Josh Thompson
Spearfish,SD
Summary
Professional with comprehensive experience in law enforcement, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and effective community policing and outreach. Known for integrity, work ethic, and a strong sense of duty with proven ability to safeguard natural resources and enforce environmental laws. Successfully resolved numerous investigations, apprehended violators, and demonstrated proficiency in critical thinking in high-pressure situations. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results through teamwork and effective communication. Skilled in conflict resolution, resource management, and adapting to changing needs with reliability and flexibility, with a results-oriented mindset. Fully committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Conservation Officer
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GF&P)
08.2013 - Current
- Enforce natural resource and wildlife laws through multifaceted case investigations, search warrants, apprehension of violators, coordinating law enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies, interpreting laws and authority, and proficiently utilizing a wide array of patrol equipment, emergency patrol vehicles, and vessels.
- 40 hours/week
- $33.08/hour
- Led and directed special operation plans.
- Enforced wildlife regulations to protect natural resources and habitats.
- Conducted field investigations on suspected violations of conservation laws.
- Developed and implemented educational programs for public engagement in conservation efforts.
- Monitored wildlife populations and habitat conditions to inform management strategies.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings for collaborative decision-making on complex resource management issues, fostering community support for conservation initiatives.
- Provided expert testimony during legal proceedings related to environmental & wildlife violations, ensuring accurate representation of ecological concerns in court decisions.
- Reduced incidents of natural resource abuse by implementing effective surveillance strategies and working closely with law enforcement agencies.
- Trained new conservation officers in proper field techniques and procedures, maintaining a high standard of professionalism within the team.
- Led & Instructed all officers on use of force, civil liability, search & seizure, 4th Amendment rights, and hands on self defense and apprehension techniques.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Police Officer
Deadwood Police Department
01.2020 - Current
- Enforce all criminal & traffic laws, apprehend violators, plain clothes surveillance of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), detect and seize narcotics, and keep the peace, all while serving and protecting the public.
- 40 hours/week
- $25.80/hour
- Enforced laws and regulations to ensure public safety during large-scale events.
- Coordinated security operations with local agencies for efficient incident response.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members we serve.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Police Officer
Spearfish Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2019
- 40 hours/week
- $22/hour
- Enforced safety regulations during high-traffic events to ensure participant security.
- Monitored crowd behavior and addressed disturbances proactively to maintain order.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts.
- Conducted thorough investigations of incidents, documenting evidence and witness statements accurately.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
Middle & High School Football Coach
Lead-Deadwood School District
08.2018 - Current
- 10-20 hours/week
- $1,500 - $3,700/season
- Developed comprehensive training programs enhancing player skills and team performance.
- Implemented game strategies optimizing in-game decision-making and execution.
- Mentored assistant coaches, fostering professional growth and teamwork cohesion.
- Analyzed opponent strategies to inform tactical adjustments pre- and post-game.
- Coordinated practice schedules ensuring efficient use of resources and time management.
- Cultivated a positive team culture emphasizing discipline, teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
Education
B.A. - Biology, Coaching
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)
Mitchell, SD01.2013
Additional Work Roles & Responsibilities
- Wildlife Training Officer October 2020 - Present
- Wildlife Investigator Team February 2023 - Present
- Defensive Tactics/Use of Force Instructor July 2016 - Present
- Honor Guard Team November 2017 - 2025
- Regional Geo-Fence Search Warrant Analyst
Accomplishments
- 2023 SD GF&P Leadership Development Selection & Program Graduate
- 2022 Pinch of the Year Award (Largest Case of the Year)
- 2021 Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year
- 2019 Camp Postcard Selection Law Enforcement Youth Camp Counselor
- 2018 Association of Midwest Fish & Game Officer of the Year
- 2017 Patton-Torch Award (Officer of the Year under 5 Years' Experience)
- 2016 Region 1 HuntSAFE Instructor Team of the Year
- 2015 Duke of Edinburgh Journey for Miss South Dakota Organization
- 2013 SD Law Enforcement Training Academy (LET) Class 153 Class Speaker
Training
- Instructor Development
- Boat Accident Investigation
- ATV/UTV Operation Course
- Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Civil Liability & Use of Force (x2)
- Terry Stops & Warrantless Searches (x2)
- Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (A.R.I.D.E.)
- Advanced Search & Seizure, Traffic Stops & Criminal Investigations
- Jeff Baile Basic Interview & Interrogation
- Jeff Baile Advanced Interview & Interrogation
- LET Interview & Interrogation Techniques
- Reid Technique Interview & Interrogation
- Court Testifying & Testimony Course
- De-Escalation Course
- LiDAR Certified
RELEVANT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
- Church Security Team Leader 2017 - Present
- Wrestling Referee 2010 - Present
Timeline
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Police Officer
Deadwood Police Department
01.2020 - Current
Middle & High School Football Coach
Lead-Deadwood School District
08.2018 - Current
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Police Officer
Spearfish Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2019
Wildlife Conservation Officer
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GF&P)
08.2013 - Current
B.A. - Biology, Coaching
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)
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