Kenneth McDonnell
Government
New Braunfels,TX
Summary
Dynamic Police Lieutenant with extensive experience at the Austin Police Department, excelling in career development and mentorship. Proven ability to enhance community relations through strategic outreach programs. Skilled in coordinating large incident scenes and conducting performance appraisals, fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism among officers.
Professional law enforcement leader with strong focus on public safety and community engagement. Known for exceptional leadership and crisis management skills, consistently achieving operational goals through effective team collaboration. Demonstrates high level of integrity, adaptability, and strategic thinking in high-pressure situations. Proven ability to foster cohesive team environment, ensuring optimal performance and reliable results.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Master Peace Officer
1
1
Basic Police Instructor
Work History
Police Lieutenant
Austin Police Department
07.2023 - Current
- Develop both Sergeants and Corporals to lead their patrol shifts to include 25 patrol officers.
- Monitor calls throughout the city to maintain a safe environment for citizens and officers.
- Conducted performance evaluations for subordinate Sergeants, providing constructive feedback to foster professional growth and accountability.
- Promoted a culture of accountability among officers by setting high standards for conduct and performance evaluation systems that rewarded excellence while identifying areas for improvement.
- Directed and monitored work of four law enforcement supervisors with clear focus on maximizing results and maintaining transparent police operations.
- Served as an incident commander during critical events or emergencies, coordinating all aspects of response efforts efficiently.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 25 officers and four supervisors.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and other first responder agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
- Liaised with local, and state agencies to coordinate responses to critical incidents.
Police Sergeant, Patrol
Austin Police Department
01.2018 - 07.2023
- Trained junior officers on procedures, enhancing team performance and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated response efforts during emergencies, ensuring timely deployment of resources.
- Conducted regular evaluations of officers'' strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement to enhance overall team performance.
- Led teams by example, consistently demonstrating correct behaviors and enforcing policies and procedures.
- Investigated allegations of employee misconduct, reported findings and coordinated warranted disciplinary actions.
- Served as a liaison between the police department and other community organizations at shareholder meetings to foster positive relationships and facilitate collaborative efforts on crime prevention initiatives.
- Administered disciplinary actions when necessary, ensuring a high standard of professionalism within the department.
- Deescalated potentially dangerous situations using crisis intervention techniques that protected both officers and civilians from harm.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and other first responder agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
- Promoted co-worker wellness as a Peer Support Volunteer.
- Instructed on Role Identification and Role Transition in New Sergeant's Training.
Police Corporal
Austin Police Department
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Developed training programs for new recruits, enhancing operational readiness and team effectiveness.
- Implemented crime prevention strategies, resulting in improved community engagement and trust in law enforcement.
- Led crisis intervention incidents, effectively managing high-pressure situations to protect citizens and officers alike.
- Collaborated with police officers at crime scenes and during investigations and documented actions, findings and evidence.
- Reviewed police reports thoroughly before submission ensuring accuracy of details leading to fewer discrepancies during investigations.
- Served as acting supervisor when necessary, effectively managing officer assignments and overseeing daily operations.
- Inspected and assessed weapons and vehicles on regular basis to detect maintenance needs.
- Authored press releases and conducted radio, and TV interviews with media on high-profile cases to maximize outreach.
- Promoted officers working in a safer tactical environment through teaching as a Tactical Adjunct Instructor.
Police Officer
Austin Police Department
08.2001 - 01.2009
- Conducted thorough scene investigations to gather evidence and support case development.
- Trained new officers as an FTO on departmental policies, procedures, and best practices, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
- Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
- Mentored junior officers on the importance of ethical behavior, accountability, and professionalism in their role as public servants.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
- Conducted advanced accident investigation as a Patrol Crash Investigator.
Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
01.1998 - 05.2001
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Testified effectively in court, presenting clear evidence that contributed to successful case outcomes.
- Negotiated peaceful resolutions during conflict situations, minimizing need for force and reducing community tensions.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Emergency Services Unit, conducted hundreds of swift water rescues between three separate flooding events, both as a team member and team leader.
- SWAT Team member.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
09.1997 - 01.1998
- Responded to emergency calls, assessing situations for appropriate action plans.
- Participated in training exercises to ensure readiness for various emergency scenarios including active shooter situations or natural disasters.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by administering emergency medical aid, conducting swift water rescues.
Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
05.1997 - 09.1997
- Enhanced public trust by providing professional and compassionate assistance during emergencies.
- Managed crime scenes meticulously, preserving vital evidence for forensic analysis and case resolutions.
- Led team during swift water emergency responses, ensuring swift action to protect lives and property.
- Administered first aid and emergency assistance at accident scenes, saving lives and stabilizing victims until medical teams arrived.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
03.1996 - 05.1997
- Assisted in investigations and evidence collection, leading to successful case resolutions.
- Maintained accurate reports on incidents, arrests, and other activities for thorough documentation of daily tasks.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
Police Officer
Texas Lutheran University
06.1994 - 09.1995
- Utilized communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Conducted thorough investigations for various cases, leading to timely resolutions and justice served.
- Managed crowd control during events, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Union Township (West Chester) Fire Department
05.1990 - 07.1993
- Responded effectively to emergency situations, ensuring safety of civilians and team members.
- Operated fire suppression equipment and tools, maintaining proficiency in firefighting techniques.
- Conducted thorough inspections of businesses.
- Infection Control Liaison, conducted training to all personnel on infection control to meet OSHA requirements, specified large and small equipment for the department.
- Instructed the public on CPR, fire extinguisher use, and child fire safety.
- Senior Firefighter at station responsible for multi unit response to emergencies, incident command, unit assignments, inspection completions, equipment maintenance.
- Incident Commander at one of the scenes of the F4 tornado to strike the area in June 1990.
Education
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement
SouthWest Texas State University
San Marcos, TXSkills
- Career development of personnel
- Mentorship
- Fostering of a safe, learning, professional environment
- Understanding of community needs
- Strong leadership
- Ability to coordinate large incident scenes with multiple different first responder agencies
- Performance appraisals
- Community relations
- Community oriented policing
Accomplishments
FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient Supervisor Leadership Institute 2023, Executive Leadership Institute 2023, Command Leadership Institute 2024.
APD Leadership School 2024.
NIMS ICS Incident Commander 2024
NIMS ICS Special Operations Section Chief 2024.
Affiliations
- International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association
Certification
Master Peace Officer 2004
Basic Instructor Proficiency 2004
Basic Peace Officer 1994
Timeline
Police Lieutenant
Austin Police Department
07.2023 - Current
Police Sergeant, Patrol
Austin Police Department
01.2018 - 07.2023
Police Corporal
Austin Police Department
01.2009 - 01.2018
Police Officer
Austin Police Department
08.2001 - 01.2009
Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
01.1998 - 05.2001
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
09.1997 - 01.1998
Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
05.1997 - 09.1997
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Comal County Sheriff's Office
03.1996 - 05.1997
Police Officer
Texas Lutheran University
06.1994 - 09.1995
Firefighter/Paramedic
Union Township (West Chester) Fire Department
05.1990 - 07.1993
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement
SouthWest Texas State University
Similar Profiles
Andrew FiebigAndrew Fiebig
Senior Police Officer - Patrol at Austin Police DepartmentSenior Police Officer - Patrol at Austin Police Department
Rafael RosalesRafael Rosales
Sergeant, Special Operations, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) at Austin Police DepartmentSergeant, Special Operations, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) at Austin Police Department
Andrew FiebigAndrew Fiebig
Senior Police Officer at Austin Police DepartmentSenior Police Officer at Austin Police Department
Victoria BatisteVictoria Batiste
Executive Officer at Ronald Reagan High SchoolExecutive Officer at Ronald Reagan High School
Jose ChavarriaJose Chavarria
Cook/Lead Busser at Bill Millers Bar-B-QCook/Lead Busser at Bill Millers Bar-B-Q