Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rebecca Houston

Pickerington,OH

Summary

Results-oriented Investigator with diverse experience in law enforcement settings. Independently handles long-term investigative cases.


Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Internal Affairs Investigator

Columbus, Ohio Division Of Police
07.2012 - 06.2022
  • Conducted thorough investigations, identifying

patterns of misconduct and recommending

appropriate corrective actions.

  • Collaborated with external law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and strengthen inter-agency relationships.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality in handling sensitive information to protect the integrity of investigations.
  • Detected instances of unethical behavior by conducting interviews, analyzing documents, and reviewing surveillance footage.
  • Established a strong rapport with complainants and witnesses to gather accurate information during interviews.
  • Managed caseload effectively, ensuring timely completion of investigations while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Mentored junior investigators in honing their skills and developing effective investigative techniques, contributing to the overall success of the team.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
  • Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
  • Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
  • Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
  • Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
  • Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
  • Conducted impartial investigations into complaints by employees.
  • Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
  • Obtained and verified evidence by interviewing, observing and conducting surveillance of suspects and records.
  • Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
  • Consulted and cooperated with legal staff to verify timely and efficient investigation completion.

Police Sergeant, Patrol

Columbus Division Of Police
03.2010 - 07.2012
  • Enhanced public safety by effectively coordinating and supervising patrol operations in assigned areas.
  • Increased officer accountability and performance through consistent evaluation, feedback, and training opportunities.
  • Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on department policies, procedures, and best practices for effective law enforcement.
  • Administered disciplinary actions when necessary, ensuring a high standard of professionalism within the department.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of officers'' strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement to enhance overall team performance.
  • Managed daily scheduling of patrol personnel, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours or special events.
  • Participated in ongoing training programs to remain current on law enforcement trends, tactics, and technologies.
  • Maintained detailed records of all incidents encountered during patrols as required by department protocol.
  • Oversaw the proper maintenance and care of departmental equipment, ensuring that officers were equipped with necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
  • Backed up patrol officers during difficult stops or to answer complex questions.
  • Led teams by example, consistently demonstrating correct behaviors and enforcing policies and procedures.
  • Conveyed important information at start of each shift such as areas of focus and persons of interest in local areas.
  • Inspected officers and vehicles to identify and correct any unprofessional appearances.
  • Investigated allegations of employee misconduct, reported findings and coordinated warranted disciplinary actions.
  • Granted or denied leave requests and scheduled coverage for shortages.
  • Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.

Police Officer

Columbus Division Of Police
09.1995 - 03.2010
  • Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
  • Conducted thorough investigations for various cases.
  • Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
  • Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
  • Managed crowd control during events, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.
  • Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
  • Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
  • Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
  • Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
  • Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
  • Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
  • Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
  • Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
  • Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
  • Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
  • Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
  • Enforced traffic laws and ordinances.
  • Responded immediately to reports of automobile accidents and criminal activity, calling for additional support as necessary.
  • Gathered necessary information for court appearances and testified as witness under oath in court.
  • Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
  • Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
  • Utilized clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
  • Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
  • Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
  • Provided testimony in court proceedings.
  • Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
  • Recorded facts to prepare reports documenting incidents and activities.
  • Monitored criminal activity in community to identify suspicious activity.
  • Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
  • Monitored crowded public areas and events to mitigate risk and promote safety.
  • Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
  • Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
  • Thoroughly analyzed criminal information and processed crime scenes.
  • Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.

Police Communications Dispatcher

Columbus Division Of Police
06.1989 - 09.1995
  • Improved response times by efficiently prioritizing and dispatching emergency calls.
  • Enhanced officer safety by providing accurate and timely information during critical incidents.
  • Reduced errors by meticulously entering data into computer-aided dispatch systems.
  • Streamlined communication between officers and emergency personnel, ensuring seamless coordination during high-stress situations.
  • Safeguarded public safety by accurately disseminating pertinent information to responding units during emergencies or criminal activities.
  • Collaborated closely with other dispatchers and supervisors, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure efficient operations.
  • Participated in ongoing training for improved knowledge about protocols, policies, and procedures related to police communications work.
  • Maintained a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive case information, upholding ethical standards at all times.
  • Supported fellow dispatchers when needed, fostering teamwork within the department.
  • Ensured proper handling of non-emergency calls by redirecting callers to appropriate resources or departments as necessary.
  • Provided assistance during large-scale events such as natural disasters or mass casualty incidents, coordinating efforts among multiple agencies effectively.
  • Demonstrated adaptability in adjusting work schedules or assuming additional duties as required for optimal performance within the department.
  • Questioned callers to determine nature of problems and locations to direct type of response needed.
  • Received 911 and non-emergency calls and dispatched calls to appropriate agencies and officers on duty.
  • Operated telephone and radio equipment to receive requests and reports from police officers, medical dispatch and firefighting crews.
  • Used specialized software to track and maintain case incident numbers and logs.
  • Assisted callers in emergency situations with appropriate information and support.
  • Routed calls to police, fire, and ambulance service to meet individual call needs.
  • Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic means, telephone calls, and radio responses.

Education

No Degree -

Columbus Division of Police Academy
Columbus Ohio
03.1996

High School Diploma -

Gahanna Lincoln High School
Gahanna, OH
06.1987

Skills

  • Legal Knowledge
  • Complaint Investigation
  • Policy Enforcement
  • Evidence Analysis
  • Time Management
  • Investigative Interviewing
  • Ethics Compliance
  • Case Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Report Writing
  • Investigation Management

Timeline

Internal Affairs Investigator

Columbus, Ohio Division Of Police
07.2012 - 06.2022

Police Sergeant, Patrol

Columbus Division Of Police
03.2010 - 07.2012

Police Officer

Columbus Division Of Police
09.1995 - 03.2010

Police Communications Dispatcher

Columbus Division Of Police
06.1989 - 09.1995

No Degree -

Columbus Division of Police Academy

High School Diploma -

Gahanna Lincoln High School
Rebecca Houston