Edward Thomas Varso III
Granbury,TX
Summary
Law enforcement and business executive with 27+ years of progressive experience. Expertise in serving as Chief of Police, business ownership, media relations, conducting complex criminal investigations, and strategic management. Proven track record in developing underperforming teams, building trust, and negotiating multi-million dollar government contracts. Successfully led a police department through challenging times including a pandemic, civil unrest, and officer-involved shootings. Provided unwavering support to city stakeholders and key executives during tumultuous periods in U.S. law enforcement history. Established the Escondido Police Department Criminal Intelligence Unit. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree. Completed extensive security and law enforcement leadership training, including graduating from the 267th Session of the FBI National Academy.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Owner
Signal of Waco
02.2024 - Current
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal security and safety solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Increased business revenue over 180% within four months of taking over business ownership.
- Improved all KPI categories in first 12 months.
- Proven success in mitigating high-risk security matters.
Chief of Police
City Of Escondido
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Due to a fiscal emergency and a failed recruitment process I elected to return to the City of Escondido.
- Led police department operations along with assisting city leaders to develop necessary budget cuts while gaining public support for a voter initiated sales tax increase.
- California Police Chief's Association Board of Directors.
- Honorably retired December 2024 after city budget emergency passed.
- Led response to high-profile political meetings within the City of Escondido.
- Coordinated with local, state and federal partners on a variety of public safety matters and high-risk event planning.
Chief of Police
City Of Menifee
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Lead law enforcement executive for the City of Menifee, CA.
- Partnered with city staff, elected officials to identify and implement priorities for newly created police department.
- Reviewed strengths and areas of improvement of leadership team.
- Quickly earned widespread support within organization and with external stakeholders.
- Coordinated with local, state, federal law enforcement agencies to respond to public safety needs throughout the region.
Chief of Police
City of Escondido: Police Department
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Oversee all operational functions of the Escondido Police Department.
- Manage an annual budget that exceeds $45 million and includes oversight of over $2 million in federal grants.
- Garnered widespread support from police personnel and community members for an open and accessible leadership model.
- Participated in local community events to communicate and collaborate with residents and business owners on methods for reducing crime.
- Directed team of 225 police employees setting and enforcing policies for optimal performance.
- Partnered with city staff and elected officials to identify and implement sustainable strategies to improve the quality of life for the community.
Assistant Chief of Police
City of Escondido: Police Department
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided complex police department administrative support to the Chief of Police, as well as overall management of the Police Department Services Bureau.
- Manage police department purchasing, grant administration, an hiring of department personnel.
- Development and implementation of promotional processes for police sergeant, lieutenant and captain positions.
- Oversight of th only joint police/fire dispatch center in San Diego County, CA.
- Implemented operational process improvements that resulted in increased service to the community.
Police Captain
City of Escondido: Police Department
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Developed and implemented staffing and training plans.
- Maintained knowledge of changes in laws and planned alteration of departmental strategies and policies accordingly.
- Assisted in development of departmental goals and strategies.
- Oversaw and controlled purchasing, maintenance and inventory of departmental equipment, vehicles and property.
- Participated in development and administration of division's annual budget.
Police Lieutenant
City of Escondido: Police Department
01.2015 - 08.2018
- Managed critical incidents. Developed and implemented strategies to safely resolve high-risk events.
- Served as the police department Public Information Officer (PIO). Organized press conferences and completed hundreds of interviews with TV, radio, print, and online media.
- Managed the Escondido Police Department Special Investigations Division (narcotics, gangs, human trafficking, criminal intelligence).
- Led the creation of the Escondido Police Department Criminal Intelligence Unit.
- Six month assignment within Escondido City Manager Office leading changes within the City of Escondido Code Enforcement Division, Park Ranger Division, and developed early strategies to address homelessness related issues.
- Served as commander of the Emergency Negotiations team and second-in-command of Escondido Police Department SWAT.
Police Sergeant
City of Escondido: Police Department
07.2010 - 01.2015
- Supervised and reviewed 5-10 police officers and civilian personnel.
- Reviewed paperwork and case files submitted by subordinate officers to verify accuracy and conformance to strict policies.
- Supervised the Escondido Police Department Traffic Division.
- Partnered with community groups to improve traffic safety.
- Developed a new employee evaluation process.
Law Enforcement
City of Escondido and Los Angeles
05.2001 - 07.2010
- Investigated criminal and traffic offenses.
- Apprehended suspects, prepared case reports and testified in courtroom hearings.
- Made arrests for violations of criminal laws and conducted background investigations.
- Served as a K-9 Officer (2004-2010).
Custody Assistant and Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department
10.1997 - 05.2001
- Assisted in operation of main or dormitory control booths to coordinate movements.
- Processed inmates for court appearances.
- Trained new Custody Assistants.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Waldorf College
Forest City, IA08.2013
Skills
- High-Risk emergency planning
- Servant leadership and team development
- Criminal Investigations/confidentiality
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Budget administration
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Level II, III, IV State of Texas security license
Affiliations
- FBI National Academy Associates
- Associated Security Services and Investigators of The State of Texas
Certification
- Incident Command System Certification (ICS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- FBI National Academy Graduate - Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Current Law Enforcement Safety Act (LEOSA) credentials
- First-Aid/CPR/AED
- State of Texas Licensed Security Officer
Timeline
Business Owner
Signal of Waco
02.2024 - Current
Chief of Police
City Of Escondido
12.2022 - 12.2024
Chief of Police
City Of Menifee
06.2022 - 12.2022
Chief of Police
City of Escondido: Police Department
12.2019 - 06.2022
Assistant Chief of Police
City of Escondido: Police Department
10.2019 - 12.2019
Police Captain
City of Escondido: Police Department
08.2018 - 10.2019
Police Lieutenant
City of Escondido: Police Department
01.2015 - 08.2018
Police Sergeant
City of Escondido: Police Department
07.2010 - 01.2015
Law Enforcement
City of Escondido and Los Angeles
05.2001 - 07.2010
Custody Assistant and Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department
10.1997 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Waldorf College
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
California Baptist University
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