Matthew Peterson
Kearns,UT
Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented with extensive experience in law enforcement investigations, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. Skilled in conducting inspections, investigating violations, and enforcing state, county and municipal laws, ordinances, and codes. Demonstrates a strong background in evidence collection, documentation, and enforcement procedures, with proven ability to collaborate effectively with local agencies, property owners, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance and maintain safe, well-ordered neighborhoods. Experienced in coordinating and delivering law enforcement and public safety training programs, including topics such as personal safety, investigative techniques, and community relations. Committed to promoting transparency, professionalism, and community trust through fair, consistent, and proactive enforcement practices. Recognized for exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills in high-accountability environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Detective/Executive Protection
Salt Lake County Sheriff
Salt Lake County, UT
09.2020 - 10.2024
- Conducted thorough investigations into a wide range of criminal cases, ensuring all leads were pursued and evidence was meticulously collected for reliable case resolution.
- Developed and implemented an Executive Protection Unit standard operating procedures and training curriculum, helping to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
- Led high-profile security operations for various public events, which ensured the safety of thousands of attendees while maintaining a calm atmosphere, demonstrating the importance of proactive threat management.
- Collaborated with local and federal law enforcement agencies to gather intelligence, helping to develop comprehensive security plans that effectively mitigated risks and enhanced community trust in safety measures.
- Trained and mentored a team of junior officers in surveillance techniques and threat assessment, which improved overall team readiness and response times during critical incidents, ultimately strengthening our protective services.
- Conducted thorough threat assessments and coordinated with other executive protection units to ensure high-profile individuals and facilities remained secure during special operations or elevated risk scenarios.
- Developed actionable intelligence by analyzing surveillance data, managing confidential informants, and synthesizing information from multiple sources to support major ongoing investigations.
Law Enforcement Training Coordinator
Salt Lake County Sheriff
09.2015 - 09.2020
- Plan, coordinate, and manage comprehensive law enforcement training programs, including recruit academies, in-service certifications, firearms qualifications, and specialized continuing education.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal training standards; maintain accurate records and manage learning management systems (LMS) to track officer certifications and readiness.
- Collaborate with command staff, instructors, and external agencies to identify training needs and develop curriculum supporting community safety and regulatory enforcement.
- Deliver instruction on investigative procedures, evidence handling, and legal updates to enhance officers’ ability to enforce municipal and state codes.
- Promote professionalism, accountability, and community trust through proactive communication, transparency, and ethics-focused training.
- Designed and delivered community education programs addressing local ordinances, public safety, and code compliance awareness.
- Facilitated partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations to reduce violations and improve neighborhood conditions.
- Represented the department at community meetings, promoting understanding of municipal regulations and code enforcement processes.
- Trained and mentored over 100 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
Deputy Sheriff/Court Bailiff
Salt Lake County Sheriff
12.1996 - 09.2020
- Managed access to the courtroom and other restricted areas, ensuring that only authorized personnel, such as judges, attorneys, and parties involved in the case, enter specific spaces.
- Successfully conducted thorough security checks and screenings of individuals and vehicles, ensuring the prevention of unauthorized access to the premises.
- Exemplified a strong presence to effectively discourage criminal and drug-related behavior.
- Maintained a visible presence during court proceedings to prevent disruptions or violent outbursts. Monitored the behavior of people in the courtroom, making sure all parties adhere to courtroom decorum.
- Diligently upheld property security measures, issuing citations when necessary, to guarantee the safety of individuals and assets.
- Tasked with addressing disturbances or security threats, which could involve removing individuals from the courtroom or calling for additional law enforcement support.
- Responsible for the safe transportation of defendants to and from the courtroom. This included escorting individuals in custody from holding cells to the courtroom and ensuring they remain secure during the proceedings.
- Provided physical security to judges, ensuring their safety both inside and outside the courtroom.
Corrections Officer
Salt Lake County Sheriff
01.2005 - 09.2008
- Responsible for maintaining safety, security, and order within the jail facility.
- Monitored the daily activities of inmates to ensure compliance with facility rules and regulations.
- Identified and de-escalated potentially volatile situations to prevent fights, riots, or escape attempts.
- Conducted routine cell inspections and personal searches to detect and confiscate contraband (e.g., weapons, drugs, or unauthorized items).
- Recorded and reported behavioral changes, emotional distress, or signs of mental illness that may require intervention.
- Interacted professionally with inmates to promote respect and reduce tension while maintaining authority.
- Encouraged participation in educational, vocational, or counseling programs that support rehabilitation and reentry into society.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado01.2019
Skills
- Code Enforcement
- Ordinance Interpretation
- Field Inspections
- Evidence Collection
- Public Safety
- Investigations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Report Writing
- Community Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Training & Development
- Multi-Agency Collaboration
- Code Enforcement & Regulatory Compliance
- Municipal Ordinance Interpretation & Enforcement
- Evidence Collection & Case Documentation
- Investigations & Field Reporting
- Conflict Resolution & Community Relations
- Legal Procedures & Due Process
- Public Safety Education & Outreach
- Report Writing & Record Management
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement & City Departments
- Training Coordination & Program Administration
- Time Management & Organizational Efficiency
- Communication & Public Engagement
Certification
- Special Functions Officer Certification (POST Certified) | Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) – 1995
- Basic Corrections Officer Certification (POST Certified) | Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) – 1998
- Instructor Development | Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) – 1998
- Firearms Instructor Certification | Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)–2020
- Defensive Tactics & Use of Force Instructor Certification / Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)– 2010
Timeline
Detective/Executive Protection
Salt Lake County Sheriff
09.2020 - 10.2024
Law Enforcement Training Coordinator
Salt Lake County Sheriff
09.2015 - 09.2020
Corrections Officer
Salt Lake County Sheriff
01.2005 - 09.2008
Deputy Sheriff/Court Bailiff
Salt Lake County Sheriff
12.1996 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Colorado Technical University
Additional Training
- Community Policing & Public Engagement
- Investigative Report Writing & Case Management
- Evidence Handling & Courtroom Testimony
- Threat Assessments