Michael Figueroa
Egg Harbor Township,New Jersey
Summary
Experienced law enforcement and military professional with over 20 years in U.S. Army Military Police and municipal law enforcement. Skilled in patrol operations, criminal investigations, crisis negotiation, and emergency response. Served 12 years as a military police officer with deployments in Iraq and Cuba, followed by 13 years in the Pleasantville Police Department as Patrol Sergeant and Detective. Holds active New Jersey handgun carry permit and SORA security officer license.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Patrolman
Pleasantville Police Department
Pleasantville, New Jersey
02.2012 - 03.2023
- Achieved the rank of Patrol Sergeant and supervised an assigned patrol squad.
- Directed daily patrol operations, leading and overseeing subordinate officers to ensure effective response to incidents.
- Responded to emergency calls, critical incidents, disturbances, criminal activity, and other situations requiring immediate action and sound judgment.
- Maintained professional composure and exercised sound judgment during high-pressure and rapidly changing situations.
- Coordinated with command staff, emergency personnel, and outside agencies to manage critical incidents and ensure public safety.
- Served in multiple law enforcement assignments involving patrol, criminal investigations, violent crimes (Detective), crisis response, training, personnel development (Field Training Officer), and supervision.
- Reviewed reports and ensured compliance with department policies, procedures, and professional standards.
- Mentored officers and facilitated training sessions, enhancing skills and fostering professional development within the team.
Detective
Pleasantville Police Department
Pleasantville, New Jersey
02.2012 - 03.2023
- Conducted criminal investigations involving violent crimes, victims, witnesses, and suspects.
- Interviewed victims, witnesses, and suspects to develop actionable investigative leads.
- Collected, documented, and evaluated evidence, preparing comprehensive investigative reports and case files to support case progression.
- Prepared detailed reports for case files and court presentations.
- Trained junior officers in investigative techniques and best practices to enhance overall team competencies.
- Testified in court cases to back up case evidence and detail timelines.
- Maintained confidentiality and discretion while handling sensitive investigative information.
- Obtained and executed search and arrest warrants in full compliance with legal protections.
- Collected, preserved, and analyzed evidence such as fingerprints, weapons, documents, drugs.
Crisis Negotiator
Pleasantville Police Department
Pleasantville, NJ
02.2012 - 03.2023
- Applied active listening, communication, rapport-building, negotiation, and de-escalation techniques to achieve safe resolutions.
- Responded to critical incidents involving suicidal individuals, emotionally disturbed persons, barricaded subjects, and other potentially volatile situations.
- Worked closely with command personnel and tactical teams during high-risk incidents.
- Ensured calm and professional communication during emotionally charged and rapidly evolving situations to stabilize environments.
- Assessed changing circumstances and adjusted strategies to promote safe outcomes.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals during crisis interventions to enhance support and resource availability.
- Interpreted body language and other nonverbal cues in order to better understand the dynamics of a situation.
- Conducted training sessions for officers on effective communication techniques. in effective communication techniques for negotiations.
Drill Instructor
Pleasantville Police Department
Pleasantville, New Jersey
02.2012 - 03.2023
- Instructed, supervised, and mentored police recruits preparing for careers in law enforcement.
- Reinforced professionalism, discipline, accountability, communication, and adherence to established standards to cultivate a strong foundation for recruits.
- Evaluated recruit performance and delivered constructive feedback to enhance skills and readiness for law enforcement duties.
- Mentored recruits as a professional role model, fostering development and commitment to law enforcement values.
- Prepared recruits to respond appropriately to challenging and high-pressure situations.
Field Training Officer
Pleasantville Police Department
Pleasantville, New Jersey
02.2012 - 03.2023
- Trained, evaluated, and mentored newly hired and developing police officers in real-world law enforcement operations for approximately ten years.
- Instructed on patrol procedures, officer safety, communication, report writing, decision-making, and emergency response to enhance officer readiness.
- Facilitated transition of officers from academy training to independent patrol roles, ensuring readiness for real-world scenarios.
- Created and implemented training programs for new recruits to establish a solid foundation in law enforcement procedures.
- Evaluated trainee performance and documented progress throughout the field training process.
- Taught officers how to interact professionally with members of the public while maintaining safety and security.
- Conducted hands-on training sessions in community engagement tactics.
Military Police Sergeant
U.S. Army National Guard
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
09.2010 - 03.2017
- Maintained mission readiness, security, and professional standards under challenging conditions.
- Implemented military laws and regulations to ensure compliance and order.
- Collaborated with military personnel to enhance operational readiness and security measures.
- Addressed emergency situations, including natural disasters and civil disturbances, to ensure safety and continuity of operations.
- Maintained weapons qualifications through regular firearms training exercises.
- Participated in daily briefings with senior command staff to discuss current operations and any new directives from higher headquarters.
- Compiled detailed reports on incidents, activities, and observations to support informed decision-making.
- Served approximately 10 months in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of U.S. military operations.
Military Police Sergeant
U.S. Army Active Duty
Newport News, Virginia
06.2005 - 06.2010
- Served approximately 15 months in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Monitored access control points in Iraq and U.S. bases to maintain security and safety for personnel and assets.
- Trained and mentored junior soldiers in law enforcement and combat procedures as a squad leader.
- Guided and mentored junior enlisted personnel to improve their law enforcement skills and ensure adherence to protocols.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on incidents, violations, and investigations to support decision-making and enhance operational readiness.
- Operated communications systems to facilitate real-time reporting from field units to headquarters. used by field units to report back to headquarters.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pleasantville High School
Pleasantville, NJ06-2004
Skills
- Criminal investigations
- Evidence collection
- Report writing
- Crisis intervention
- Emergency response
- De-escalation
- Active listening
- Conflict resolution
- Public safety
- Tactical communication
- First aid and CPR
- Teamwork
Certification
- New Jersey permit to carry a handgun (Active)
- New Jersey SORA security officer license (Active)
- Former New Jersey Police Training Commission (NJ-PTC) certified police officer (expired)
Timeline
Police Patrolman
Pleasantville Police Department
02.2012 - 03.2023
Detective
Pleasantville Police Department
02.2012 - 03.2023
Crisis Negotiator
Pleasantville Police Department
02.2012 - 03.2023
Drill Instructor
Pleasantville Police Department
02.2012 - 03.2023
Field Training Officer
Pleasantville Police Department
02.2012 - 03.2023
Military Police Sergeant
U.S. Army National Guard
09.2010 - 03.2017
Military Police Sergeant
U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2005 - 06.2010
High School Diploma -
Pleasantville High School