James Van Pelt
Cape Coral,FL
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sergeant
Lee County Sheriff's Office
03.2023 - Current
- Oversee the Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Unit.
- Served as a subject matter expert during the creation of the FDLE Animal Cruelty for Law Enforcement course curriculum.
- Coordinate with external agencies during animal cruelty investigations.
- Manage and instruct the Firearms and Defensive Tactics training at the Lee County Sheriff's Office Criminal Justice Academy.
- Supervise the Lee County Sheriff's Office S.T.A.R. Program.
- Serve as a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team.
Adjunct Instructor
Southwest Florida Public Service Academy
03.2018 - Current
- Train recruits in the high liability areas of firearms, defensive tactics, driving, first aid and CPR.
- Served as a role player in training scenarios for law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff, Road Patrol
Lee County Sheriff's Office
04.2012 - 03.2023
- Testified effectively in court proceedings regarding personal actions taken during investigations or arrests as required by legal process.
- Trained new deputies on department policies and procedures to ensure a smooth transition into their roles as road patrol officers.
- Deescalated potentially volatile situations using crisis intervention techniques, resulting in peaceful resolutions without resorting to force whenever possible.
- Maintained accurate records of incidents, arrests, and other activities, ensuring timely submission of reports for review by supervisors.
- Provided assistance during emergencies, including evacuations, natural disasters, or search-and-rescue operations for better protection of the community.
Correctional Deputy Sheriff
Lee County Sheriff's Office
08.2008 - 04.2012
- Collaborated with fellow deputies and supervisors to maintain order within the facility and promptly address any conflicts or incidents that occurred.
- Maintained a safe and secure environment for inmates by conducting regular cell inspections and monitoring inmate activities.
- Conducted thorough investigations into potential security breaches, ensuring a swift resolution to any issues that arose.
- Assisted with inmate release procedures by verifying completion of necessary paperwork, ensuring return of personal belongings, and coordinating transportation arrangements as needed.
Civil Affairs Specialist
United States Army Reserve
04.2010 - 06.2018
- Built and maintained positive relationships with public by utilizing strategic plans.
- Developed comprehensive civil affairs plans to support military objectives in various operational environments.
- Accelerated recovery efforts following natural disasters through coordination with relief agencies and efficient distribution of aid resources.
- Enhanced operational readiness within the unit via regular training sessions focused on civil affairs doctrine, tactics, techniques, procedures, and regulations.
- Contributed to mission success by providing timely analysis on socio-political dynamics affecting military operations in assigned regions.
- Conducted thorough assessments of local infrastructure, identifying critical needs for rehabilitation projects.
Certification
- University of Missouri Certified Humane Investigator
- University of Missouri Expert Cruelty Investigator
- University of Missouri Advanced Cruelty Investigator
- University of Missouri Professional Cruelty Investigator
- FDLE Firearms Instructor
- FDLE Defensive Tactics Instructor
- FDLE Driving Instructor
- FDLE First Aid Instructor
- AHA BLS Instructor
Awards
- Grand Cordon
- Unit Citation
- Good Conduct Award
- Lifesaving Award X6
- Honorable Service Award
- Hurricane Ian Disaster Response Commendation
Timeline
Sergeant
Lee County Sheriff's Office
03.2023 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Southwest Florida Public Service Academy
03.2018 - Current
Deputy Sheriff, Road Patrol
Lee County Sheriff's Office
04.2012 - 03.2023
Civil Affairs Specialist
United States Army Reserve
04.2010 - 06.2018
Correctional Deputy Sheriff
Lee County Sheriff's Office
08.2008 - 04.2012