Michael Kitchens
Decatur,AL
Summary
Experienced law enforcement supervisor with 19 years of progressive service in patrol operations, criminal investigations, street crime investigations, and narcotic investigations. Proven leader a proven leader with extensive experience managing investigative teams, supervising complex criminal cases, and developing personnel through training and mentorship. Skilled in crisis negotiation, tactical decision making, community involvement, and interagency collaboration. Recognized for strong leadership, problem-solving abilities and a commitment to professional policing, officer development, and building positive relationships with the community.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sergeant - Criminal Investigation Division
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, Alabama
03.2023 - Current
- Supervises the Violent Crime Unit, Family Services Unit, Crime Scene Unit, ICAC, and SORNA.
- Completes case assignments, case/report reviews, and case closures in the LERMS system and the respective unit spreadsheets.
- Supervised 21 homicide investigations while assigned as Sergeant in Violent Crimes.
- Scheduled on-call shifts for team members to ensure 24/7 coverage. while assisting in scheduling, overtime, and on call documentation.
Crisis Negotiation Team Supervisor
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, Alabama
06.2020 - Current
- Achieved certification as a crisis negotiator in February of 2019.
- Collaborated in designing and enhancing functionality of Negotiation Operations Center (NOC) to optimize crisis response.
- Established monthly training regimen for team, transforming initial certification into consistent skill development.
- Created and implemented real-world training scenarios each month, enhancing practical skills and readiness of team members.
- Ensured functionality of the Negotiation Operations Center and equipment for the Crisis Negotiation Team.
Sergeant - Patrol Division
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, Alabama
06.2020 - 03.2023
- Supervised daily patrol operations to enhance community safety and security.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure public safety and effective resource deployment.
- Managed shift schedules to ensure adequate staffing levels for optimal patrol coverage.
- Conducted a shift project where homeless individuals were continually involved in criminal activity. Identified over 100 homeless individuals and their camps, leading to numerous arrests and a reduction in crime with those individuals.
- Developed zone projects for officers in their respective zones in higher crime areas which led to numerous arrests for offenders conducting criminal activity.
- Reviewed reports for accuracy, ensuring reliability of information submitted for further action.
Property Crimes Detective
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, AL
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Conducted comprehensive investigations on property and financial felony cases, leading to successful case resolutions.
- Obtained and executed search and arrest warrants.
- Analyzed and collected critical evidence from crime scenes, enhancing the integrity of investigations.
- Utilized surveillance and informant management strategies to advance cases, improving prosecution outcomes.
- Conducted interviews and interrogations with witnesses, victims, and suspects.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting investigative findings.
- Attended community meetings regarding crime in specific areas related to property crimes.
Narcotics Investigator
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, Alabama
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Conducted surveillance operations to identify and monitor narcotics activities, leading to successful arrests and case developments.
- Collaborated with local and federal agencies for larger scale narcotic investigations.
- Executed search warrants in coordination with tactical teams.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to gather critical information for cases.
- Developed informants, enhancing investigation depth and facilitating critical leads.
- Organized and analyzed intelligence information to identify suspects, locations, and methods of narcotic sales, streamlining case strategies.
- Analyzed drug trends to inform strategic planning for narcotic operations.
- Engaged with community members to build trust and gather information on drug issues.
- Collaborated with federal partners on investigations in the purchasing of firearms and illegal drugs.
Anti-Crime Unit
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, Alabama
02.2013 - 07.2016
- Successfully made cases where felony arrests were made, carried through grand juries, with convictions.
- Investigated gun and drug complaints, developing cases that led to successful prosecutions.
- Established informant networks to support ongoing investigations. to further investigations and facilitated handover to narcotics investigators for larger-scale operations.
- Assisted in numerous narcotics search warrants and vehicle assaults as entry/approach team.
- Participated in 20-25 community events annually to foster community relations and enhance public safety awareness.
Patrol Officer
Decatur Police Department
Decatur, AL
09.2007 - 02.2013
- Responded to emergency calls and incidents, ensuring timely police intervention and community safety.
- Responded to radio dispatches regarding disturbances or criminal acts in progress.
- Provided assistance at crime scenes by securing areas and gathering evidence.
- Arrested individuals for crimes with successful prosecutions.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on incidents, arrests, and investigations, enhancing documentation accuracy and accountability.
- Participated in physical fitness tests to ensure readiness for active-duty service.
- Followed training programs for new recruits as a Field Training Officer, fostering their readiness for active duty.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Morgan High School
Trinity, AL05-2001
Skills
- Leadership and team supervision
- Exemplifies integrity
- Criminal investigations and case management
- Interagency collaboration and tactical decision-making
- Operational planning and tactical decision making
- Calm in high stress situations
- Community oriented policing and engagement
- Culturally sensitive
Accomplishments
- Chiefs Commendation Award - 2008
- Fit Check Award - 2011 through 2012
- Professional Image Award - 2014
- Fit Check Award - 2014 through 2019
- Master Patrolman Award - 2015 through 2020
- Medal of Commendation Award - 2015
- Chiefs Commendation Award - 2015
- Unit Citation Award - 2015
- Professional Image Award - 2018
- Unit Citation Award - 2022
Timeline
Sergeant - Criminal Investigation Division
Decatur Police Department
03.2023 - Current
Crisis Negotiation Team Supervisor
Decatur Police Department
06.2020 - Current
Sergeant - Patrol Division
Decatur Police Department
06.2020 - 03.2023
Property Crimes Detective
Decatur Police Department
06.2017 - 06.2020
Narcotics Investigator
Decatur Police Department
07.2016 - 06.2017
Anti-Crime Unit
Decatur Police Department
02.2013 - 07.2016
Patrol Officer
Decatur Police Department
09.2007 - 02.2013
High School Diploma -
West Morgan High School