Michael Ames
Chief Of Police
Potsdam,New York
Summary
A unique blend of leadership and analytical skills, eager to learn and develop within a public safety environment. Strong critical thinking and decision-making capabilities, quickly adapting to new challenges. Ready to utilize and enhance skills in strategic planning and community engagement as Director of Security.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief of Police
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2023 - Current
- Policy Development: Developed and managed a new comprehensive policy manual.
- Collective Bargaining: Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with unions representing police staff.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar budget, consistently delivering services within fiscal constraints while maximizing available resources for crime prevention efforts.
- Committee Leadership: Served as co-chair of the NYS Counter Terrorism Zone 8 Committee.
- Efficiency Improvement: Implemented a new scheduling and time management system to increase efficiency.
- Government Advisory: Attended and advised during all local government meetings.
- Promoted transparency and accountability with the implementation of body-worn cameras and regular reporting to the public.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to enhance regional security and information sharing capabilities.
Police Lieutenant
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2023
- Primarily responsible for investigating major crimes, including sexual assaults, death investigations, and financial crimes.
- As the agency's crime intelligence officer, received and relayed information from a network of local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
- Played a key role in leading a multi-agency homicide investigation, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of Michael Snow in 2022.
- As a Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations BEST Taskforce, conducted numerous multi-agency investigations and operations across northern New York's border region.
Police Sergeant
Potsdam Village Police Department
05.2011 - 08.2016
- Supervised and oversaw police operations for a platoon of officers in the Village of Potsdam, NY.
- Served as the lead drug investigator with the SLC Drug Task Force, where I developed and managed confidential informants, conducted surveillance operations, and executed controlled purchases of narcotics.
- Participated in multiple long-term wiretap investigations, resulting in the arrests and prosecutions of numerous drug trafficking organization members.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on best practices for policing techniques and career advancement opportunities.
Police Officer
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2006 - 05.2011
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Instructed at local police academy.
- Served as an investigator with the St. Lawrence County Drug Taskforce.
Staff Sergeant
New York Army National Guard
03.2000 - 03.2013
- Deployed to Iraq in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Deployed to the Mexican border region in 2006 in support of Operation Desert Sun.
- Deployed to NYC, the Canadian border region, and the Indian Point Nuclear Power Facility in support of Operation Noble Eagle following the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Suny Canton
Canton, NY 05.2001 - 08.2006
Skills
Emergency management
Strategic leadership
School safety
Physical fitness
Intelligence gathering
Collaborative approach
Tactical operations
Labor relations
Crime prevention
Job Related Training
- NYSACOP Police Executives Course, 03/01/24
- NYS Police Supervisors Course, 09/01/11
- Police Field Training Officers Course, 01/01/11
- ICS-200, 09/01/11
- Basic Course for Police Officers, 05/01/06
- Search Warrant Training Course, 09/01/15
- HSI Task Force Officer Course, 09/01/14
- Reid Technique Interview and Interrogation Course, 07/01/10
- Henry Williams Associates Homicide Investigators Conference, 09/01/17
- Henry Williams Associates Homicide Investigators Conference, 09/01/22
- NYS Police Campus Sexual Assault Seminar, 12/01/16
- NYS Field Intelligence Officer Basic Course, 10/01/16
- US DOJ-DEA Opioid Investigation & Overdose Prosecution Seminar, 12/01/17
- Initial Response to Active Shooter Course, 08/01/17
- Patrol Rifle Operator Course, 08/01/17
- Team Tactics for Patrol Officer Course, 03/01/17
- Close Quarter Tactics for Patrol Officers Course, 07/01/16
- Tactical Warrant Execution Course, 06/02/23
- Reality Based Training Instructor Course, 12/01/18
- Law Enforcement Active Shooter Response Instructor Course, 01/01/19
- NYS Police Firearms Instructor Course, 09/01/18
- TASER Energy Weapons Instructor Course, 08/01/23
- NYS Police Defensive Tactics Instructor Course, 08/01/18
- Law Police General Topics Instructor Course, 01/01/11
Organizations And Affiliations
- New York State Association of Chiefs of Police - Member
- International Association of Chiefs of Police - member
- NYS Counter Terrorism and Emergency Services Zone 8 Committee - Co-Chairman
Military Service
- Infantry School, Ft. Benning, GA
- Warrior Leader Course, Ft. Indian Town Gap, PA
- Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Ft. Indian Town Gap, PA
- Advanced Infantry Leaders Course, Jericho, VT
- Unstablized Gunnery Expert Course, Ft Drum, NY
Timeline
Chief of Police
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2023 - Current
Police Lieutenant
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2023
Police Sergeant
Potsdam Village Police Department
05.2011 - 08.2016
Police Officer
Potsdam Village Police Department
08.2006 - 05.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Suny Canton
05.2001 - 08.2006
Staff Sergeant
New York Army National Guard
03.2000 - 03.2013