Michael Torralba
Eagle Pass,TX
Summary
Dedicated Senior-level Criminal Investigator with over 29 years of experience, focused on keeping general public safe through superior investigation of crimes and offenses. Assists fellow employees, superiors and community leaders in complex investigations of crimes against people, property crimes and organized crime. Perform with a thorough collection of procedures for accurate investigations. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced working environment. Enhanced education with a Masters of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's School of Law.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Investigator, Border Prosecution Unit
District Attorney's Office, 293rd Judicial District
01.2021 - Current
- Promoted to B.P.U. / O.L.S. Chief Criminal Investigator in August 2023
- Manage two Investigators and two Paralegals and ensure subpoenas, indictments, open cases, discovery and file motions are prepared in accordance with the district's legal standards
- Investigate felony cases for indictment and prosecution with jurisdiction over three Texas counties – Dimmit, Maverick, and Zavala.
- Collaborated with legal teams on high-profile cases, supplying crucial evidence that led to successful prosecutions or convictions.
- Designed and implemented innovative strategies for evidence collection, resulting in more accurate case resolutions.
- Established effective partnerships with external agencies, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
K-9, DARE, FTO - Police Officer
Eagle Pass Independent School District
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Safeguarded over 13,300 students and faculty and patrolled 24 campuses and administration buildings
- Investigated state crimes and enforced school district policy
- Detained >100 juveniles for possession of illegal substances, theft, and simple assault
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Trained new officers on department policies and procedures, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Assisted in the seizure of illegal drugs and contraband by performing perimeter sweeps and vehicle searches with a trained K-9 partner.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Civil Process Officer, Sergeant, Criminal Investigator
Maverick County Sheriff's Office
01.1997 - 01.2012
- Performed law enforcement duties including patrolling the County's 1,280 square miles and investigating major crimes
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 4 officers in a shift.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
TCOLE Instructor
Southwest Texas College
01.2019 - Current
- TCOLE Instructor with the Middle Rio Grande Regional Law Enforcement Academy
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction.
- Instructed TCOLE mandates and courses to promote Texas Peace Officers level of license.
Security Officer
TriCorps Security
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Served as Security Officer (part-time) providing a safe working environment for employees and inspecting buildings for safety regulations
- Patrolled and monitored premises in company vehicle, on bicycle, and by foot.
Head of Security Operations
Salem Carriers
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Hired, trained, and supervised security officers, managed schedule, and payroll
- Managed physical security enhancements including access control systems, CCTV installations, and perimeter protection measures.
- Enhanced security operations by developing and implementing comprehensive policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
Tribal Security Officer
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Enforced tribal laws and protected reservation of 1,100 enrolled members
- Acted quickly during emergency situations to reduce opportunity for damage and injury.
- Prevented unauthorized access to facilities by enforcing strict entry protocols and verifying identification.
- Wrote detailed reports on property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons and unusual incidences.
- Executed security rules and procedures and calmly and promptly escorted non-compliant individuals out of Tribal lands.
Barton Protective Services
01.1980 - 01.1996
- Maintained a security presence to deter crime
I.T.S. Security
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Maintained a security presence to mall guests and store employees
Education
Masters of Jurisprudence - Criminal Science And Education Law
St. Mary's School of Law
San Antonio, TX05.2024
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
Sul Ross State University
San Antonio, TX12.2021
Associate of Applied Science & Associate of Fine Arts - Criminal Justice
Southwest Texas College
Eagle Pass, TX07.2021
Basic Peace Officer Certificate -
Del Rio Police Academy
Eagle Pass01.1996
Skills
- Crime scene management
- Detailed report writing
- Ethical and honest
- Witness interviews
- Background checks
- Court testimony
- Records handling
- Fugitive location and apprehension
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
Certification
- FBI-LEEDA E-Trilogy Certificate
- Supervisor Liability, Advanced Supervisor Liability and First Amendment Course
- School-Based Law Enforcement Certification
- D.A.R.E. Officer Certification, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Instructor
- Master Peace Officer Certification
- Texas Peace Officer License
- Field Training Officer Certification
- Certified Narcotics K-9 Handler
- Terrorism Awareness for First Responders Certification
- Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigator Certification
Accomplishments
- Sul Ross University Dean's List, Spring 2021
- National Society of Leadership & Success, Nomination 2021
- National Honor Society, Nomination, 2021
- TCOLE Academic Recognition, July 2021
- E.P.I.S.D. Police Department Police Officer of the Month, July 2020
Affiliations
- Texas District & County Attorneys Association, Member since 2021
- Texas Municipal Police Association, Member
- National Narcotic Detector Dog Association, Member
- Safe Routes to Schools Community, Member since 2002
- Title V SafeSchools Program (now part of Vector Solutions), Member
- Eagle Pass Evening Lions Club, Member
- Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Chapter 37, President
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Chief Investigator, Border Prosecution Unit
District Attorney's Office, 293rd Judicial District
01.2021 - Current
TCOLE Instructor
Southwest Texas College
01.2019 - Current
K-9, DARE, FTO - Police Officer
Eagle Pass Independent School District
01.2013 - 01.2021
Security Officer
TriCorps Security
01.2010 - 01.2015
Head of Security Operations
Salem Carriers
01.1998 - 01.2001
Civil Process Officer, Sergeant, Criminal Investigator
Maverick County Sheriff's Office
01.1997 - 01.2012
Tribal Security Officer
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
01.1995 - 01.1997
I.T.S. Security
01.1993 - 01.1995
Barton Protective Services
01.1980 - 01.1996
Masters of Jurisprudence - Criminal Science And Education Law
St. Mary's School of Law
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
Sul Ross State University
Associate of Applied Science & Associate of Fine Arts - Criminal Justice
Southwest Texas College
Basic Peace Officer Certificate -
Del Rio Police Academy
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