Gary Claxton
Special Agent - BNSF Railway
Memphis,TN
Summary
Results-oriented investigative specialist with several years of experience in coordinating investigations, researching and reviewing case files, and conducting interviews.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Agent
BNSF Railway
06.2022 - Current
- Protects and safeguards company assets and resources including personnel, property and customer’s property entrusted to the company.
- Conduct proficient, sensitive corporate and criminal investigations, provide accurate, detailed reports and provide court testimony when required.
- Identify and properly handle trespassers on Company property and make arrests as appropriate.
- Counsels and advises company officials to reduce crime and accidents and improve security; coordinates response to railroad emergencies; supervises contract security guards and trains other employees on relevant matters.
- Perform aggressive crime prevention patrol of facilities, railroad property and trains, with special emphasis on TOFC/COFC, automobiles, and high value shipments.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Police Major - CSI/ECB/QAU (Retired)
City of Memphis (Retired)
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Manages, plans, schedules, and supervises the activities of personnel involved in the investigation of crime scenes and latent print identification while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and departmental standards.
- Manages operations related to computerized fingerprint identification, fingerprint comparison, digital photography.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for Crime Scene Investigations; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
- Assist in coordinating special investigations with outside agencies.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
- Manages operations related to various crime lab procedures, i.e., chemical development of latent print evidence, photography of latent prints with specialized light source equipment.
- Manages operations related to the investigation of major crime scenes including, but not limited to, collection and preservation of evidence, crime scene photography, and crime scene sketches.
- Manages operations related to the requisitioning and issuing of supplies, equipment, and other materials used by the Crime Scene Investigators and related bureaus.
- Administers adherence to the division’s budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
- Responsible for training and safety procedures for the unit.
- Performs related duties as required.
Police Major - Raines Station Alpha Shift Commander
City of Memphis
05.2021 - 02.2022
- Manages a shift of sworn law enforcement officers and/or civilian personnel performing law enforcement and support duties.
- Directs and observes personnel in the performance of their duties to ensure compliance with departmental regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as adherence to federal, state, and local laws.
- Prepares and monitors budgets and completes pertinent paperwork and reports as required.
- Plans operational activities for the work unit, consistent with organizational objectives.
- Evaluates operational needs and assigns personnel and/or resources in a manner that provides for the most effective and efficient use.
- Provides leadership, guidance, and assistance to personnel in the areas of career development and individual achievement.
- Communicates directive orders and objectives to subordinates.
- Identifies and analyses problems and recommends solutions to management and staff members.
- Maintains mental awareness and assumes command in critical incidents and/or emergency situations.
- Creates and prepares a variety of correspondence and reports utilizing computer applications.
- Interacts and communicates verbally and in writing regarding law enforcement issues and concerns.
- Evaluates disciplinary reports from subordinates and takes corrective action.
Police Lieutenant - General Investigations Bureau (GIB) - North Main Station
City of Memphis
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers departmental policies and procedures.
- Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of case management procedures.
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects and programs; review/evaluate methods and compliance of assigned staff to departmental policy.
- Coordinates the selection, orientation, training, and evaluation programs for department personnel.
- Provides or coordinates staff training; provides positive motivation for employee performance; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; initiates discipline procedures.
- Supervises reviews and participates in the preparation of reports and other written material and the maintenance of departmental records; inspects departmental equipment and ensures that deficiencies are corrected.
- Responds to inquiries and requests for information; assists in the hearing and adjustment of citizen complaints; conducts and oversees sensitive and complex internal and external investigations.
- Responds to major incidents reported to the Police Services Division and ensures that all personnel are following protocol; assumes command of incidents as needed for the situation.
- Serves as the liaison for the assigned functions with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; participates with community relations including public, media, and press relations.
- Represents the department with other law enforcement services and allied agencies, other City departments, civic groups, and the public; plans and facilitates the conduct of special community events requiring law enforcement participation; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within assigned areas.
- Conducts a variety of organizational tasks related to investigations, and operational studies.
Police Lieutenant - Homicide Bureau
City of Memphis
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
- Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
- Coordinate training of staff in proper police work procedures.
- Monitor detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning and cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court as necessary.
Police Lieutenant - General Investigations Bureau (GIB) - Airways Station
City of Memphis
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers departmental policies and procedures.
- Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of case management procedures.
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects and programs; review/evaluate methods and compliance of assigned staff to departmental policy.
- Coordinates the selection, orientation, training, and evaluation programs for department personnel.
- Provides or coordinates staff training; provides positive motivation for employee performance; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; initiates discipline procedures.
- Supervises reviews and participates in the preparation of reports and other written material and the maintenance of departmental records; inspects departmental equipment and ensures that deficiencies are corrected.
- Responds to inquiries and requests for information; assists in the hearing and adjustment of citizen complaints; conducts and oversees sensitive and complex internal and external investigations.
- Responds to major incidents reported to the Police Services Division and ensures that all personnel are following protocol; assumes command of incidents as needed for the situation.
- Serves as the liaison for the assigned functions with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; participates with community relations including public, media, and press relations.
- Represents the department with other law enforcement services and allied agencies, other City departments, civic groups, and the public; plans and facilitates the conduct of special community events requiring law enforcement participation; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within assigned areas.
- Conducts a variety of organizational tasks related to investigations, and operational studies.
Police Lieutenant
City of Memphis
07.2016 - 02.2017
- Lead, direct, train, supervise, and evaluate officers in their assigned duties.
- Provides leadership and guidance in developing loyalty and dedication to the law enforcement profession.
- Perform specific duties and functions as assigned by the Director of Police or a superior officer.
- Uphold law enforcement officers who properly performs his/her duties.
- Deal fairly and equitably with officers and, when necessary, correct a subordinate in a dignified manner.
- Cooperate with other units of the Department, other City agencies and other police agencies.
- Recommend remedial or disciplinary action for inefficient or unsuitable officers.
- Ensure that all policies, rules, regulations, orders and directives of the Department are enforced and implemented by subordinates.
- Remain accountable for the failure, misconduct or omission by subordinates.
Sergeant - Inspectional Services Bureau/Security Squad
City of Memphis
04.2013 - 07.2016
- The Memphis Police Department's Security Squad investigates all shooting incidents involving police officers and any complaints regarding possible criminal misconduct against employees.
- These investigations include accusations against officers, city employees from various departments, and other administrative investigations.
- Investigations are conducted throughout all city divisions.
- They include analyzing the working environment for vulnerabilities and weaknesses which could result in employee theft, reviewing policies and procedures, inventory control and management procedures, and the on/off duty investigations of employee misconduct.
- As in many investigations, the techniques may include overt and covert operations as well as in-depth interviews, and cooperation with various local authorities.
- Investigators assigned to the Security Squad are appointed by the Director of Police and are considered to be highly experienced investigators.
Administrative Sergeant - Economic Crimes Bureau
City of Memphis
06.2009 - 04.2013
- Investigate incidents relating to financial crimes including, identity theft, embezzlement, counterfeiting, forgery, and other violations of state statutes.
- Examine records in order to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
- Obtain statements by interviewing/interrogating suspects and/or witnesses.
- Prepare reports that detail investigative findings such as, indictments, arrest warrants, search warrants and subpoenas.
- Collaborate with other offices and agencies in order to exchange information and coordinate activities.
- Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
Uniform Patrol
City of Memphis
12.1995 - 06.2009
- Protect the lives and property of the citizens of Memphis TN.
- Maintain order, catch lawbreakers, and work to prevent crimes.
- Make arrests, assist citizens in emergency situations, investigate crimes, help prosecute criminals by collecting and securing evidence, testifying in court, and writing detailed reports.
- Units Worked - Crime Prevention, Raines Station, Organized Crime, Mt. Moriah Station, School Resource Officer.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - Risk Management and Insurance
The University of Memphis
01.1993
Diploma -
Central High School
Memphis, TN01.1988
Skills
- Rail Transport
- Railroad Law
- Supply Chain Security
- Subpoenas
- Surveillance technology
- Witness interrogations and interviews
- Federal statutes
- Undercover assignments
- Investigative experience
- Threat assessment
- Criminal law
- Law enforcement practices
- Evidence collection
- Intelligence analysis
- Financial crimes investigation
- Document examination
- Surveillance operations
- Public safety and security
- Interviewing and interrogation
- Evidence analysis
- Jury testifying
- State criminal code expertise
- Sensitive information handling
- Asset protection
- Crime mapping
- Firearms proficiency
- Crime scene processing
- Crime scene investigations
- First aid and CPR
- Investigative techniques
Timeline
Special Agent
BNSF Railway
06.2022 - Current
Police Major - CSI/ECB/QAU (Retired)
City of Memphis (Retired)
02.2022 - 06.2022
Police Major - Raines Station Alpha Shift Commander
City of Memphis
05.2021 - 02.2022
Police Lieutenant - General Investigations Bureau (GIB) - North Main Station
City of Memphis
10.2019 - 05.2021
Police Lieutenant - Homicide Bureau
City of Memphis
03.2018 - 05.2019
Police Lieutenant - General Investigations Bureau (GIB) - Airways Station
City of Memphis
02.2017 - 03.2018
Police Lieutenant
City of Memphis
07.2016 - 02.2017
Sergeant - Inspectional Services Bureau/Security Squad
City of Memphis
04.2013 - 07.2016
Administrative Sergeant - Economic Crimes Bureau
City of Memphis
06.2009 - 04.2013
Uniform Patrol
City of Memphis
12.1995 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - Risk Management and Insurance
The University of Memphis
Diploma -
Central High School