Eric Centa
Law Enforcement Officer
Garrettsville,OH
Summary
Results-driven Investigator experienced in surveillance operations, undercover investigations, and community relations. Led investigations as an expert witness in federal and state courts while fostering teamwork and adaptability to changing requirements. Delivered successful case resolutions through critical thinking and reliable collaboration.
Overview
6
6
Certifications
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Professional
Ken Ganley Auto Group
04.2026 - Current
- Analyzed market trends to identify new sales opportunities and drive revenue growth.
- Established strong relationships with clients to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Conducted thorough product knowledge training for team members, improving sales techniques and customer engagement.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop effective promotional strategies for vehicle sales.
- Developed extensive product knowledge to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
- Utilized CRM systems to track customer interactions and streamline follow-ups.
- Collaborated with finance team to structure competitive financing options for clients.
- Conducted detailed vehicle presentations, highlighting features and benefits tailored to customer needs.
- Delivered exceptional product presentations, resulting in increased customer confidence and higher sales rates.
- Offered tailored test-drives based on customer preferences to enhance their decision-making process.
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate vehicle options by identifying their unique needs and preferences.
- Increased dealership sales by developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients.
- Closed sales by overcoming objections, asking for sales, negotiating price, and completing purchase contracts.
- Demonstrated automobiles by explaining characteristics, capabilities, and features, taking test drives and explaining warranties and services.
- Followed-up on warm Internet leads and responded to customer questions about vehicle availability, price, and options while fielding inquiries from various marketing websites.
- Collaborated with sales teams to streamline approval processes and reduce turnaround times.
- Streamlined loan approval processes for enhanced customer experience and faster turnaround times.
Detective
Portage County Sheriff's Office
12.2012 - 04.2028
- Obtain and execute search warrants and subpoenas to obtain evidence for resolution of criminal matters.
- Coordinated surveillance and counter surveillance operations to enhance investigative outcomes.
- Conduct interviews and document facts and statements gathered from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons.
- Initiate undercover operations to investigate suspected criminal activity.
- Identify patterns in criminal behavior that could be used for future investigations.
- Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activities.
- Fostered professional relationships with community members to support effective investigations.
- Provide testimony in state and federal courts during hearings.
- Maintain professional relationships with members of the community while conducting investigations.
- Train and mentor field investigators and work with team lead to identify skills, problem areas, and opportunities for staff development and improvement.
- Trained and mentored field investigators, collaborating with team lead to address skill gaps and promote staff development.
- Educate the public through presentations at various community events.
- Led task forces focused on high-priority cases, coordinating resources to optimize investigation outcomes and community safety efforts.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while sharing vital intelligence with appropriate colleagues for effective case resolution.
- Mentored junior detectives to improve their investigative skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Developed strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for collaborative efforts in solving high-profile cases.
- Acted as a liaison between the detective division and community members, fostering trust and strengthening communication channels for improved crime reporting.
- Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough investigations, leading to the arrest and prosecution of criminals.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, contributing to successful convictions in numerous cases.
- Conducted undercover operations to infiltrate criminal organizations, resulting in successful dismantling of illegal activities.
- Analyzed crime patterns to predict and prevent future criminal activity.
- Established victim support program, providing essential assistance and improving community relations.
- Conducted community outreach programs to educate the public on crime prevention strategies.
- Conducted thorough investigations on criminal cases, ensuring adherence to legal protocols and procedures.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and analyze crime patterns for strategic insights.
Task Force Officer
ATF
03.2021 - 10.2026
- Design and generate operational plans for all enforcement operation types.
- Utilized in-depth technical knowledge to resolve complex problems and implement targeted solutions.
- Executed counter surveillance activities to detect unauthorized monitoring or tracking attempts by criminal organizations, ensuring operational security.
- Conduct training drills on vehicle extrication techniques, defensive driving maneuvers, ladder operations, forcible entry tactics, and hazardous materials response.
- Operate multi-level security systems with integrated camera systems.
- Conducted extensive advances prior to undercover and surveillance operations to identify potential risks and ensure mission success.
- Participated and assisted in organizing community policing programs and initiatives.
- Sought out witnesses to obtain information about identifiable violations of local, state, or federal statutes.
- Interview witnesses and persons of interest to gather statements for use in criminal investigations.
- Collaborate with law enforcement partners to target violent drug offenders across local community settings.
- Coordinate security operations, equipment and personnel to protect employees and property.
- Provided assistance to victims of crimes during investigation process or court appearances.
- Collaborate with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate actions.
- Monitor communications between suspected criminals via wiretaps, phone taps or other electronic devices.
- Conduct thorough investigations into complex criminal activities, including fraud, cybercrime, and terrorism.
- Develop intelligence networks to support information gathering and sharing objectives.
- Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns of criminal activity.
- Mitigate risk, accurately analyzing, and evaluating criminal information while processing crime scenes.
- Prepare detailed reports documenting all aspects of investigations.
- Utilize technology and software tools for data analysis, surveillance, and case management.
- Obtain and execute search and arrest warrants in full compliance with legal protections.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations on investigation findings for law enforcement and judicial entities.
- Deliver 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.
- Perform physical surveillance operations using a variety of methods such as foot patrols, vehicle tracking, or aerial reconnaissance.
- Conduct money laundering investigations on criminal organizations.
- Work in undercover assignments to gather evidence, perform surveillance and monitor court-authorized wiretaps.
- Collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies to gather intelligence on criminal activities.
- Analyzed complex data sets to identify trends and inform enforcement strategies.
- Managed case files ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to legal standards.
- Conducted surveillance operations while maintaining situational awareness for team safety.
- Prepared for federal, municipal and county court hearings.
- Presented findings at interagency briefings, enhancing collaborative efforts in law enforcement initiatives.
- Maintained a high level of situational awareness during critical incidents by monitoring multiple sources of information simultaneously.
- Organized regular briefings for senior leadership on current threats and ongoing operations, fostering informed decision-making processes.
- Managed complex investigations, ensuring timely completion and thorough documentation of all findings and actions taken.
- Established strong working relationships with community leaders for improved cooperation in addressing public safety concerns.
- Analyzed crime scenes to identify relevant indicators and support accurate reporting.
- Collaborated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to facilitate seamless coordination on joint operations.
- Optimized task force resources by conducting regular performance evaluations and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Implemented innovative data analysis tools to identify crime patterns, enabling targeted interventions for maximum impact.
- Conducted comprehensive threat assessments for accurate resource allocation and effective response strategies.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the task force by encouraging ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing.
- Participated in multi-agency operations, contributing valuable expertise and promoting successful outcomes.
- Evaluated emerging trends in criminal activity to inform strategic planning efforts at both the local and national levels.
- Developed intelligence-based policing strategies to proactively address emerging threats and reduce crime rates.
- Facilitated information exchange among partner agencies through participation in regional intelligence groups and forums.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to enhance operational readiness and response times.
- Led multi-agency operations to combat illegal trafficking and firearms offenses.
Patrolman
Windham Police Department
02.2011 - 12.2012
- Investigated illegal or suspicious activities, followed up directly or reported findings to senior personnel to inform decision-making.
- 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.
- Managed processing of suspects including booking and identification procedures. at the station including booking, fingerprinting and photographing.
- Compiled detailed reports on activities, incidents, and investigations to enhance operational transparency and support case development.
- 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.
- Fostered positive relationships with community leaders and the public through courteous interactions, enhancing community trust in law enforcement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of crime prevention strategies.
- Coordinated with legal personnel to prepare cases for prosecution.
Education
State of Ohio Peace Officer Certification -
University of Akron
Akron, OH01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Major in Sociology, Minor in Political Science and Business Administration, Concentration in Criminal Justice
Mount Union College
Alliance, OH01-2006
High School Diploma - undefined
Revere High School
Richfield, OH01-2002
Skills
- Interrogation techniques
- Evidence collection
- Collaboration
- Criminal behavior analysis
- Community relations
- Undercover operations
- Courtroom testimony
- Team collaboration
- Surveillance techniques
- Case documentation
- Organizational skills
- Detailed report writing
Accomplishments
•Outstanding Performance Award, United States Attorneys Office, 2026
•Letter of Accommodation, Department of Justice, 2024
•Certificate of Recognition, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, 2022
•Ohio Sheriff Commendation Award Pin, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, 2019
•Letter of Accommodation, Portage County Prosecutors Office, 2018
•Award of Recognition, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, 2017
•Letter of Accommodation, Ravenna Police Department, 2015
Certification
Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Instructor (BAS25687)
Timeline
Sales Professional
Ken Ganley Auto Group
04.2026 - Current
Task Force Officer
ATF
03.2021 - 10.2026
Detective
Portage County Sheriff's Office
12.2012 - 04.2028
Patrolman
Windham Police Department
02.2011 - 12.2012
High School Diploma - undefined
Revere High School
Bachelor of Arts - Major in Sociology, Minor in Political Science and Business Administration, Concentration in Criminal Justice
Mount Union College
State of Ohio Peace Officer Certification -
University of Akron