James Burns
Elizabeth,NJ
Summary
Qualified Police Captain with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement roles. Excellent leadership, decision-making and records management abilities. Effectively oversee, discipline and motivate officers to better protect and serve area residents. Monitor field operations to optimize behaviors and minimize protocol violations. Skilled at relating to team members, administrators and general public with good interpersonal communication skills.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Captain
Elizabeth Police Department
Elizabeth, NJ
02.2021 - Current
- Developed and supervised the implementation of police strategies, objectives, policies and procedures.
- Assigned tasks to subordinates officers and monitored their performance.
- Created reports on daily operations for presentation to superiors.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate officers in difficult situations.
- Organized community meetings to address public safety concerns.
- Identified areas of improvement within the department and implemented corrective measures accordingly.
- Advised senior management on matters related to operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Coordinated with other agencies on joint investigation projects when necessary.
- Served as a liaison between the department's administration and its personnel.
- Investigated complaints from citizens regarding police misconduct or negligence.
- Supervised all special events requiring police presence such as parades or protests.
- Monitored the use of force by department personnel during arrests or searches.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of current trends in law enforcement practices.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing police conduct.
- Evaluated performance reviews of subordinate officers on a regular basis.
- Responded to major incidents reported to department, assuming role of chief for emergency situations.
- Assisted chief with departmental operations.
- Recommended organizational or operating procedure changes to maximize results.
- Developed and implemented staffing and training plans.
Police Lieutenant
Elizabeth Police Department
Elizabeth, NJ
02.2010 - 02.2021
- Managed subordinate supervisors, including assigning work tasks, overseeing daily operations, and providing guidance on complex issues.
- Reviewed reports from subordinates for accuracy and completeness before submitting to higher-level management.
- Created weekly schedules for patrol shifts based on crime trends and community needs.
- Performed administrative duties such as reviewing arrest paperwork prior to submission for prosecution purposes.
- Responded promptly to public inquiries regarding police services or complaints against officers.
- Reviewed paperwork and case files submitted by subordinate officers to verify accuracy and conformance to strict policies.
- Trained and mentored staff on correct procedures to maximize efficiency and protect public trust.
- Informed shift officers of properties to watch and noted criminals understood to be in patrol areas.
Police Sergeant
Elizabeth Police Department
Elizabeth, NJ
04.2006 - 02.2010
- Ensured that all personnel met department standards for performance and conduct.
- Assigned, coordinated and reviewed the work of police officers.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss current events and issues.
- Interpreted laws, regulations, policies and procedures to subordinates.
- Investigated complaints against officers or civilian employees in accordance with established policy.
- Provided training to officers on applicable state laws, local ordinances and departmental policies and procedures.
- Served as a field supervisor during special events or operations requiring additional staffing levels.
- Responded to emergency calls for service as needed.
- Reviewed paperwork and case files submitted by subordinate officers to verify accuracy and conformance to strict policies.
- Informed shift officers of properties to watch and noted criminals understood to be in patrol areas.
- Supervised crowds at busy events and provided security services to prevent injuries.
Police Officer
Elizabeth Police Department
Elizabeth, NJ
01.1995 - 04.2006
Education
Command And Leadership Academy
New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police
08.2025 - 12.2025
Police Leadership
FBI LEEDA Trilogy
06-2023
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
Santa Ana, CA10-2020
Master of Science - Marketing
University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD05-1990
Skills
- Patrol operations
- Criminal Law
- Excellent time management
- Coordination skills
- Personnel Supervision
- Community Engagement
- Complex problem-solving abilities
- Crisis Management
- Crime Prevention
- Team Management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Attention to Detail
- Team Collaboration
Timeline
Command And Leadership Academy
New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police
08.2025 - 12.2025
Police Captain
Elizabeth Police Department
02.2021 - Current
Police Lieutenant
Elizabeth Police Department
02.2010 - 02.2021
Police Sergeant
Elizabeth Police Department
04.2006 - 02.2010
Police Officer
Elizabeth Police Department
01.1995 - 04.2006
Police Leadership
FBI LEEDA Trilogy
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
Master of Science - Marketing
University of Maryland - College Park