James Kerry
Law Enforcement Instructor
Plano,IL
Summary
Law enforcement professional with significant experience as a Police Officer at Aurora Police Department. Specialized in curriculum development and community engagement, successfully implementing training programs that build trust. Demonstrated ability to improve public safety and mentor law enforcement students, upholding ethical standards and accountability. Committed to developing future leaders in law enforcement.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Law Enforcement Instructor
Indian Valley Vocational Center
Sandwich, IL
11.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues to address team-based teaching initiatives.
- Developed and implemented relevant curriculum, lectures, assignments and exams.
- Assess student progress and prepared reports detailing academic progress.
- Prepared lesson plans, instructional aids and supplemental teaching materials to promote student comprehension and intellectual curiosity.
- Coordinated guest speakers and subject matter experts to provide valuable insights and perspectives on various law enforcement topics.
- Conducted ongoing reviews of course materials, updating content as necessary to maintain accuracy and relevancy in a rapidly evolving field.
- Developed strong working relationships with local agencies and community groups to provide well-rounded training experiences for future officers.
- Monitored industry developments closely, adjusting curricula as needed to ensure that graduates were equipped with cutting-edge skills upon entering the workforce.
Police Officer
Hinckley Police Department
Hinckley, IL
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar speed detection.
- Conducted thorough investigations for various cases, leading to timely resolutions and justice served.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Created school resource officer program, improving relationships between youth and police through positive interactions and educational programs.
- Created social media presence that bridged the communication gap between Hinckley Police Department and community.
- Worked with neighboring jurisdictions to provide mutual aid and ensure a high level of service to the citizens of all communities.
Court Security Officer
Kane County Sheriff's Department
Geneva, IL
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Screened persons entering courthouse using magnetometers, x-ray machines and other devices to collect and retain unauthorized firearms and other contraband.
- Escorted prisoners to and from courthouse and maintained custody of prisoners during court proceedings.
- Maintained order in courtroom.
- Patrolled court building and grounds and checked visitors and packages at entrances.
- Exercised practical judgment in unusual or emergent situations.
- Contributed to a positive work environment for court staff by providing courteous assistance when needed while maintaining strict adherence to security protocols.
- Increased overall courthouse safety through meticulous monitoring of surveillance systems and prompt reaction to any suspicious activity observed.
Warehouse Manager
SVI International
DeKalb, IL
07.2020 - 04.2021
- Manage 14 employees and maintain a 2.5-million-dollar inventory.
- Implemented quality control processes in receiving department to reduce error and improve efficiency.
- Recruit, select, coach and motivate employees.
- Oversee receiving, shipping, paint, kitting and maintenance operations.
- Setup layout and ensure efficient space utilization.
- Improve operational efficiency across warehouse processes, maintaining budgetary goals and company objectives.
- Redesigned warehouse layout to accommodate new equipment, maximize space utilization, and optimize processes.
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Built motivated warehouse team to consistently accomplish operations goals and exceed performance targets.
- Developed and implemented policy and procedure updates to improve workflow and productivity.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture that motivated employees to perform their best while maintaining high morale.
Police Officer / Criminal Investigations Detective
Aurora Police Department
Aurora, IL
06.1993 - 07.2020
- Served in the Bureau of Neighborhood Policing as a Patrolman, Field Training Officer, Street Evidence Technician, Crisis Intervention Team Officer and Community Policing Officer.
- Served in the Bureau of Investigative Services as a Detective, Certified Juvenile Officer, Certified Sexual Assault Investigator and was a member of the first sworn officer Public Information Officer Team.
- Served as the Chaplain Liaison for the Aurora Police Department Chaplain Team of 10 Police Chaplains. Managed scheduling, implement policy and procedure, and organized training.
- Utilized clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
- Contributed to problem-oriented policing efforts by identifying problem areas, recommending and implementing solutions and monitoring results.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Mentored junior officers on the importance of ethical behavior, accountability, and professionalism in their role as public servants.
- Implemented community policing strategies, fostering a sense of trust between law enforcement and the public.
- Firm knowledge of evidence rules, including evidence handling, packaging, storage, and retention.
Education
Police Supervision - Supervision of Police Personnel
Northwestern University Center For Public Safety
Online12.2022
Associate of Arts - Psychology: Christian Counseling
Liberty University
Online04.2017
Police Academy - State of Illinois Certified Police Officer
University of Illinois - Police Training Institute
Champaign, IL09.1993
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Leadership development
- Problem solving
- Adaptability to change
- Analytical thinking
- First aid and CPR
- Police ethics
- Community policing
- Student assessment
- Law enforcement training
- Community engagement
- Crisis management
- Team collaboration
- Patrol procedures
Affiliations
- Lifetime member of the Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois
- Illinois Police Association
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Former member of the Hinckley Lion's Club
- Association of Career and Technical Education
- Illinois Association of Career and Technical Education
- LAPSEN (Law and Public Safety Education Network)
Certification
- Certified Illinois Police Officer
- Certified Sexual Assault Investigator
- Certified Juvenile Specialist
- Certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer
- Certified Field Training Officer (Sokolove Model)
- Certified AHA CPR Instructor
Awards
- First patrolman in Aurora Police Department history to serve as the Chaplain Liaison.
- Initiated and implemented a partnership between the Hinckley Police Department and the Hinckley-Big Rock School District to create a School Resource Officer program.
- M.A.D.D. and A.A.I.M. Individual Achievement Awards for DUI Enforcement in 2001 and 2002.
- Aurora Police Department Employee of the Month, August 2001.
- Member of the first sworn PIO Team at the Aurora Police Department in 2018.
- Numerous Commendations and Letters of Appreciation.
- As a LAPSEN (Law and Public Safety Education Network) member, I was involved in a project to create a national guide on law enforcement pipelines. This guide aimed to find ways to bridge the gap between high school and the age at which individuals can pursue a career in law enforcement. Additionally, I presented at the annual conference in December 2023 and participated in panel discussions.
Timeline
Law Enforcement Instructor
Indian Valley Vocational Center
11.2022 - Current
Police Officer
Hinckley Police Department
03.2022 - 01.2023
Court Security Officer
Kane County Sheriff's Department
10.2021 - 03.2022
Warehouse Manager
SVI International
07.2020 - 04.2021
Police Officer / Criminal Investigations Detective
Aurora Police Department
06.1993 - 07.2020
Police Supervision - Supervision of Police Personnel
Northwestern University Center For Public Safety
Associate of Arts - Psychology: Christian Counseling
Liberty University
Police Academy - State of Illinois Certified Police Officer
University of Illinois - Police Training Institute