MICHELLE SOARES
Dalton,NH
Summary
I am a newly retired, seasoned law enforcement professional with extensive experience in investigations and security, notably with the State of New Hampshire. I will be moving to Wilmington, North Carolina at the end of January 2025. I am an expert in forensic interviewing and solving high profile criminal investigations, demonstrating strong analytical and communication skills. I have achieved significant enhancements in crime resolution, leveraging advanced investigative techniques and fostering inter-agency collaboration. I am certified in Instructor Development and as a Field Training Officer, embodying leadership and continuous improvement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Court Security Officer
State of New Hampshire - Judicial Branch
02.2024 - Current
- Assisted in emergency situations with quick response times and effective coordination with law enforcement agencies.
- Played an active role in developing new strategies for enhancing courthouse security based on assessments of existing measures'' effectiveness.
- Increased overall courthouse safety through meticulous monitoring of surveillance systems and prompt reaction to any suspicious activity observed.
- Provided detailed incident reports to supervisors, facilitating improved decision-making regarding ongoing security measures.
- Conducted regular patrols of the courthouse perimeter, identifying potential vulnerabilities and addressing them promptly.
Investigator / Division Prosecutor
State of New Hampshire - Division of Enforcement
12.2011 - 12.2024
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Maintain a professional tone.
- Offered training seminars on investigative techniques, elevating the skill level within the department and fostering collaboration among team members.
- Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
- Conducted comprehensive background checks, contributing to informed hiring decisions and improved workplace safety.
- Ensured compliance with legal regulations during investigations, minimizing risk for litigation or procedural errors.
- Uncovered critical evidence by meticulously analyzing financial records and other documents related to investigations.
- Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Coordinated crime scene searches methodically for comprehensive evidence collection ensuring no critical elements are missed.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
- Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
- Conducted thorough research on applicable statutes and case law to build compelling legal theories that supported a winning argument.
- Testified in court during criminal and civil proceedings and trials.
- Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
- Appeared in court and testified under oath in Criminal and Civil cases.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
Detective
Town of Littleton, New Hampshire
08.2007 - 12.2011
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Coordinated crime scene searches methodically for comprehensive evidence collection ensuring no critical elements are missed.
- Prioritized multiple active cases efficiently by continually reassessing urgency levels based on emerging factors such as public safety concerns or new leads.
- Mentored junior detectives to improve their investigative skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
- Collected crime scene evidence, examined bodies, and investigated secondary locations to build detailed cases based on sound evidence handling practices.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
- Wrote detailed reports outlining case findings for internal files and legal purposes.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Documented drug transactions to gather evidence and complete undercover investigations.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
- Performed extensive research on criminal backgrounds and patterns using various databases for accurate suspect profiling.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new developments in forensic science and investigation methodologies.
- Developed strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for collaborative efforts in solving high-profile cases.
- Solved complex cases with thorough investigation and critical thinking.
- Analyzed crime patterns to predict and prevent future criminal activity.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Appeared in court and testified under oath in Criminal and Civil cases.
Patrol Officer
Town of Littleton, New Hampshire
08.2000 - 08.2007
- Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Collaborated with fellow officers for efficient crime prevention and response efforts.
- Enhanced public safety by patrolling assigned areas and responding to emergency situations promptly.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement agencies during joint operations or investigations to ensure efficient communication and teamwork.
- Handled crisis situations effectively by utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and sound judgment under pressure.
- Conducted thorough searches of individuals or vehicles when required by departmental policies or legal procedures, preserving evidence for potential prosecution purposes.
- Testified in court cases as needed, providing clear and concise accounts of events witnessed or investigated.
- Investigated suspicious activities, deterring potential criminal behavior and maintaining community security.
- Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting daily patrols, incidents encountered, and actions taken during shifts.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
- Led community workshops on safety awareness, enhancing public knowledge and preventive practices.
- Conducted thorough investigations to solve crimes, bringing closure to affected individuals.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
No Degree - Sociology
University of New Hampshire
Durham, New HampshireSkills
Certified in Instructor Development
Police Prosecutor
Certified Field Training Officer
Advanced Forensic Interview Training
Background Investigation Training
Certified Forensic Interviewer of Children
Hostage/Crisis Negotiator
Accomplishments
Retired from law enforcement with the State of New Hampshire after 24 years of service.
Awarded the "Medal of Honor"
For my actions on May 14, 2005, when, as the first officer on the scene of a structure fire, I entered a burning apartment building that was completely engulfed in flames, with a total disregard for my safety, to ensure that all of the building occupants had been evacuated.
Citation
On May 11, 2009, I responded to an armed robbery and apprehended the suspect with limited backup in a neighboring town. I was faced with a deadly force situation and was able to take the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect was arrested, indicted and later convicted for Robbery.
Timeline
Court Security Officer
State of New Hampshire - Judicial Branch
02.2024 - Current
Investigator / Division Prosecutor
State of New Hampshire - Division of Enforcement
12.2011 - 12.2024
Detective
Town of Littleton, New Hampshire
08.2007 - 12.2011
Patrol Officer
Town of Littleton, New Hampshire
08.2000 - 08.2007
No Degree - Sociology
University of New Hampshire
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