Lauren Cernak
Westfield,MA
Summary
Investigative and records professional with active Top Secret clearance, NTS certification, and CJIS authorization, supporting federal background investigations and law enforcement records operations. Experienced in multi-jurisdictional records research, investigative interviewing, adjudicative documentation, and safeguarding highly sensitive information in regulated environments. Recognized for discretion, accuracy, and professional public engagement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Contractor, Records Technician
EMT Holdings
01.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive records-based research in direct support of federal background investigations under national security contracts.
- Cross-reference identity, residency history, and personal identifiers to ensure accuracy and adjudicative reliability.
- Identify discrepancies, adverse information, and potential security or suitability concerns and document findings for investigator and adjudicator review under National Training Standards (NTS).
- Perform multi-jurisdictional criminal, civil, financial, medical, employment and education record checks.
- Safeguard CUI, PII, and sensitive investigative data.
Principal Records Clerk
City of Westfield Police Department
07.2023 - Current
- Serve as the principal custodian of police records, ensuring the accuracy, security, lawful release, and legal admissibility of all department records while providing direct public-facing customer service.
- Process, manage, and disseminate criminal reports, arrest records, incident documentation, firearms licensing, restraining orders, and court-related records in compliance with Massachusetts public records law, CJIS standards, and departmental policy.
- Respond to subpoenas, court orders, public records requests, and interagency requests within mandated legal timeframes.
- Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, ethics, and public trust in handling sensitive law enforcement information.
Field Investigator
Peraton
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Completed New Investigator Training and achieved full NTS credentialing prior to conducting independent federal background investigations.
- Conducted DCSA-supported background investigations determining employment and security suitability for individuals requiring access to classified U.S. Government information.
- Performed subject and source interviews and obtained, analyzed, and verified criminal, civil, financial, education, employment, and residency records across multiple jurisdictions.
- Prepared legally defensible Reports of Investigation (ROI) supporting federal adjudicative determinations while managing multiple concurrent cases and meeting strict timeliness and quality standards.
- Maintained the highest standards of confidentiality, ethics, and protection of PII and sensitive investigative data.
Operations Associate
Sephora
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Planned and executed routine operational activities and special projects under the direction of the Operations Manager to support daily business functions.
- Improved operational efficiency by assisting with the implementation of new processes and streamlining existing workflows.
- Maintained and prioritized daily task lists and follow-ups to ensure timely completion of operational objectives.
- Mentored and supported staff on organizational best practices, workflow management, and task prioritization.
- Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and attention to detail in a fast-paced operational environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA01.2022
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL05.2019
Skills
- Research & Investigative Writing
- Interviewing & Information Collection
- Attention to Detail & Accuracy
- Efficiency & Time Management
- Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Planning, Organization & Prioritization
- Professional Interpersonal Communication
- Confidential & Sensitive Information Handling
Honors
- Chancellor's Transfer Scholarship recipient
- Chancellor's List: Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Spring 2021
- Member of Psi Chi
Certification
- NTS-Certified Federal Background Investigator
- CJIS Certified & Authorized User
Security Clearance
- Top Secret, active (April 2022)
Timeline
Independent Contractor, Records Technician
EMT Holdings
01.2025 - Current
Principal Records Clerk
City of Westfield Police Department
07.2023 - Current
Field Investigator
Peraton
04.2022 - 04.2023
Operations Associate
Sephora
06.2019 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Palm Beach State College