Jose Rivera
Camarillo,CA
Summary
Proven law enforcement professional with extensive experience in executive level leadership, public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptable to changing needs, and dedicated to achieving results. Skilled in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and maintaining public trust. Known for integrity, leadership, and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Sheriff
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura County, Ca
01.2023 - Current
- Served as a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and organizational performance of major divisions within the Sheriff’s Office.
- A principal advisor to the Sheriff and Undersheriff on executive decision-making, departmental policy, risk management, and long-term strategic initiatives.
- Exercised full command authority on behalf of the Sheriff or Undersheriff as designated, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness.
- Provided executive oversight of countywide patrol operations, including seven patrol stations and a centralized communications/dispatch center.
- Lead and governed specialized operational units, including the Canine Unit, Mounted Enforcement Unit, and Boat Detail, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and best practices.
- Directed enterprise-level planning, organizational development, and resource allocation to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
- Oversaw workforce strategy, including executive staffing decisions, leadership development, training priorities, and performance management for sworn and professional personnel.
- Guided the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and programs consistent with legal mandates, professional standards, and community-based policing principles.
- Served as an executive liaison to elected officials, County leadership, external law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders.
- Lead interagency coordination on complex operational, fiscal, and jurisdictional matters, including program funding, cost recovery, and reimbursement.
- Directed departmental budget development and fiscal stewardship, ensuring responsible management of public resources and alignment with strategic goals.
- Represented the Sheriff’s Office in high-level public, governmental, and community forums, articulating organizational vision, priorities, and policy positions.
- Established strong relationships with community leaders, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents.
- Oversaw budget management for the department, ensuring responsible spending while meeting operational requirements.
Sheriff's Captain- Chief of Police for Ojai Valley
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ojai, CA
01.2020 - 01.2023
- As Chief of Police, overall responsibility for all police services for the Ojai valley and included the city of Ojai.
- Collaborated with City and County leadership to ensure quality of life issues and concerns were addressed.
- Led community outreach programs to foster relationships between law enforcement and residents.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar budget, consistently delivering services within fiscal constraints while maximizing available resources for crime prevention efforts.
- Established strong relationships with community leaders, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents.
- Analyzed crime trends to inform strategic planning and resource deployment in the community.
- Supervised daily operations of the department, maintaining accountability among personnel while prioritizing tasks for optimal results.
- Implemented community outreach initiatives to educate the public on crime prevention techniques and provide resources for those in need.
- Oversaw personnel management, fostering professional development and mentoring for staff across various divisions.
Sheriff Captain- Patrol Watch Commander
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura County, Ca
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed patrol operations for sheriff's jurisdictions, focusing on effective incident response and community engagement.
- Directed supervision of sheriff's communication center, optimizing call processing and dispatching protocols for enhanced service delivery.
- Coordinated resource management during crises, focusing on optimizing response times and maximizing effectiveness.
- Coordinated essential resources to support operations during natural disasters and other catastrophic events.
- Executed timely adjustments to changing circumstances by leveraging available data and resources to make strategic decisions.
- Managed media relations to ensure accurate representation of sheriff's office activities and initiatives.
- Cultivated collaborative relationships with neighboring jurisdictions to enhance situational awareness and support coordinated mutual aid efforts.
- Evaluated mission advancements and communicated critical updates to command to ensure operational alignment.
Sheriff Detective Sergeant-Narcotics Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura County, Ca
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Supervised an operational narcotics team of detectives.
- Supervised complex cases and perform administrative duties at the direction of the unit captain.
- Maintained communication with the unit captain concerning investigations and enforcement activities.
- Oversaw and maintained overall supervisory control of short/ long term surveillance operations, undercover narcotic buys, execution of arrests and search warrants.
- Reviewed search warrants, affidavits, crime/arrest reports, statistical reports and other documents for accuracy and content.
- Worked jointly with various federal, state and local agencies and maintaining a professional working relationship.
- Managed a Federal grant related to Maritime Smuggling.
- Accounting of expenditures used by the team during various operations.
- Evaluate detective’s performance and prepared yearly evaluations including goals and objectives.
- Mentored junior deputies, providing guidance on best practices in law enforcement techniques and protocols.
- Led critical incident management during high-stress situations, maintaining order and ensuring effective communication among teams.
- Promoted a positive work environment within the department by recognizing individual achievements and fostering camaraderie among team members.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies in joint operations, sharing resources and intelligence to combat criminal activity more effectively.
- Led successful drug interdiction operations that resulted in significant seizures of illegal substances from circulation within the community.
Sheriff Sergeant- Jail Classification Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura, CA
11.2009 - 01.2011
- Supervised/ managed Classification Units at the Pre-Trial Detention and Todd Road Jail facilities.
- Supervised development and implementation of the Sheriff’s Office new Electronic Monitoring Unit.
- Directed personnel functions, including, but not limited to, personnel deployment and scheduling.
- Supervised/ coordinated special events such as Job Fair and female inmate relocation to Todd Road Jail.
- Supervised special investigative operations within the Detention Services Division.
- Conducted internal investigations as directed by the Facility Manager or Command Staff.
- Supervised and coordinate the handling/ housing of special interest inmates within Detention Services.
- Participated in the formulation and dissemination of Facility/ Department policies and procedures.
- Assisted investigative units within and outside of our Department with special operations/ investigations.
Senior Deputy-Special Enforcement Detail
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Camarillo, CA
07.2006 - 11.2009
- Supervised and coordinated field activities of deputies assigned to the detail.
- Assisted in writing evaluations and progress reports.
- Oversaw the tracking of local gang members within the city.
- Coordinated, investigated and assisted in all gang related criminal investigations.
- Identified problems and responded to the needs of the community using the COPPS philosophy.
- Supervised and coordinated probation searches, special operations and the service of arrest and search warrants.
- Worked special events on foot and/ or general patrol.
- Worked jointly with federal, state and other local agencies.
Senior Deputy- Detective Robbery-Homicide Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura County, Ca
03.1999 - 07.2006
- Managed high profile cases and other investigations within and outside the unit related to robberies, felony assaults, officer involved shootings, critical incident and murder investigations.
- Prepared comprehensive reports, and search warrants for criminal prosecutions.
- Supervised probation searches, service of arrest and search warrants, and investigative operations.
- Worked jointly with federal, state and other local agencies.
- Prepared comprehensive reports, search warrants, and arrest warrants for criminal prosecutions.
- Worked jointly with federal, state and other local agencies.
Senior Deputy Sheriff
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ojai, CA
09.1998 - 03.1999
- Supervised deputy sheriffs, providing mentorship and guidance to improve team performance and operational efficiency.
- Managed and supervised the operations of the Classification Unit.
- Supervised sworn and civilian personnel in the jail.
- Conducted briefings, developed training, and completed performance evaluations.
- Conducted criminal investigations and performed tasks assigned by the Facility Manager.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify security vulnerabilities, recommending strategic improvements to mitigate threats.
Deputy Sheriff-Patrol
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Thousand Oaks, Moorpark Ca
05.1994 - 09.1998
- Handled routine to high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Assisted in the training of new deputies, sharing knowledge and experiences to help them excel in their roles.
- Maintained accurate reports and records, aiding in the proper documentation of cases for judicial proceedings.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Participated actively in ongoing training programs designed to enhance skills necessary for deputy sheriff duties.
- Testified effectively in court, presenting clear evidence that contributed to successful case outcomes.
- Demonstrated leadership ability within department ranks by mentoring junior deputies and serving as a reliable source of support for colleagues.
- Provided security at various community events, ensuring a safe environment for attendees.
- Conducted thorough investigations that led to the successful prosecution of numerous offenders.
- Reduced criminal activity through diligent surveillance, proactive policing, and collaboration with local businesses and residents.
- Enforced traffic laws, contributing to noticeable decrease in traffic violations and accidents in jurisdiction.
- Collaborated with community members to build trust and improve safety initiatives.
- Implemented community outreach programs to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Deputy Sheriff- Jail Operations
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Ventura, CA
02.1991 - 05.1994
- Trained new deputies in operational procedures and departmental policies.
- Observed jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety.
- Oversaw inmate transport to court hearings, maintaining strict security protocols to prevent escape attempts.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
Santa Ana, CA04-2019
No Degree - General Studies, Criminal Justice
Ventura College
Ventura, CA01-2017
Skills
- First aid certified
- Media relations
- Community engagement
- Firearms proficiency
- Investigative skills
- Emergency response
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team leadership
- Risk assessment
Accomplishments
- Achieved executive level of leadership within the organization as an Assistant Sheriff.
- As a Captain, selected as Chief of Police for the City of Ojai with responsibility of entire Ojai Valley.
- Achieved the ranks of Senior Deputy, Sergeant, Captain and Assistant Sheriff within a 35 year career.
- Narcotics Detective Sergeant, Special Services Division
- Classification Sergeant, Pre-Trial Facility and Todd Road Jail
- Facility and Housing Sergeant, Pre-Trial Detention Facility
- Senior Deputy Supervisor, Special Enforcement Detail
- Major Crimes Investigator, Homicide Senior Deputy
- Major Crimes Investigator, Robbery Senior Deputy
- Classification Senior Deputy, Branch Jail Honor Farm
- Jail and Patrol Field Training Officer
- Bilingual- Spanish
· Bilingual (Spanish)
Affiliations
International Association of Chiefs of Police
California Homicide Investigators Association
California Narcotics Officers Association
California Police Chiefs Association
National Tactical Officers Association
Certification
Basic, intermediate and advanced training certificates from California Peace Officer Standards and Training
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Assistant Sheriff
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
01.2023 - Current
Sheriff's Captain- Chief of Police for Ojai Valley
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
01.2020 - 01.2023
Sheriff Captain- Patrol Watch Commander
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
01.2019 - 01.2020
Sheriff Detective Sergeant-Narcotics Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
01.2011 - 01.2019
Sheriff Sergeant- Jail Classification Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
11.2009 - 01.2011
Senior Deputy-Special Enforcement Detail
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
07.2006 - 11.2009
Senior Deputy- Detective Robbery-Homicide Unit
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
03.1999 - 07.2006
Senior Deputy Sheriff
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
09.1998 - 03.1999
Deputy Sheriff-Patrol
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
05.1994 - 09.1998
Deputy Sheriff- Jail Operations
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
02.1991 - 05.1994
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
No Degree - General Studies, Criminal Justice
Ventura College