Laurie McKeel
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Resourceful homicide detective with over 20 years' experience. Tenaciously applied modern and traditional tactics to solve hundreds of complex homicide cases. Utilized thorough evidence collection and analysis to inform accurate investigative direction. Proven track record of working with prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to secure convictions of violent offenders.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Cold Case Homicide Investigator
City Of Pittsburgh Bureau Of Police
03.2023 - Current
- Work with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Investigations Branch Violent Crimes Squad in grant-supported position to develop new leads and strategies on "cold cases."
- Re-interview suspects, victims and witnesses.
- Re-examine case files and evidence to consider additional investigative angles.
- Apply advances in cell phone technology, DNA evidence, fingerprinting, and Genetic Genealogy to cold cases.
Homicide Detective
Allegheny County Police Department
10.2012 - 02.2023
- Investigated hundreds of murders, violent crimes and suspicious deaths.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and develop leads.
- Interrogated suspects with a high confession rate.
- Identified, collected and processed evidence; examined bodies and investigated secondary scenes to build cases based on best evidence handling practices.
- Developed investigative leads through cell phone downloads, cell phone records, license plate readers and video surveillance footage.
- Wrote detailed reports documenting investigative actions, including leads not pursued.
- Secured and served search warrants, court orders and arrest warrants related to ongoing cases in accordance with constitutional standards.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Offered advice, guidance and leadership to junior detectives.
Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Detective
Allegheny County Police Department
10.2006 - 10.2012
- Investigated sexual assault and child abuse crimes by interviewing victims, suspects and witnesses.
- Superior clearance and conviction rate in hundreds of cases.
- Collected and processed physical and digital evidence. Followed up with Allegheny County Crime Lab to determine evidentiary value of items collected.
- Assisted in development and implementation of Allegheny County Police Child Abduction Response Team (CART).
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PAParalegal Studies - Certification
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CABachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
Penn State University
University Park, PASkills
- Co-affiant in "no-body" homicide warrant, which resulted in the successful prosecution of killer
- Identified and apprehended a self proclaimed "aspiring serial killer," who was actively planning additional murders
- Used innovative strategies to obtain search and arrest warrants in cold cases that were decades old
- Consistently maintained a high clearance rate (over 75%) throughout my career
- Police Academy Instructor (17 years)
- SWAT Crisis Negotiator (17 years)
Certifications and Training
- FBI Outdoor Crime Scene Evidence Collection (24 hours)
- FBI Instructor Development Course (40 hours)
- FBI Basic Crisis Negotiator Course Training (40 hours)
- National Tactical Officers Association Advanced Crisis Negotiations (24 hours)
- Crisis Intervention Team, Allegheny County Department of Human Services (40 hours)
- Certified Collision Investigator (Levels I and II), Pennsylvania State Police
- Various Interview and Interrogation courses by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and NTOA.
- Behavioral Analysis of Violent Crime, California University of Pennsylvania Center for Criminological & Forensic Sciences
Timeline
Cold Case Homicide Investigator
City Of Pittsburgh Bureau Of Police
03.2023 - Current
Homicide Detective
Allegheny County Police Department
10.2012 - 02.2023
Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Detective
Allegheny County Police Department
10.2006 - 10.2012
Master of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Point Park University
Paralegal Studies - Certification
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
Penn State University
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