Eric Centa
Garrettsville,OH
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Detective with extensive experience at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Portage County Sheriffs Office, specializing in surveillance operations, undercover investigations, and community relations. Proven track record in being a leader during undercover investigations and has been identified as an expert in federal court. Adept at evidence gathering and collection along with fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies to achieve successful case resolutions.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Detective
Portage County Sheriffs Office
Ravenna, Ohio
12.2012 - Current
- Assigned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as a Task Force Officer.
- Conducted joint investigations with multiple jurisdictions.
- Trained in defensive driving, combat vehicle assaults and undercover/hostage rescue.
- Organized surveillance and counter surveillance operations for investigations.
- Executed and obtained search warrants and subpoenas to obtain evidence for resolution of criminal matters.
- Produced and submitted accurate and detailed reports to complete files and support criminal cases.
- Provided testimony in state and federal courts during hundreds of hearings.
- Documented facts and statements gathered from complainants, witnesses and accused persons.
- Maintained professional relationships with members of the community while conducting investigations.
- Conducted interviews and interrogations with witnesses, victims, and suspects.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activities.
- Delivered maximum levels of accuracy when conducting stationary and mobile surveillance on investigatory individuals.
- Initiated undercover operations to investigate suspected criminal activity.
- Identified patterns in criminal behavior that could be used for future investigations.
- Trained and mentored field investigators and worked with team lead to identify skills, problem areas, and opportunities for staff development and improvement.
Patrolman
Windham Police Department
Windham, Ohio
02.2011 - 12.2012
- Investigated illegal or suspicious activities, performing direct follow-up or reporting findings to appropriate senior personnel.
- Monitored and investigated suspicions persons and situations and unusual activities.
- Conducted initial investigations into criminal activities, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Supported future criminal cases by preparing detailed and accurate reports related to accidents, crime disturbances and complaints.
- Patrolled neighborhoods on foot or in a patrol car while observing all activities.
- Processed suspects at the station including booking, fingerprinting and photographing.
- Compiled detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, and investigations.
- Conducted traffic stops, issued citations and warnings for violations of the law.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies on joint operations and investigations.
- Conducted regular patrols in designated areas to deter and detect signs of criminal activity.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting incidents, arrests and investigations.
- Supported positive relationships between community leaders and general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens and visitors.
- Educated the public through presentations at schools or community centers.
- Utilized law enforcement databases to gather information on suspects and criminal activities.
- Assisted other officers in apprehending suspects when necessary.
- Developed contacts within the community to gain intelligence information.
- Attended training sessions to stay informed about new laws or policies.
- Provided first aid and emergency assistance when necessary, prioritizing public safety.
- Drafted incident reports detailing criminal activity, civil proceedings and varied incidents.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of crime prevention strategies.
- Coordinated with legal personnel to prepare cases for prosecution.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Special Agent
ATF
Cleveland, Ohio
03.2021 - Current
- Attended meetings with prosecutors to discuss details of ongoing investigations.
- Sought out witnesses to obtain information about identifiable violations of local, state or federal statutes.
- Interviewed witnesses and persons of interest to gather statements for use in criminal investigations.
- Partnered with other law enforcement agencies to target violent drug offenders in local communities.
- Coordinated security operations, equipment and personnel to protect employees and property.
- Provided assistance to victims of crimes during investigation process or court appearances.
- Collaborated with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions.
- Monitored communications between suspected criminals via wiretaps, phone taps or other electronic devices.
- Conducted thorough investigations into complex criminal activities, including fraud, cybercrime, and terrorism.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to obtain information regarding criminal activities.
- Developed intelligence networks to support information gathering and sharing objectives.
- Analyzed intelligence data to identify patterns of criminal activity.
- Mitigated risk, accurately analyzing, and evaluating criminal information while processing crime scenes.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all aspects of investigations for review by supervisors.
- Utilized technology and software tools for data analysis, surveillance, and case management.
- Obtained and executed search and arrest warrants in full compliance with legal protections.
- Prepared detailed reports and presentations on investigation findings for law enforcement and judicial entities.
- Delivered maximum levels of accuracy when conducting stationary and mobile surveillance on investigatory individuals.
- Led undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations and gather critical information.
- Led task forces aimed at addressing specific criminal threats and challenges.
- Performed physical surveillance operations using a variety of methods such as foot patrols, vehicle tracking or aerial reconnaissance.
- Worked in undercover assignments to gather evidence, perform surveillance and monitor court-authorized wiretaps.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Employed counter surveillance measures when operating in hostile environments.
- Engaged in counter surveillance activities in order to detect any potential attempts at unauthorized monitoring or tracking by hostile entities.
- Conducted training drills in areas such as vehicle extrication techniques, defensive driving maneuvers, ladder operations, forcible entry tactics and hazardous materials response.
Education
State of Ohio Peace Officer Certification -
University of Akron
Akron, OH01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Political Science, And Criminal Justice
Mount Union College
Alliance, OH05-2006
High School Diploma -
Revere High School
Richfield, OH05-2002
Skills
- Surveillance operations
- Interrogation techniques
- Evidence collection
- Report writing
- Criminal behavior analysis
- Community relations
- Undercover operations
- Courtroom testimony
- Team collaboration
- Leading team operations
- Surveillance techniques
- Covert surveillance
- Firearms expertise
- Undercover investigations
- Serving search warrants
- Firearms proficiency
- Self-motivated
Timeline
Special Agent
ATF
03.2021 - Current
Detective
Portage County Sheriffs Office
12.2012 - Current
Patrolman
Windham Police Department
02.2011 - 12.2012
State of Ohio Peace Officer Certification -
University of Akron
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Political Science, And Criminal Justice
Mount Union College
High School Diploma -
Revere High School