Gawin Gibson
Los Angeles
Summary
Professional in operations management prepared for leadership roles. Proven ability to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and drive team success. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability, and achieving tangible results. Skilled in strategic planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving with results-driven mindset. Known for reliability and effective communication. Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Captain
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2021 - Current
- Acting Police Chief in the Chief's absence.
- Lead-Consultant to the Chief of Police.
- Led a diverse team of engaged and committed professionals during static and dynamic incidents.
- Provided leadership and oversight to: Patrol Operations, Security Operations, Investigations, Threat-Management Unit, Property and Evidence Unit, Special Events Division, and Community Relations Division, and the Community Relations Division.
- Created and implemented community-crime reduction initiatives (e.g., Public safety Aides) to support patrol operations and enhance department services.
- Developed collaborative programs with external stakeholders to enhance procedural justice initiatives for community members (e.g., Alcohol Diversion Program).
- Liaised with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies on critical criminal investigations.
- Incident Commander (IC) for major, planned university related events (e.g., UC Regents Meeting; Controversial Speakers; Presidential Candidates; UCLA Graduation Ceremonies; Super Bowl LVI, AFC Team Village, etc.).
- Incident Commander (IC) for all university/community related civil-unrest (e.g., UCLA 2024-Encampments; UC Labor Protests; Student Demonstrations/building occupancies; etc.).
- Conducted After-Action and Critical Incident debriefings for law enforcement, university officials, and community members.
- Negotiated working relationship and parameters for task-force inclusion with local law enforcement agencies.
- Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for growth and recommend strategic action plans accordingly.
- Represented the Chief of Police when meeting and negotiating with Employee Union Representatives.
Interim Chief of Police
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Responsible for leading the daily operations of a full-service police department of 65 sworn and 130 civilian department members.
- Served as the public face of the department, communicating with state officials, local officials and the media.
- Mentored a dynamic team of sworn and civilian personnel, promoting accountable leadership, ethical practices, and professional growth.
- Developed and implemented policies and protocols in alignment with best-practices and standards to address community safety concerns and encourage inclusivity.
- Optimized department resources to enhance community safety initiatives to decrease the fear of crime and incivility (2024 UCLA Civil-Unrest).
- Leveraged network of university partners to streamline and enhance organizational responses to multiple university civil-unrest incidents.
- Ensured and safeguarded the development and implementation of organizational strategic-goals and their alignment with the University of California Community Safety Plan.
- Led and managed the integration of University of California Emergency Preparedness plans into actionable and sustainable departmental goals, in the midst of evolving and dynamic events (2024 UCLA Civil-Unrest).
- Collaborated with state and local officials toward creating data-driven approaches to increase organizational effectiveness during critical incidents.
- Strategically managed a comprehensive department budgetary plan to address funding shortfalls in response to resource allocation for sustained critical incident management.
- Fostered and nurtured positive working relationships with mutual-aid department-heads, toward developing strategic pathways that enhanced organizational readiness for prolonged critical incident responses.
- Oversaw joint-endeavors with mutual-aid partners to address systemic quality of life concerns for community members (e.g., LUGO initiative).
- Chair of the Chief's Advisory Board; led and mentored community shareholders in determining best-practices and concepts in response to order maintenance policing.
- Appointed UCLA strategic-response representative at the UC system-wide tabletop exercises, designed to improve University of California response coordination to ongoing and future UC Civil-Unrest Incidents.
- Leveraged social media platforms for effective communication with the public about important safety alerts, events, and department news updates.
Administrative Captain
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2021 - 01.2022
- Oversaw the department's annual budgetary approval process and resource allocation to align with university strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with senior leadership on the development of long-term business objectives aligned with organizational goals.
- Initiated cost reduction measures without compromising quality standards or service delivery, contributing to the overall financial health of the organization.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, vendors, and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms (e.g., UCPD Security Services Division).
- Oversaw the recruiting, hiring and training of team members that reduced sworn personnel attrition to a decade's low-number by addressing organizational cultural competencies (e.g., Active Recruiter Program).
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization (e.g., UCPD Security Services Division).
- Managed community outreach programs aimed at providing critical security services to university and community members alike.
- Developed and implemented department procedures and operational protocols to decrease human failures in providing community services.
- Ensured the inclusion of training standards for the newly developed UCPD Security Services Division).
- Encouraged and sought significant developmental opportunities for personnel's professional growth (e.g., FBINAA, SLI, USC Public Safety Leadership Program , etc.).
- Oversaw promotional processes for organizational succession planning (e.g., sergeant and lieutenant processes).
Special Projects Lieutenant
University of California, Los Angeles Police
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Responsible for leading, managing, and executing critical projects that supported the Chief's vision and enhanced the organization's objectives and goals.
- Responsible for the Chief's communications to department personnel.
- Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas needing attention or optimization within the department.
- Appointed department liaison for UCLA's Critical Response Team (COVID-19 Pandemic).
- Collaborated with UCLA Human Resources (HR) on COVID-19 Employee Compliance Mandates
- Developed and authored the organization's COVID-19 Exposure/Infectious Protocols.
- Developed and authored the organization's Business Continuity Plan in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Designed and oversaw the creation of the infrastructure for the newly UCPD Security Services Division.
- Enhanced safety measures through regular inspections and equipment maintenance, reducing incidents (e.g., COVID-19 Pandemic).
- Leveraged personal and professional relationships with security vendors to operate at scale, while minimizing human failures (e.g., COVID-19 Pandemic).
- Negotiated security client contracts and collective bargaining agreements with union security-related groups.
- Developed comprehensive security assessments and cost benefit analysis for UCLA property acquisitions (e.g., UCLA North Campus Land Endowment).
- Appointed Chief's representative and spokesperson for engagement with diverse community members and groups (e.g., UCLA Black Student Union).
Lieutenant, Patrol Operations
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2017 - 02.2020
- Served as Watch Commander for Patrol Operations.
- Acting Operation's Captain in the Captain's absence.
- Oversaw the daily deployment of law enforcement services to the university and adjacent communities.
- Responsible for creating public order maintenance programs for patrol teams.
- Responsible for providing ongoing coaching and mentoring for newly appointed patrol supervisors.
- Incident Commander (IC) for public emergencies and tactical incidents at crime scenes.
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies, state laws, and federal regulations by consistently monitoring officer activity during patrols or investigations.
- Conducted routine and special audits and research on behalf of the Chief of Police and or the Operation's Captain.
- Responsible for providing detail analysis, conclusions, and dispositions in executive reviews of Internal Affairs (IA) investigations.
- Conducted executive reviews and audits for Use of Force Investigations.
- Managed the newly formed UCPD Canine Unit, procuring resources and training opportunities to support the unit's mission.
- Oversaw and provided direction for the Field Training Officer (FTO) and Lead Officer units.
- Assigned the Deputy Incident Commander (DIC) for major university planned events (e.g., UCLA Undie-Run, UC Regents Meeting, Controversial Speakers, etc.).
Detective Sergeant
University of California, Los Angeles Police
08.2013 - 05.2017
- Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
- Responsible for mentoring and coaching newly assigned investigators and civilian support staff.
- Acting Investigative Lieutenant in the Lieutenant's absence.
- Oversaw and the Property and Evidence unit, providing leadership, direction, and routine audits.
- Incident Commander (IC) for all department department arrests and search warrants.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Supervised the High Tech and Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigators.
- Appointed organizational liaison to the West Los Angeles, District and City Attorney's office.
- Provided frequent training and feedback for patrol supervisors in case management and presentation.
- Oversaw the Firearms and Tactics units (January 2016- June 2016).
- Liaison to IX and the UCLA Dean of Students (DOS) offices.
- Led building entry-team for the June 2016 UCLA active-shooter incident, and assumed role as the on-site incident commander.
- Provided critical incident debriefings (e.g., 2016 active-shooter incident).
Patrol Supervisor
University of California, Los Angeles Police
01.2012 - 08.2013
- Streamlined report filing process for quicker submission and review, resulting in improved decision-making capabilities.
- Optimized resources usage by tracking equipment inventory levels and ensuring proper maintenance schedules were followed.
- Responded to radio calls and engaged in law enforcement activities.
- Increased officer accountability with thorough documentation and reporting procedures.
- Enhanced team communication with regular briefings, debriefings, and information sharing.
- Led a diverse team of patrol officers, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- Collaborated with other departments to address community concerns and improve overall public safety outcomes.
- Reviewed performance metrics regularly to identify areas in need of improvement or additional resources within the team.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
- Effectively led investigations, ensured safety protocols were followed, and handled high-pressure situations.
- Developed and implemented security policies, procedures and systems to protect personnel, property and data.
Police Detective
University of California, Los Angeles Police
07.2009 - 01.2012
- Assisted victims of crimes by providing resources for support services and ensuring their rights were protected throughout the investigation process.
- Interrogated suspects using appropriate interview techniques to obtain crucial information for case resolution.
- Collaborated with federal agencies on high-profile cases, resulting in successful arrests and convictions of dangerous criminals.
- Solved complex criminal cases by conducting thorough investigations and utilizing critical thinking skills.
- Trained junior officers on investigative techniques and best practices, contributing to a more skilled police force.
- Prepared comprehensive reports detailing investigative findings, supporting effective prosecutorial efforts in court cases.
- Conducted surveillance operations for intelligence gathering, leading to successful apprehension of suspects.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert witness, providing accurate and detailed accounts of investigations conducted.
- Advised patrol officers on proper evidence collection procedures, ensuring the integrity of crime scenes for subsequent investigation by detectives.
- Led a team of detectives responsible for investigating a wide range of criminal offenses including homicides, robberies, and drug trafficking cases.
- Oversaw undercover operations designed to infiltrate criminal organizations, resulting in significant arrests and dismantling of illegal enterprises.
- Developed strong relationships with community members, promoting trust and cooperation in law enforcement efforts.
- Enhanced community safety by collaborating with local agencies and implementing proactive policing strategies.
- Improved case clearance rates with diligent evidence collection, analysis, and follow-up procedures.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing, and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
- Worked undercover operations as buyer or dealer to uncover criminal activities and gather evidence for cases.
- Preserved evidence for court hearings and checked integrity of individual pieces.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
Police Officer
University of California, Los Angeles Police
01.1996 - 07.2009
- Participated in ongoing training programs, staying updated on laws and law enforcement techniques.
- Acted as patrol watch sergeant in the absence of the sergeant.
- Trained other officers in firearms and self-defense tactics.
- Mentored junior officers to enhance skills and promote professional growth within the department.
- Prepared detailed reports by documenting incidents and observations during patrols.
- Patrolled assigned areas to deter criminal activity and ensure public safety.
- Appointed Field Training Officer (May 2002); responsible for training new police officers in all aspects of field-operations.
- Appointed Firearms Instructor (September 2021)
- Assigned Lead Officer (2006-2009) for off-campus housing and medical centers.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Trained new officers on department policies and procedures, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Mentored junior officers on the importance of ethical behavior, accountability, and professionalism in their role as public servants.
- Developed strong rapport with local businesses owners to address concerns about crime or vandalism affecting their establishments.
- Assisted in the development of crime prevention strategies, resulting in safer neighborhoods.
- Supported supervisors with administrative tasks such as scheduling shifts and managing equipment inventory, increasing department efficiency and organization.
Education
Doctor of Education - Organizational Change Leadership
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05-2021
Master of Science - Public Administration
National University
La Jolla, CA11-2016
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
National University
La Jolla, CA05-2015
Skills
- Change Management Expertise
- Rapid Response Coordination
- Project Execution
- Strategic Implementation
- Strategic Team Guidance
- Partnership Management
- Business Strategy Alignment
- Effective Project Oversight
- Risk Mitigation Strategy
- Crisis Intervention Expertise
- Incident Response Management
- Comprehensive Case Coordination
Affiliations
- FBINAA (Class #278)
- ASIS International
Certification
California Private Investigator (#PI189201)
California Private Patrol Operator (License Pending)
Certified Protection Professional (Certification Pending)
Security Clearance (SECRET 2021)
Timeline
Interim Chief of Police
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2024 - 09.2024
Operations Captain
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2021 - Current
Administrative Captain
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2021 - 01.2022
Special Projects Lieutenant
University of California, Los Angeles Police
02.2020 - 06.2021
Lieutenant, Patrol Operations
University of California, Los Angeles Police
05.2017 - 02.2020
Detective Sergeant
University of California, Los Angeles Police
08.2013 - 05.2017
Patrol Supervisor
University of California, Los Angeles Police
01.2012 - 08.2013
Police Detective
University of California, Los Angeles Police
07.2009 - 01.2012
Police Officer
University of California, Los Angeles Police
01.1996 - 07.2009
Doctor of Education - Organizational Change Leadership
University of Southern California
Master of Science - Public Administration
National University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
National University
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