David Gillespie
Melbourne
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement leader with extensive experience at the Melbourne Police Department, driving community engagement and tactical operations. Achieved successful re-accreditation and implemented innovative technology solutions, enhancing public safety. Proven ability to foster teamwork and mentor high-performing teams, resulting in reduced crime rates and improved officer professionalism.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Police
Melbourne Police Department
06.2017 - Current
- Initiated and obtained Accreditation from the Commission for Florida Accreditation. Successful re-accreditation in 2021 and 2024.
- Created a Professional Standards Unit that incorporated an Accreditation Manager, Staff Inspections supervisor and Internal Affairs investigator.
- Implemented a Body Worn Camera Program and leveraged technology to purchase new In Car Dash Cameras, Flock License Plate Readers throughout the city and cameras in the parks, city parking garage, and downtown Melbourne business District.
- Leveraged social media platforms for effective communication with the public about important safety alerts, events, and department news updates.
- Implemented community-oriented policing initiatives, strengthening trust between officers and citizens.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to ensure officer preparedness, resulting in increased professionalism and performance.
- Reduced crime rates by establishing an intelligence-led policing model and targeting high-risk offenders.
Commander
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2012 - 06.2017
- Identified potential hazards quickly, addressing them proactively to prevent accidents or damage to the vessel.
- Navigated challenging waters skillfully, ensuring safe and efficient transit of passengers and cargo.
- Improved crew morale with effective leadership techniques that fostered teamwork while addressing individual needs or concerns promptly.
- Conducted informative tours for passengers, sharing knowledge about local history, wildlife, and points of interest.
Director, Major Crimes Division
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2010 - 03.2012
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Director, Special Investigations Division
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2007 - 03.2010
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Deputy Director Training Academy
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2005 - 03.2007
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
- Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
Deputy Commander, Patrol
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2002 - 03.2004
- Identified potential hazards quickly, addressing them proactively to prevent accidents or damage to the vessel.
- Navigated challenging waters skillfully, ensuring safe and efficient transit of passengers and cargo.
- Improved crew morale with effective leadership techniques that fostered teamwork while addressing individual needs or concerns promptly.
- Conducted informative tours for passengers, sharing knowledge about local history, wildlife, and points of interest.
Education
Certificate - Certified Public Manager
Certified Public Manager
Washington, DC06-2015
Master of Science - Management
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore08-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MD12-1988
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD05-1986
Skills
- Law enforcement expertise
- Community engagement
- Media relations
- Tactical operations
Certification
- First Line Supervisor Training Certificate - various state and federal law enforcement training agencies.
- Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) Officer certification – U.S. Department of Justice.
- Field Training Officer Certification (FTO) – Various POST boards or police associations.
- Public Safety Leadership Development Certificate – International Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification- various accredited institutions or organizations.
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
- Incident Command System Certification (ICS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Crisis Intervention Team Training Certificate - National Alliance on Mental Illness or other approved organizations.
- Law Enforcement Instructor Certification - various state and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Taser X26/X2 Instructor Certification - Axon Enterprises, Inc.
- Active Shooter Response Training Certificate – ALERRT Program by Texas State University or FBI.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- National Incident Management System Certification (NIMS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- First Aid Certification
Timeline
Chief of Police
Melbourne Police Department
06.2017 - Current
Commander
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2012 - 06.2017
Director, Major Crimes Division
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2010 - 03.2012
Director, Special Investigations Division
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2007 - 03.2010
Deputy Director Training Academy
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2005 - 03.2007
Deputy Commander, Patrol
Montgomery County Police Department, MD
03.2002 - 03.2004
Certificate - Certified Public Manager
Certified Public Manager
Master of Science - Management
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Maryland, College Park
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Montgomery College
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