Monica Cervera
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Results-oriented law enforcement and investigation specialist with several years of experience in coordinating investigations, researching and reviewing case files and conducting interviews. Resourceful leader focused on keeping alert and open perspective during investigations while utilizing expert problem-solving in unlocking complex cases. Successful investigator bringing strong background in casework to position within robust and professional organization.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services
San Antonio, Texas
02.2019 - Current
- Led a complex investigation, uncovering critical evidence swiftly and efficiently.
- Achieved a 95% case closure rate through strategic analysis.
- Developed innovative investigation techniques, enhancing efficiency.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, strengthening community relations.
- Trained junior investigators are boosting team performance significantly.
- Utilized advanced technology for data analysis and evidence gathering.
- Presenting findings in court, securing a successful prosecution.
- Conducted risk assessments, reducing potential liabilities.
- Maintained meticulous records, ensuring compliance, and accuracy.
Special Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin , Texas
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Led complex investigation, uncovering critical evidence swiftly and efficiently.
- Developed innovative investigation techniques, enhancing efficiency.
- Interviewed children, parents, and witnesses to collect accurate information for cases.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, strengthening community relations, and coordinated joint investigations when needed.
- Utilized advanced technology for data analysis and evidence gathering.
- Developed safety plans in collaboration with families to ensure child well-being.
- Presenting findings in court, securing a successful child placement.
- Conducted risk assessments, reducing potential liabilities.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex case strategies.
- meticulous records, ensuring compliance, and accuracy.
- Tracked down leads through public records searches, interviews, and online research.
District Attorney Investigator
Medina, Uvalde, and Real County's DA's Office
Hondo, Texas
07.2010 - 08.2018
- Collaborated with law enforcement on a felony criminal investigation.
- Reviewed police reports, witness statements, and other evidence to determine if charges should be filed in criminal cases.
- Prepared legal documents: grand jury summons, search warrants, prosecution guide, affidavits, protective orders, and cell-site information.
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) for VAWA cases, and other high-profile cases.
- Provided advice and guidance to law enforcement officers concerning the constitutional rights of suspects being arrested or interviewed by police personnel.
- Interview witnesses and victims to obtain information relevant to pending criminal cases.
- Participate in forensic interviews of all child victims and/or witnesses.
- Manage case files and maintain accuracy for felony theft cases.
- Presented cases to grand juries for indictment consideration.
- Assisting state prosecutors with court dockets, and gathering of evidentiary documents.
- Managed successful voir dire processes to optimize jury selection.
- Advising victims and witnesses on legal processes and rights.
- Assisted attorneys by providing investigative support during trials and hearings.
- Used in-depth knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcomes of cases.
Police Officer
Northside Independent Sch District
San Antonio, TX
04.2008 - 08.2010
- G.R.E.A.T. Gang Resistance and Education Training - Officer, September 2009 through July 2010.
- Certified to teach curriculum to NISD 6th graders between the ages of 11 and 13, with classroom sizes of 15 to 35 students per classroom.
- Lessons focused on gang resistance and reinforcement of life skills. Structured and organized a G.R.E.A.T. summer camp for 5th and 6th graders for a six-week period.
- Floating Officer, April 2008 - September 2009.
- Collaborated with community members to build trust and foster positive relationships.
- Enforced local laws. Education code and regulations through traffic stops and compliance checks.
- Prepared detailed reports on incidents and arrests made for juveniles and adults.
- Provided security at all public schools and school events, such as sporting events, concerts, and drama plays.
- Developed positive relationships with school administration and members of the community.
- Subdued resisting subjects with defensive tactics and approved nonlethal weapons.
Police Officer
Helotes Police Department
Helotes, TX
10.2004 - 04.2008
- Detective, March 2007 through April 2008
- Participated in training sessions to enhance skills in conflict resolution and crisis management.
- Interviewed witnesses and victims to determine critical details relevant to each case.
- Served criminal warrants and subpoenas to suspects in public and private locations.
- Conducted investigations into crimes by collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Arrested suspects following established procedures while exercising caution and good judgment.
- Attended training sessions to maintain proficiency in law enforcement techniques.
- Maintain an evidence log and organize the property room.
- Patrol Officer, October 2004, through March 2007
- Patrolled assigned areas to ensure public safety and deter criminal activity.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided immediate assistance to citizens.
- Prepared detailed reports on incidents, arrests, and traffic violations for recordkeeping.
- Collaborated with community members to build trust and foster positive relationships.
- Enforced local laws and regulations through traffic stops and compliance checks.
- Monitored radio transmissions from dispatch regarding reported crimes or emergencies.
- Diffused active disturbances with de-escalation techniques, compassion and combat skills.
- Assisted in organizing community outreach programs to promote public safety awareness.
- Provided security at public events such as parades, concerts, or sporting events.
- Utilized various technologies including computers, cameras, and radar guns to complete job duties.
Legal Assistant
Stephani Walsh, Attorney at Law
San Antonio , TX
03.2002 - 12.2004
- Drafted legal documents and correspondence for attorneys and clients.
- Managed case files and maintained organized records for easy access.
- Conducted legal research to support ongoing cases and client inquiries.
- Communicated with clients regarding case updates and scheduling appointments.
- Prepared court filings and ensured compliance with legal procedures.
- Coordinated meetings between attorneys, clients, and external parties effectively.
- Utilized legal software to track case progress and manage deadlines.
- Provided administrative support to attorneys by managing calendars; scheduling appointments; organizing files; preparing correspondence; filing court documents; and obtaining necessary signatures.
- Maintained client confidentiality in all matters.
- Answered phones promptly while providing courteous customer service.
- Processed incoming mail on a daily basis.
- Filed clients' legal documents in relevant courts for processing.
- Proofread drafts of legal documents for accuracy in grammar and punctuation.
- Greeted clients upon arrival at office and provided assistance as needed.
- Mailed and arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials.
- Managed office scheduling and kept accurate notes on deadlines, motions, and other dates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12-1996
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX05-1992
Some College (No Degree) - Legal Assistant
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TXSkills
- Evidence collection
- Legal document preparation
- Risk assessment
- Advanced data analysis
- Innovative investigation techniques
- Criminal, Civil, Family, and Educational procedure knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Team leadership
- Detail orientation
- Interview techniques
- Investigative reporting
- Conflict resolution
- Background checks
- Crime scene analysis
- Interrogation tactics
- Intelligence gathering
- Action planning
- Crime prevention
- Investigative photography
- Research skills
- Due diligence
- Investigation management
- Ethical and honest
- Witness interviews
Certification
- Texas Commissioned on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education- Master Peace Officer
- December 2011- Texas Commissioned on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education Basic
- July 2010 - Instructor Course Tx. Commissioned on Law Enforcement Standards & Education Certification - Intermediate Peace Officer
- July 2010 Texas Commissioned on Law Enforcement Standards & Education Certification - Advanced Peace Officer
- November 2009 - Bureau of Justice Assistance BJA- G.R.E.A.T- Great Resistance Education and Training Instructor
- November 2003- San Antonio College - Law Enforcement Training Academy Texas Peace Officer
Timeline
Special Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services
02.2019 - Current
Special Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services
08.2018 - 02.2019
District Attorney Investigator
Medina, Uvalde, and Real County's DA's Office
07.2010 - 08.2018
Police Officer
Northside Independent Sch District
04.2008 - 08.2010
Police Officer
Helotes Police Department
10.2004 - 04.2008
Legal Assistant
Stephani Walsh, Attorney at Law
03.2002 - 12.2004
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas State University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
San Antonio College
Some College (No Degree) - Legal Assistant
University of Texas At Austin