Damon Willis
Florissant,MO
Summary
Law enforcement leader with over 20 years of investigative and supervisory experience, including six years managing Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Units in a major metropolitan police department. Expertise in handling high-volume sensitive misconduct reports, conducting inquiries, and assessing risk while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Recognized for exceptional judgment and trauma-informed communication in complex environments, ensuring adherence to strict policies. Committed to professionalism, accountability, and prioritizing victim safety and well-being.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sergeant, Child Abuse & Sex Crimes Units
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
St. Louis, MO
11.2017 - Current
- Supervisory sergeant for both the Child Abuse Unit and Sex Crimes Unit, overseeing Intake, case assignment, preliminary inquiry, and investigative follow-through for all allegations of misconduct against vulnerable populations.
- Supervised nearly 200 child death investigations, directing intake review, coordinating scene response, and ensuring investigations complied with state law, agency policy, and trauma-informed best practices.
- Conducted immediate risk assessments and advised leadership on temporary protective measures in cases involving immediate safety threats.
- Managed a team of detectives, ensuring consistent adherence to policy, investigative standards, and documentation requirements.
- Represented the department on the St. Louis Child Fatality Review Panel, Children’s Advocacy Center Case Review, the Missouri Fentanyl Child Death Review Subcommittee, St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Response Team Committee and the Safe Kids St. Louis Coalition, which offers opportunities for collaborating with medical, social service, legal, and federal partners.
- Served as Acting Commander of the Bureau of Investigative Services – Family Violence Unit.
- Built strong partnerships with the Medical Examiner’s Office, Children’s Division, Children’s Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Hospital, and numerous local and federal agencies.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Sergeant, District Assignments
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
St. Louis, MO
12.2014 - 11.2017
- Supervised patrol operations in Districts 3 and 6, including review of incident reports, preliminary investigations, and adherence to departmental policy.
- Conducted training, performance evaluations, and coaching for officers.
TFO (FBI) Intelligence Gang Unit
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
St. Louis, MO
09.2012 - 12.2014
- Investigated high level organized street crimes with a focus on St. Louis area gangs.
- Conducted organizational gang investigations and member documentation.
- Served as an FBI Task Force Officer with high-level clearance, assisting with federal investigations involving violent offenders, organized groups, and complex criminal activity.
- Worked collaboratively with the DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals, enhancing interagency intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
TFO (FBI) Violent Offenders / Special Operations
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
St. Louis, MO
11.2009 - 09.2012
- Investigated high-level violent crime, coordinated surveillance, and conducted risk assessments during suspect apprehensions.
- Directed operations involving serious felony cases including shootings, homicides, and aggravated assaults.
- Served as an FBI Task Force Officer with high-level clearance, assisting with federal investigations involving violent offenders, organized groups, and complex criminal activity.
- Worked collaboratively with the DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals, enhancing interagency intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
Anti-Crime Task Force / District Six Patrol Officer
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
St. Louis, MO
03.2006 - 11.2009
- Led the Sixth District in arrests in 2008; earned five Officer of the Month awards and four Captain’s Letters for outstanding performance.
- Member of Community Response and directed patrol units, contributing to significant reductions in firearm and narcotics offenses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Webster University
Saint Louis, MOSkills
- Intake & Complaint Management
- Supervisory Leadership & Staff Development
- Policy Compliance & Procedural Oversight
- Trauma-Informed Communication
- Preliminary Inquiry & Risk Assessment
- Temporary Safety Measures / Protective Actions
- Multi-Agency Collaboration
- Critical Incident Response
- High-Volume Case Management
- Federal Task Force Coordination
- Sensitive Investigations (Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, Homicide)
Websites
Certification
- Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Academy, Commissioned, 2006
- Advanced Child Abuse Investigation Training
- Sex Crimes Investigations Training
- Trauma-Informed Interviewing
- Federal Task Force Certification (FBI)
- Ongoing professional development in fatality review, forensic interviewing, and federal investigative procedures
Selected Collaborations And Panels
- St. Louis Child Fatality Review Panel
- Children’s Division (state child protection)
- Missouri Fentanyl Child Death Review Subcommittee
- Children’s Advocacy Center Case Review
- Medical Examiner’s Office
- Local/State/Federal Law Enforcement (FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals)
Timeline
Sergeant, Child Abuse & Sex Crimes Units
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
11.2017 - Current
Sergeant, District Assignments
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
12.2014 - 11.2017
TFO (FBI) Intelligence Gang Unit
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
09.2012 - 12.2014
TFO (FBI) Violent Offenders / Special Operations
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
11.2009 - 09.2012
Anti-Crime Task Force / District Six Patrol Officer
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
03.2006 - 11.2009
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Webster University