Mike Picha
Decatur,Texas
Summary
Highly experienced, collaborative and visionary senior law enforcement official with more than 24 years of law enforcement experience excelling in diverse law enforcement organizational cultures and racially diverse communities. Successful track record of implementing strategies to help reduce crime while building partnerships and consensus with community leaders and staff members. Exceptional administrator with Master of Criminal Justice Degree and executive experience in the private sector. Broad experience in all areas of municipal police department including patrol, criminal investigation, technology and administration with an established, successful record of effectively managing the activities and functions of a police department of 25 sworn personnel and approximately 10 professional staff serving a daily population of over 30,000 and annual budget of $3 million. An accessible, innovative and flexible servant-leader with proven record of leveraging new technologies, equipment, training, and police best practices with the highest level of personal and professional ethics. Dedicated Police Supervisor with proven success at building high-performing teams and controlling crime. Productive and positive communicator with public and other law enforcement. Transforms crises into orderly solutions. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
CHIEF OF POLICE/DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
Sanger Independent School District
01.2022 - Current
- Executive responsibility for all administrative functions of the Sanger Independent Police Department
- Assist with development of new agency budget system
- Oversee hiring of new Officers, Officer Background, Officer Training, Internal Affairs, Office Management, Daily Assignments, Property and Evidence, Planning and Research, Policy development, Records Management, MOU Development, and Technology
- Oversee the development, and training of the School District Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plans with Annex’s and Appendix’s
- Collaborate with school administration in development of campus specific Emergency Response Plans
- Successful submission and approval of Emergency Plans to Texas State University
- Member of District Threat Assessment Team, Safety and Security Committee.
- Coordinated emergency evacuation drills and exercises and developed and improved emergency procedures.
- Researched, reviewed and recommended equipment, materials and supplies to prepare and maintain security expenses within approved budget.
- Responded swiftly to security incidents and effectively resolved security issues.
- Evaluated security systems and procedures to identify areas for improvement.
- Established and maintained close working relationships with local law enforcement officers.
- Kept team compliant with security protocols and appearance standards.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Wise Health System
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Directs public safety staff, selection of new staff, scheduling shift workers, budgeting, and all other supervisory duties associate with leading and managing the public safety department
- Attends meetings to gather and distribute public safety information from other managers and serves as Chief liaison for the Public Safety Department
- The Wise Health System Public Safety Department comprises of the Director, Assistant Director, Administrative Assistant, 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal, 4 shift supervisors, and 20 security officers
- Also, 25-part time police officers from numerous agencies.
- Prepared budgets for safety management operations and kept team on-track with strong expense controls and effective staff scheduling.
- Developed front-line safety employees into leaders with clear progression and development systems.
- Evaluated effectiveness of security team and implemented improvement plans to close critical loopholes.
- Established clear and effective policies to protect public visiting facilities and grounds.
- Applied principles of law enforcement and fire protection.
- Inspected facilities and equipment to determine operational and functional capabilities in emergency situations.
- Investigated practical and theoretical issues facing emergency services and identified effective resolutions.
- Improved realization of organizational objectives by effectively communicating department goals, organizational objectives and industry trends.
Public Safety Patrol Sergeant / Second in Command
City of Decatur Police Department
01.1998 - 01.2020
- Manage and supervise patrol officers, school resource officers, and civilian animal control officer in responding to citizen calls for service, vehicular accidents, and enforcing state law and Decatur City Ordinances
- Emergency Management
- Decatur Police Department during my full-time service comprised of the Chief of Police, 5 Sergeants, and 1 Corporal.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Safely used firearms and other modern medical and police equipment.
- Utilized clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Monitored criminal activity in community to identify suspicious activity.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
- Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Obtained information from arrested subjects to conduct debriefings.
- Trained other officers in firearms and self-defense tactics.
Felony Detective
City of Decatur Police Department
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Conducted investigation of all felony offenses in the City of Decatur
- Cases presented a broad range of offenses, including narcotics, thefts, forgeries, aggravated assaults, and capital murder.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Wrote detailed reports outlining case findings for internal files and legal purposes.
- Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.
- Kept meticulous and detailed records of each case to avoid causing any problems with prosecution.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
- Conducted personal, property, and event surveillance.
- Initiated and concluded investigations of crime organizations.
- Preserved evidence for court hearings and checked integrity of individual pieces.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
- Sent specimens to labs and ran fingerprints through databases to identify individuals of interest.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
- Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
- Collected crime scene evidence, examined bodies, and investigated secondary locations to build detailed cases based on sound evidence handling practices.
Narcotics Detective
North Central Texas Narcotics Task Force
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Assigned to the Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Core Team to conduct undercover operations, including narcotics buys, deliveries, and investigations of narcotics dealers within a three-county area and then State of Texas.
- Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
- Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
- Conducted personal, property, and event surveillance.
- Acquired and executed warrants to capture persons of interest and case evidence.
- Operated undercover to gain intelligence on drug movements and related players.
- Testified in court about drug activity and related crimes such as murder and robbery.
- Planned high-risk raids on homes and businesses identified as being involved in criminal enterprises.
- Conducted street buys to identify and capture local dealers.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Conducted multi-scope research into suspects to determine criminal activities and suspect operating environments.
- Prepared sketches and diagrams detailing primary and secondary crime scenes.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
- Organized and executed undercover surveillance operations.
Patrol Officer
City of Decatur Police Department
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Performed routine patrol duties, including responding to calls, enforcing traffic laws, communicating with citizens, arresting suspects, and preparing reports.
Education
Master of Criminal Justice -
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX01.2015
Graduate -
Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College
Huntsville, TX01.2009
Graduate -
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy
Quantico, VA01.2010
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration -
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01.2011
Master Peace Officer -
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Graduate -
LEMIT New Chief Development Program
Huntsville, TX01.2023
Decatur High School
Decatur, TX01.1988
Skills
- Conflict De-Escalation
- Criminal Investigation
- Community Relations
- Report Preparation
- Emergency Response
- Interpersonal Communication
- Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Training and Development
- Teambuilding
- Active Listening
- Dependable and Responsible
- First Aid/CPR
- MS Office
- Planning and Coordination
- Organization and Time Management
- Excellent Communication
- Good Telephone Etiquette
- Problem-Solving
Affiliations
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
- National Rifle Association Member
- Decatur Lion’s Club
- National Tactical Police Officers Association
- Decatur Masonic Lodge #447
- Texas Municipal Police Officers Association
- FBI National Academy Associates
- Texas Narcotic Officers Association
- Homicide Investigators of Texas
- Texas Police Chiefs Association
- International Police Chiefs Association
- Texas Tactical Police Officers Association
Publications And Articles
Published Author, Leadership White Paper, Mandatory Annual Fitness Testing for Law Enforcement Officers
Sam Houston State University, September 2009
Specialized Training And Certifications
- AIDET Customer Service Training
- IACP SWAT Commander Special Training
- Basic Hostage Negotiator
- Master Peace Officer Certification
- Basic Peace Officer Instructor
- Mental Health Peace Officer Certification
- Crisis Intervention- Assisting Groups
- Special Investigator (SAFVIC)
- Crisis Intervention- Assisting Individuals
- Texas Basic Fire Fighter Certification w/IFSAC Seals
- Crisis Prevention Institute Instructor
- Texas Department of Health EMT-B Certification
- Drug Enforcement Agency Special Investigator
- TPCA Recognition Program Manager
- Firearms Instructor
- Verbal De-Escalation Certification
- FEMA Courses (Numerous)
- New Chief Development Program
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
John D. Rockefeller
Timeline
CHIEF OF POLICE/DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
Sanger Independent School District
01.2022 - Current
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Wise Health System
01.2015 - 01.2022
Felony Detective
City of Decatur Police Department
01.2004 - 01.2006
Narcotics Detective
North Central Texas Narcotics Task Force
01.2000 - 01.2004
Public Safety Patrol Sergeant / Second in Command
City of Decatur Police Department
01.1998 - 01.2020
Patrol Officer
City of Decatur Police Department
01.1998 - 01.2000
Master of Criminal Justice -
Tarleton State University
Graduate -
Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College
Graduate -
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration -
Columbia Southern University
Master Peace Officer -
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Graduate -
LEMIT New Chief Development Program
Decatur High School
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