Gregory B. Nelms
Summary
Police Sergeant with 30+ years of progressive law enforcement experience and 17 years of U.S. Navy service. Proven leader recognized for integrity, crisis management, and strong community policing. Skilled in supervision, recruitment, and training with a track record of reducing crime and strengthening public trust.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Retired Police Sergeant
Atlanta Police Department
03.1993 - 03.2023
- Sergeant, Open Records (2019 – Retirement) Manage sworn and civilian staff; provide records to law enforcement agencies and the public.
- Sergeant, Zone Six Boulevard Unit (2017 – 2019) Supervised 10 officers; liaison for Pre-Arrest Diversion; built strong community partnerships. Awarded Crime Reduction Award (2018).
- Sergeant, Zone Six Evening Watch (2017) Directed 26 officers to ensure public safety.
- Sergeant, Zone Six Morning Watch (2017) Led 20 officers in crime prevention efforts.
- Sergeant, Zone Five Morning Watch (2016 – 2017) Supervised 20 officers, achieving the highest city-wide crime reduction in 2016.
- Sergeant, Background & Recruitment (2014 – 2016) Directed 15 officers in executing APD’s hiring strategy for sworn and civilian positions.
- Sergeant, Zone One Crime Suppression Unit (2013 – 2014) Led specialized units including Bicycle Patrol and Burglary Officers; developed city-wide curfew enforcement plans.
- Training Academy Instructor (2012 – 2013) Taught 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for officers, code enforcement, and dispatchers.
- Sergeant, Zone One Morning/Day Watch (2008 – 2012) Led 26 officers, consistently ranked as one of the most productive units in the city.
- Patrolman, Zone Five – Code Enforcement/Quality of Life (1998 – 2008) Collaborated with the HOPE Team addressing homelessness and mental health crises.
- Patrolman, Zone Five (1994 – 1998) Apprehended violent suspects including a murderer and carjacker (2005). Officer of the Month, Jan 2004.
Education
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Georgia Military College
Atlanta, GA01.2000
Skills
- Leadership & Integrity
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Community Policing & Engagement
- Training & Instruction
- Administrative Oversight
- Problem-Solving
Certification
- Atlanta Police Leadership Institute – Tier 3
- Recruiting, Hiring & Background Investigations
- Georgia Open Records Act Training
- Georgia Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) – Train-the-Trainer
- Interviews & Interrogations
- Community Policing Strategies
- National Institute for Truth Verification – CVS Certified Examiner
- Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
Timeline
Retired Police Sergeant
Atlanta Police Department
03.1993 - 03.2023
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Georgia Military College
Military Service
- United States Navy | 1991 – 2008
- Navy Achievement Medal
- 2 Letters of Commendation, 2 Letters of Appreciation
- Aviation Machinist Mate (AD A1), Subject Matter Instructor
- Administrative Supervisor, Naval Reserve Unit CV Southeast 0367
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