NICK BALDRIGE
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Results-oriented Lieutenant with experience in Community Policing, Coroner's Unit, and Corrections. Led initiatives that enhanced investigative skills, optimized management practices, and bolstered community safety through outreach and training. Committed to advancing the Sheriff's Office mission and fostering agency growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Corrections Lieutenant
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
09.2025 - Current
- Supervised daily operations within the correctional facility, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
- Currently completing training to obtain certification as the ADA Coordinator.
- Working with staff to enhance decision making and report writing as it relates to use of force incidents.
- Beginning the preparation and evaluation ahead of the PLO/DRC inspection.
Lieutenant
Community Policing
12.2021 - 09.2025
- Managed Community Policing Sergeants, School Resource Officers, Tobacco Compliance Unit, Alcohol Compliance Unit, Vehicle Abatement, and Volunteer Program to enhance community engagement and safety.
- Coordinated with Board of Supervisors members and staff to align law enforcement initiatives with community needs.
- Organized special events that raised public awareness of local law enforcement initiatives and services provided by the office.
- Meeting and collaborating with local schools and County Office of Education on safety initiatives.
- Organized special events aimed at increasing public awareness about local law enforcement initiatives and services offered by the Office.
- Met and collaborated with local schools and County Office of Education on safety initiatives.
Lieutenant
Coroner's Unit
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Transitioned the pathologist responsibilities to Forensic Pathology Groups after the retirement of the current pathologist.
- Evaluation of Forensic Pathology Groups and full time pathologists to plan for a seamless transition with the current pathologist's retirement.
- Working with the current Coroner Investigators to build their investigative and report writing skills.
- Collaborated with Supervising Coroner Investigator to enhance management skills, fostering a more effective working environment and service level.
- Completed IACME Accreditation process.
- Reviewed and updated policies in Coroner's unit to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
- Reviewing and presenting on all Fentanyl Deathss in Santa Cruz County.
Sergeant
Community Policing
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Established relationships with Live Oak, Soquel, and Summit communities to collaboratively address community issues.
- Facilitated community meetings to discuss local concerns and gather feedback.
- Collaborated with District 1 Supervisor to align community initiatives with local governance.
Sergeant
Special Enforcement Team
04.2019 - 03.2021
- Led proactive enforcement team targeting narcotics and gang suppression efforts.
- Coordinated planning for operational management and execution.
- Facilitated employee training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Oversaw APPS grant program to ensure compliance and funding allocation.
Sergeant
Patrol/K-9
12.2017 - 04.2019
- Developed new canine program and selected handlers and dogs to enhance operational readiness.
- Supported handlers in their professional growth and training.
- Evaluated training and certification planning to ensure compliance with standards and effectiveness of training outcomes.
- Transition of canine training provider.
Sergeant
Patrol
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Supervised patrol team activities to ensure safety and compliance.
- Assisted in development of initiatives to enhance department operations.
- Implemented 21st Century Policing strategies to strengthen community relations.
Detective
Coroner's Unit
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Managed case files for clients to ensure appropriate services were provided.
- Conducted thorough investigations at various crime scenes to gather evidence.
- Developed prescription medication management protocol to enhance compliance and safety.
- Reviewed and organized unidentified remains cases to facilitate identification and resolution.
- Developed mass fatality plan to ensure coordinated response during crisis situations.
K-9 Deputy
Patrol
12.2007 - 01.2014
- Responded to high-risk situations by assessing threats and coordinating appropriate actions.
- Narcotics Detection both street level and with Investigative Units.
- Coordinated with county agencies to streamline communication and enhance collaborative efforts.
- Conducted community outreach and demonstration events to educate the public on K-9 capabilities and promote community engagement.
Deputy
Court Security
10.2007 - 12.2007
- Courtroom Security
Deputy
Patrol
05.2005 - 10.2007
- Performed street-level patrols to investigate incidents and ensure public safety.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH, USBachelor of Science (B.S.) - Political Science
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA, USSkills
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Forward Thinking
- Work ethic
- Hard Working
Accomplishments
- Completed the Annie E. Casey Foundation Explore Program.
- Currently participating in the Annie E. Casey Results Count Leadership Training.
- Recognized by County Board of Supervisors for work with Active Shooter and School Safety.
- Rebuilt programs throughout my career to include CNT, SET, K-9, and Community Policing.
Certification
Sheriff's Office Merit Award 2023, Santa Cruz County Annual Award of Excellence 2023, POST Management Certificate - 2024
SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENTS
- SWAT Team 2007 - 2016
- CNT Team Leader - 2016 - 2021
- Search and Rescue Commander - 2021 - 2025
Timeline
Corrections Lieutenant
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
09.2025 - Current
Lieutenant
Coroner's Unit
01.2024 - 03.2025
Lieutenant
Community Policing
12.2021 - 09.2025
Sergeant
Community Policing
03.2021 - 12.2021
Sergeant
Special Enforcement Team
04.2019 - 03.2021
Sergeant
Patrol/K-9
12.2017 - 04.2019
Sergeant
Patrol
01.2016 - 12.2017
Detective
Coroner's Unit
01.2014 - 12.2016
K-9 Deputy
Patrol
12.2007 - 01.2014
Deputy
Court Security
10.2007 - 12.2007
Deputy
Patrol
05.2005 - 10.2007
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Political Science
Santa Clara University
Master of Science (M.S.) - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati