Raymond Pembleton
Gardner
Summary
Progressive law enforcement leader with over 30 years of public safety experience, including leadership in patrol operations, investigations, professional standards, community policing, and administrative services. Proven record of strategic leadership, operational management, and community partnership development within rapidly growing communities. Recognized for integrity, professionalism, and collaborative leadership while guiding organizational change, mentoring personnel, and implementing innovative policing initiatives. Experienced in budget development, policy creation, interagency coordination, and crisis management with a strong commitment to public trust and service excellence.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patrol Sergeant
Gardner Police Department
Gardner, Kansas
01.2026 - Current
- Supervise patrol officers conducting general law enforcement duties.
- Key Responsibilities
- Direct, organize, and train officers, assign beats, evaluate performance, and recommend disciplinary actions.
- Coordinate shift activities, manage emergency responses (accidents, disturbances, crimes), and ensure proper application of laws.
- Mentor officers, provide guidance on complex situations, and conduct ongoing training.
- Check subordinate reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations.
- Participate in patrols, respond to calls, investigate crimes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests.
- Communicate with other divisions, outside agencies (DA's office, etc.), and the public.
- Enforce departmental rules, inspect equipment, and handle internal conflicts.
- Serve as the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Accreditation Manager.
Detective Sergeant
Gardner Police Department
Gardner, Kansas
01.2020 - 01.2026
- Provided leadership and daily operational oversight for the Investigations Division while supporting department-wide strategic initiatives and administrative operations.
- Key Responsibilities
- Supervise a team of detectives responsible for criminal investigations, professional standards investigations, and pre-employment background investigations.
- Coordinate with command staff on policy development, budget planning, personnel management, and operational priorities.
- Partner with local, state, and federal agencies to strengthen investigative capabilities and regional cooperation.
- Mentor officers and supervisors to develop leadership skills and investigative competencies.
- Support community trust initiatives through collaboration with schools, prosecutors, and community stakeholders.
- Assist with operational planning and response during major incidents, public events, and emergency situations.
- Key Achievements
- Recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award (2021) for executive leadership development.
- Successfully secured federal grant funding for a Violence Against Women investigator position.
- Developed and supervised departmental narcotics investigative capabilities.
- Served as Kansas City Metro Squad Supervisor coordinating multi-jurisdictional investigations.
- Maintained strong partnerships with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office and Gardner Edgerton School District.
- Supervised School Resource Officers during complex COVID-era operational challenges and public demonstrations.
- Completed the University of Kansas Public Management Center Supervisor Leadership Program.
Detective
Gardner Police Department
Gardner, Kansas
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Conducted felony and misdemeanor investigations while supporting departmental operational goals and interagency partnerships.
- Key Responsibilities
- Investigated complex criminal cases for prosecution.
- Conducted internal investigations and pre-employment background investigations.
- Coordinated narcotics investigations and intelligence-sharing efforts.
- Worked collaboratively with prosecutors and regional law enforcement agencies.
- Mentored patrol officers in investigative procedures and case development.
- Key Achievements
- Awarded the Bronze Award for Valor (2015) by the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.
- Recognized by Greater KC Crime Stoppers for investigative excellence (2018).
- Successfully managed major criminal investigations with positive case outcomes.
- Served as a member of the Kansas City Metro Squad.
Director of Campus Safety
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, Kansas
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Directed campus safety and emergency management operations for two university campuses.
- Key Responsibilities
- Managed all security and safety services for university operations.
- Supervised full-time, part-time, and student personnel.
- Developed emergency management plans and safety policies.
- Oversaw physical security projects including access control and surveillance systems.
- Conducted active shooter and emergency preparedness training.
- Managed departmental budget and regulatory compliance.
- Key Achievements
- Implemented a university-wide emergency response guide and safety plan.
- Transitioned the department from contract security to a professional proprietary safety team.
- Led campus-wide physical security technology upgrades.
Director of Public Safety
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Directed public safety operations for 42 campuses serving approximately 16,000 students nationwide.
- Key Responsibilities
- Managed patrol operations, emergency management, and public safety administration.
- Oversaw personnel, budgets, security technology, and policy development.
- Developed and implemented active shooter response and emergency preparedness programs.
- Coordinated special event security and executive protection operations.
- Served as liaison to local, state, and federal agencies.
- Directed investigations involving policy violations, harassment, and safety concerns.
- Key Achievements
- Created and led the University Behavioral Intervention Team.
- Directed major physical security upgrades and new construction safety planning.
- Coordinated security operations with the U.S. Secret Service during a Vice Presidential visit.
Chief of Security
Securitas Automotive Services Division
Kansas City, Kansas
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Managed security, fire protection, and emergency services operations at a major manufacturing facility.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully transformed an underperforming department into a profitable and compliant operation.
- Developed site-specific professional development and operational training programs.
- Coordinated security planning for Presidential visit with the U.S. Secret Service.
- Achieved one of the top-performing client satisfaction ratings in the nation.
Senior Security Consultant
Corporate Risk Solutions Inc.
Lenexa, Kansas
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Provided investigative and security consulting services for corporate clients throughout the Midwest.
- Key Responsibilities
- Conducted fraud, workplace violence, and compliance investigations.
- Managed multi-state guard force operations and infrastructure security projects.
- Developed executive protection and emergency response plans.
- Conducted threat assessments and risk mitigation planning.
- Key Achievement
- Earned certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Detective, Evidence Tech, FTO
Overland Park Police Department
Overland Park, Kansas
01.1999 - 01.2004
Public Safety Officer, Investigator, FTO
Gardner Department of Public Safety
Gardner, Kansas
01.1996 - 01.1999
Deputy Sheriff
Miami County Sheriff's Office
Miami County, Kansas
01.1995 - 01.1996
Deputy Sheriff
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Johnson County, Kansas
01.1994 - 01.1995
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Central Missouri State University
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Johnson County Community College
Skills
- Strategic Law Enforcement Leadership
- Patrol & Investigations Management
- Policy Development & Organizational Planning
- Community Policing & Public Engagement
- Professional Standards & Internal Investigations
- Budget Development & Fiscal Stewardship
- Personnel Development & Mentorship
- Emergency & Crisis Response Leadership
- Interagency Collaboration
- Public Safety Technology & Security Systems
- Grant Development & Program Management
- Specialized Unit Development
Certification
- FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Command Leadership Trilogy Graduate
- University of Kansas Center for Public Safety Leadership Command School (in progress-graduating 12/26)
- University of Kansas Center for Public Safety Leadership Certified Public Manager (in progress-graduating 12/26)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (former)
- University of Kansas Public Management Center Supervisor Leadership Training
- Kansas C-POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer
Timeline
Patrol Sergeant
Gardner Police Department
01.2026 - Current
Detective Sergeant
Gardner Police Department
01.2020 - 01.2026
Detective
Gardner Police Department
01.2015 - 01.2020
Director of Campus Safety
University of Saint Mary
01.2013 - 01.2015
Director of Public Safety
Park University
01.2008 - 01.2013
Chief of Security
Securitas Automotive Services Division
01.2006 - 01.2008
Senior Security Consultant
Corporate Risk Solutions Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2006
Detective, Evidence Tech, FTO
Overland Park Police Department
01.1999 - 01.2004
Public Safety Officer, Investigator, FTO
Gardner Department of Public Safety
01.1996 - 01.1999
Deputy Sheriff
Miami County Sheriff's Office
01.1995 - 01.1996
Deputy Sheriff
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
01.1994 - 01.1995
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Johnson County Community College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Central Missouri State University
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Executive Board Member – Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
- Kansas City Metro Squad Supervisor
- Extensive collaboration with schools, prosecutors, and community organizations throughout Johnson County