Joseph McGough
Urbana,IL
Summary
Proactive criminalistics investigator known for leadership in training new recruits and enhancing team effectiveness. Skilled in problem-solving, evidence collection, and maintaining strict chain of custody to uphold legal standards.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer Criminalistics Investigator
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
Cook County
05.2021 - Current
- Identify, document and collect evidence at crime scenes utilizing standard forensic techniques and critical thinking.
- Perform crime scene analysis to determine timeline of events as part of the investigative procedures.
- Photograph, collect and package evidence ensuring strict chain of custody.
- Determine advanced forensic technique and communicate with crime lab for testing.
- Field training officer for new recruits on departmental protocols, enhancing team effectiveness and operational readiness.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations, demonstrating strong decision-making under pressure.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
Street Crime Suppression Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
Cook County
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Focused investigations in high crime areas, identifying drug and gun related activity.
- Analyzed intelligence reports to identify potential threats and develop proactive strategies.
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance inter-departmental communication and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated with specialized units in executing search warrants, ensuring compliance with legal protocols.
Patrol Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
Cook County
09.2016 - 10.2019
- General Patrol responsibilities.
Correctional Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Department
Cook County
07.2000 - 07.2016
- General Correctional Officer responsibilities.
- Gang investigator on the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Triton College
River Grove, ILHigh School Diploma -
East Leyden High School
Franklin Park, IL06-1988
Skills
- Officer Training
- Report writing
- Crime scene preservation
- Evidence collection protocols
- Crime scene processing
- Fingerprinting
- Legal compliance
- Evidence collection and evaluation
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Crime scene Photography
Certification
- Instructor Development 2023 ILETSB
- Field Training Officer 2019 ILETSB
- Police Evidence Technician 2022 ILETSB
- Death and Homicide Investigation 2022
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 2023
- Shooting Analysis Reconstruction 2023
- Latent Print Evidence 2022
- Crime Scene Photography 2022
- Human Remains Recovery 2022
- IVE Vehicle System Forensic Technician 2025
- Forensic Genetic Genealogy Technician 2023
- Forensic Genetic Genology
Timeline
Police Officer Criminalistics Investigator
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
05.2021 - Current
Street Crime Suppression Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
10.2019 - 05.2021
Patrol Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department
09.2016 - 10.2019
Correctional Officer
Cook County Sheriff's Department
07.2000 - 07.2016
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Triton College
High School Diploma -
East Leyden High School