Profile
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Awards & Commendations
Timeline

MANUEL A. RIOS

ARRIVE Program
Piscataway,NJ
2
Languages
1
Certification
18
years of professional experience

Experienced law enforcement professional with approximately 22 years of experience in investigations, patrol operations, supervision, crisis response, and community safety. Proven ability to conduct investigations, identify trends, analyze incidents, resolve conflicts, and develop risk mitigation strategies. Strong communication, problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills with extensive experience collaborating with hospitals, mental health providers, prosecutors, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Skilled in incident review, regulatory and policy compliance, staff education, de-escalation, and sensitive face-to-face communication. Brings a strong background in investigative documentation, program outcome evaluation, collaborative problem-solving, and loss reduction strategies, with a demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, and organizational objectives.

Work History

Patrol Sergeant / ARRIVE Program Supervisor

1 Year 1 Month
ARRIVE Program | 01.2025 - 02.2026
  • Oversaw daily operations of the ARRIVE mental health response program, coordinating patrol officers and clinicians during crisis incidents.
  • Oversaw daily operations of ARRIVE mental health response program, coordinating patrol officers and clinicians to effectively manage crisis incidents.
  • Trained and mentored officers on crisis intervention, trauma-informed policing, and alternative response procedures.
  • Reviewed reports, use-of-force incidents, and arrests for accuracy and policy compliance, identifying training needs for continuous improvement.
  • Monitored program outcomes, including repeat calls for service and service engagement, to evaluate effectiveness.
  • Assisted command staff with program development, policy implementation, and operational planning.
  • Monitored program outcomes to assess effectiveness, tracking repeat calls for service and service engagement.
  • Reviewed reports, use-of-force incidents, and arrests for accuracy, policy compliance, and training needs.

Detective/ARRIVE

1 Year 2 Months
Franklin Township Police Department | 11.2023 - 01.2025
  • Conducted follow-up investigations involving repeat service calls, mental health crises, substance abuse, homelessness, and quality-of-life incidents within the municipality.
  • Performed proactive outreach and home visits to individuals and families to reduce repeat calls for service and improve community safety.
  • Reviewed police reports, CAD data, arrest records, and field interviews to identify individuals for alternative responses and case management, enhancing resource allocation.
  • Conducted proactive outreach and home visits to individuals and families, leading to reduced repeat calls for service and strengthened community safety.
  • Coordinated with patrol officers, supervisors, and specialized units to develop response strategies emphasizing public safety and voluntary compliance.
  • Coordinated with patrol officers, supervisors, and specialized units to develop response strategies focused on public safety and fostering voluntary compliance.
  • Served as a liaison between the police department and community stakeholders to strengthen trust and collaborative problem-solving.

Patrol Officer

3 Years 8 Months
Franklin Township Police Department | 03.2020 - 11.2023
  • Handled routine patrol functions, secured initial scene investigations, prepared reports for follow-up, enforced motor vehicle laws, and addressed various calls for service.
  • Enforced traffic regulations, ensuring public safety and compliance with local laws.
  • Conducted routine patrols to deter crime and maintain community policing presence.
  • Responded to emergency calls, providing timely assistance and support to citizens in need.

Investigator (Crime Suppression-North/Task Force officer)

1 Year 2 Months
New Jersey State Police | 01.2019 - 03.2020
  • Conducted undercover narcotics investigations that dismantled low- to mid-level drug trafficking operations and disrupted distribution networks.
  • Executed controlled purchases, covert surveillance, and evidence collection in compliance with state and federal law.
  • Infiltrated drug trafficking organizations to identify sources of supply, distribution methods, and criminal associates.
  • Developed and managed confidential informants, facilitating critical intelligence that advanced narcotics investigations.
  • Prepared comprehensive investigative reports, affidavits, and case packages that strengthened search warrants and supported successful prosecutions.
  • Coordinated with state and federal partners and prosecutors to advance cases through arrest, indictment, and court proceedings.

Investigator (Task Force Officer)

2 Years
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office | 12.2016 - 12.2018
  • Affirmed as the Affiant of a Title III telephonic wiretap investigation.
  • Participated in surveillance operations, undercover buys, controlled buys, tactical raids, and street rips to support successful narcotic investigations.
  • Conducted investigations that involved collecting evidence and utilizing criminal informants.
  • Managed investigative projects independently, leveraging analytic and problem-solving skills to exhaust all available leads and enhance case outcomes.
  • Testified in Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, Grand Jury, and Superior Court.
  • Completed reports and cases with persistence, thoroughness, and prompt attention to detail.

Crime Suppression Unit

2 Years 9 Months
Franklin Township Police Department | 03.2014 - 12.2016
  • Led proactive enforcement unit targeting street gang influence within township. Utilized crime trend analysis to identify potential criminal activity and developed actionable strategies addressing each concern. Collaborated with confidential informants, conducted covert surveillance, and executed narcotics investigations while coordinating with county, state, and federal agencies.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Patrol Officer

6 Years 4 Months
Franklin Township Police Department | 11.2007 - 03.2014
  • Conducted routine patrol functions, handled and secured initial scene investigations, prepared reports for further follow-up, enforced motor vehicle laws, and managed various calls for service.
  • Enforced laws and regulations to ensure public safety and community compliance.
  • Conducted routine patrols to deter criminal activity and promote neighborhood security.
  • Responded promptly to emergency calls, coordinating with other emergency services for effective resolution.

Education

Master of Arts - Public Administration (LEEL)

Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ

Dean’s list Graduate

Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice

Rutgers University-Newark | Newark, NJ

Dean’s List Graduate

Skills

Communication and interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution and de-escalation
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Investigative and incident review
Crisis intervention
Collaborative problem-solving
Trend analysis
Risk mitigation
Regulatory and policy compliance
Attention to detail
Case management and follow-up
Stakeholder coordination
Staff education and mentoring
Report writing and documentation
Public safety and loss reduction
Community outreach and engagement
Interviewing and information gathering
Program outcome evaluation
Supervisory leadership
Cross-agency collaboration

Certification

  • July 2025- Performance and Accountability Supervisory Training
  • October 2023- Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Certification
  • September 2023- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) Instructor
  • June 2023- MOI (Method Of Instructions) Certification
  • July 2017- FBI/State Police Undercover Narcotics Training
  • May 2016-Operation Pipeline Training-DEA/EPIC
  • May 2016-Operation Jetway Training DEA/EPIC
  • April 2016-Arrest, Search and Seizure Update Course
  • February 2016-High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
  • October 2014-Undercover Narcotics Investigative Training (UNIT)
  • June 2014-Top Gun-State of NJ Statewide Narcotics Task Force
  • September 2013-Domestic Drug Interdiction-Maryland Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force
  • July 2013-Hotel Motel Interdiction/Concealed compartments-High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
  • May 2013- FBI Hostage Negotiator Certification
  • May 2007- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus-NJ STATE POLICE
  • April 2007- Certified Oleoresin Capsicum Instructor
  • November 2006- Certified Field Training Officer
  • June 2005- Basic Police Officer Course (Essex County Police Academy)

Languages

English– Native tongue
Spanish– speak fluently and read/write with high proficiency

Awards & Commendations

October 2025- Arrive Officer of the year, May 2025- FTPD Excellence in Crisis Award, June 2024- FTPD commendation award for Meritorious Service, June 2018- Law Enforcement Award (New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association), November 2014- Two Hundred Club/PBA Recipient of the Valor Award, October 2007- Rutgers Police Staff Excellence Award (Officer of the Year), October 2007- The New Jersey College and University Public Safety Associations (CUPSA) Commendation for Meritorious Service

Timeline

Patrol Sergeant / ARRIVE Program Supervisor

ARRIVE Program
01.2025 - 02.2026Read More

Detective/ARRIVE

Franklin Township Police Department
11.2023 - 01.2025Read More

Patrol Officer

Franklin Township Police Department
03.2020 - 11.2023Read More

Investigator (Crime Suppression-North/Task Force officer)

New Jersey State Police
01.2019 - 03.2020Read More

Investigator (Task Force Officer)

Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
12.2016 - 12.2018Read More

Crime Suppression Unit

Franklin Township Police Department
03.2014 - 12.2016Read More

Patrol Officer

Franklin Township Police Department
11.2007 - 03.2014Read More

Seton Hall University

Master of Arts from Public Administration (LEEL)
Read More

Rutgers University-Newark

Bachelors of Science from Criminal Justice
Read More
MANUEL A. RIOS