owners for assistance and complaints.
Police Lieutenant
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
04.2010 - 05.2013
- Increased field contacts, vehicle stops, criminal arrests and traffic citation volumes by effectively leading assigned shift and establishing operational goals for shift unit
- Accompanied Shift Sergeant during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve any incorrect behaviors
- Managed team of (9) nine officers and (6) six security officers on shift which included establishing and enforcing performance policies
- Implemented training programs for new officers and security team
- Educated officers and staff members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency
- Planned, scheduled and supervised work of (15) fifteen subordinates
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of important considerations such as properties to check and individuals of note in local areas
- Answered calls from citizens and business owners and assisted with situations and emergencies
- Handled complaints against officers or other staff members Oversight of dispatch call center after hours
Police Sergeant
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
04.2008 - 04.2010
- Prepared for public relations presentations and plans by gathering information on business objectives, vision, brand strategy, competition and industry trends
- Implemented safety programs and prevention workshops for over for new hire orientation, student orientation, and other campus related safety initiatives
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of important considerations such as properties to check and crime prevention opportunities and collaborative efforts
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids and other educational materials
- Worked with marketing department on branding strategies
- Educate Command staff members and other department members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders to discuss ways to reduce crime
- Attended weekly meetings with local and federal law enforcement officials to ensure shared information regarding threats to campus and city
Investigator
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
03.2007 - 04.2008
- Oversight and researched criminal cases, led investigations to determine appropriate course of proceedings
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information.
- Documentation and physical evidence associated with Investigations.
- Delivered calm, professional testimonies to support case evidence.
- Establish timelines and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, Students, faculty, staff and guests of the university and documented all investigative findings.
- Developed presentation and training materials to educate colleagues and community about drug activity or other criminal activity near or on campus.
- Organized and executed undercover surveillance operations by using electronic recording equipment/technology.
- Conducted arrests and documented all relevant actions pursuant to investigation.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, interview transcripts of Interviews and physical evidence.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions
- Identified labels and stored evidence properly to verify that it was safe and secure
- Implemented criminal protocol for violent and non-violent offenders, decreasing research time.
- 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.
- Attended weekly meetings with local, state and federal law
- Reported results of investigations with written observations and photographs, and produced final reports
- Conducted debriefings for arrested subjects to obtain information pertinent to investigations
Police Officer
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
06.2002 - 05.2007
- Actively patrolled assigned areas to prevent crimes.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Debriefed arrested individuals to collect important information for ongoing investigations.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine course of action.
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar speed detection Issued warnings and citations for traffic violations.
- Worked with investigations team to surveil and monitor areas where alleged illegal activity.
- Validated evidence for admissibility and preserved evidence to be utilized court hearings.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
- Notified emergency personnel of incidents and accidents requiring medical assistance and aid.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence and questioned witnesses.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights and transported offenders to jail.
- Processed, verified and utilized tips to initiate speedy resolutions for investigations.
- Assigned to role of Community Relations Unit (Officer).
- Developed, Marketed, Coordinated and executed safety and security programs for the community.
- Built, leveraged and shared positive relationships and partnerships with various external and internal stakeholders.
- Checked all vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders on and off campus to discuss ways to reduce crime.
- Managed crime scenes to protect personnel and preserve evidence.
- Conducted thorough investigations of serious incidents on campus.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
Communications Officer
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
02.2001 - 06.2002
- Managed telephone switchboard of personnel and routed
internal and external calls to provide quick connection - Connected callers with appropriate professional, department or
business - Responded to customer inquiries with patience and positivity to
establish excellent first impression - Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial
agreements between parties - Managed quality assurance program, including on-site
evaluations, internal audits and customer face-face interactions - Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic
means, telephone calls and radio responses - Routed calls to police, fire and ambulance service to meet
individual call needs - Listened carefully to each caller, asking vital questions and worked hard to keep caller calm in very stressful situations.
- Transitioned from periods of inactivity to immediate stress and intensity with exceptional accuracy and alertness.
- Multitasked effectively by speaking to callers and simultaneously typing information into system to maintain optimal performance levels.
- Provided in-depth information to first responders enroute to emergencies in order to prepare them for diverse situations.
- Answered calls using computerized dispatch software system for routing to appropriate responders.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA05.2022
Law Enforcement Executive Certification
Department of Criminal Justice DCJS
Richmond, VA02.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN12.2015
Law Enforcement Certification - POST Certification Completed
Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy
TLETA Academy07.2001
Skills
- Revenue Enhancements
- Cost Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Scrum Master / Project planning
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpersonal Communication
- Planning and Coordination
- Budget Management
- Self-motivated professional
- Project Management
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Policy Development
- Emergency Management
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Approach
- Technology Integration
- Staff Training
- Crime Prevention
- Community Relations
Affiliations
NAWLEE - National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives
MACLEA - Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
NOBLE - The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
HBCU-LEE - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Law Enforcement Executives and Administrators
VACP - Virginia Association Chiefs of Police
TACP - Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police
Certification
Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Executive Training
NIMS - ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
- ICS-400 Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff
- ICS-700 National Incident Management System, Intro
- ICS-800 National Response Framework, Intro
Lean Six Sigma
- White Belt Certified
- Yellow Belt Certified
- Green Belt Certified
Scrum Master
- International Scrum Master Certification #ISMF5390
Timeline
Chief of Police
Wellesley College
11.2019 - 05.2023
Chief of Police
Virginia Union University
07.2019 - 10.2021
Captain, Professional Standards & Accreditation
Vanderbilt University Police
03.2016 - 07.2019
Captain
University Of Chicago Police, Dept Of Safety & Sec
06.2013 - 02.2016
Police Lieutenant
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
04.2010 - 05.2013
Police Sergeant
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
04.2008 - 04.2010
Investigator
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
03.2007 - 04.2008
Police Officer
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
06.2002 - 05.2007
Communications Officer
University Of Tennessee Knoxville
02.2001 - 06.2002
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Virginia Union University
Law Enforcement Executive Certification
Department of Criminal Justice DCJS
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University
Law Enforcement Certification - POST Certification Completed
Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy
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