Melissa E. Flores

Assisted law enforcement with hostage situations, suspects under lockdown, and other high-risk circumstances. Defused tense circumstances with the use of crisis negotiation techniques that were developed and put into action. Conducted interviews with witnesses or organizations that were engaged in hostile or hazardous circumstances. Kept consistent communication with the suspect and the person holding the hostages via a bullhorn, loudspeaker, and telephone. Interpreted body language and other nonverbal cues in order to better understand the dynamics of a situation. Created tactical measures for staff members to guarantee their safety during these events. Facilitated communication between command post staff and on-scene law enforcement officials. Offered victims of tragic incidents emotional help by introducing them to our mental health professionals to provide specialized services when needed. Collected information from a variety of sources, such as news articles, police reports, and social media to assist with the identification of the suspect(s) and or hostages. Created assessments with all the possible dangers connected to different options in a crisis and always kept an ear on radio communications and informed commanders about the status of current activities as information was brough to light. Prepared detailed reports summarizing activities conducted during each incident. The Crisis Negotiation Team is required to be available (24) twenty-four hours a day, (7) seven days a week, and available to respond to preplanned and emergency callouts. While maintaining this position it is required to continually update our knowledge, skills, and abilities through research, specialized training schools, seminars, continuing education, and self-development courses specifically related to crisis negotiations. As a negotiator I attend monthly and annual Crisis Negotiator training per our department standard operating procedures (SOP).

I am a part of a team who Investigates child sexual abuse, child death, child physical abuse, child neglect, missing/runaway juveniles, and other cases of juvenile crime to include status offenses. I conduct suspect and victim interviews to determine the severity of the offense. I work closely with Juvenile Court, DCS, the District Attorney’s Office, the Child Protective Investigative Team, and other related agencies to better assist severely traumatized victims and their families.

Part of being an investigator, I attend specialized schools and training frequently to further my personal investigative development and techniques in the use of audio/video equipment and interview and interrogation.

When working with suspects I create various types of warrants and case binders in preparation for prosecution in court and or Grand Jury. As an investigator I work a variety of adjusted shifts and hours to include working holidays and twenty-four hour on-call status.

As a patrol officer I prepared detailed reports on incidents and arrests made. Responded to emergency calls for service and protected citizens by preventing crime, enforcing laws and apprehending suspects. Patrolled assigned areas to detect and prevent criminal activity. Gathered evidence, interviewed victims and interrogated suspects to conduct thorough criminal investigations. Provided security at public events such as parades, concerts, or sporting events. Conducted traffic stops in accordance with departmental protocol. Arrested suspects following established procedures while exercising caution and good judgment and communicated with victims, suspects and witnesses to gather and provide information regarding criminal events. Investigated suspicious persons or activities to determine if criminal activity was present and provided testimony in court when necessary, concerning investigations conducted. Performed CPR and other rescue techniques on individuals in medical emergencies. Advised citizens on safety precautions and preventive measures against crime. Ensured compliance with local laws by performing periodic safety inspections of businesses. Served criminal warrants and subpoenas to suspects in public and private locations and maintained order during civil disturbances or protests. Documented observations and actions by radioing information and completing reports. Performed searches for missing persons using a variety of investigative methods. Investigated illegal or suspicious activities, performing direct follow-up or reporting findings to appropriate senior personnel.

Service member for the last fifteen years and have deployed three times to various countries. My duties consisted of transporting hazardous materials safely following established guidelines. Operating all-wheel vehicles and equipment over variety of terrain and roadways for support of combat operations. Inspected and maintained vehicles to ensure they were safe for operation. Maintained safety and security of cargo, personnel and equipment in convoy. Filled out necessary paperwork such as logbooks prior to beginning each trip. Notified supervisors of defects, vehicle damage or traffic violations. Stayed current on tactical planning and defensive strategies. Planned routes based on local laws, weather conditions, time constraints and terrain. Provided guidance to team members on how to effectively complete tasks within established timelines. Supervised subordinate staff in carrying out daily duties and activities. Organized and coordinated meetings between senior management and other departments across the organization. Resolved conflicts between Soldiers or platoons that arose due to misunderstandings or miscommunication. Coached and mentored Soldiers on professional and physical development goals. Fostered a positive work environment by recognizing individual achievements.