Reuben Hendon
Gahanna Police Department
Galena,OH
1
Certification
18
years of professional experience
Experienced with law enforcement leadership and patrol management. Utilizes strategic planning and effective communication to ensure operational success. Strong understanding of team coordination and public safety protocols.
Work History
Patrol Lieutenant
7 Months- Supervised daily patrol operations to ensure community safety and compliance with regulations.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new officers to enhance skill sets and operational readiness.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to foster positive relationships between police department and residents.
- Analyzed crime trends and developed strategies to improve public safety and reduce incidents in targeted areas.
- Collaborated with local agencies on joint operations, improving resource allocation and response strategies.
- Conducted performance evaluations of personnel, providing constructive feedback to enhance officer effectiveness.
- Oversaw incident investigations, ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to departmental procedures.
- Played a key role in resolving high-profile cases by providing tactical support to investigators as needed during complex operations.
- Improved response times by optimizing patrol routes and strategically deploying officers based on historical crime data.
- Provided mentorship to new officers, sharing valuable insights gained from years of experience on the job to help them succeed in their roles.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for officers, resulting in improved performance and increased preparedness for emergency situations.
- Maintained high levels of departmental morale through effective leadership, open communication channels, and recognition of outstanding performance among officers.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
S.W.A.T. Commander
7 Months- Conducted tactical operations in high-risk environments.
- Performed surveillance of suspected criminal activity.
- Responded to emergency calls involving active shooters or barricaded suspects.
- Collaborated with team members on mission planning initiatives.
- Instructed classes on SWAT tactics and techniques for police officers.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement agencies on joint operations.
- Provided security for special events and dignitaries.
- Investigated suspicious persons or vehicles for possible threats.
- Created reports detailing operational activities, results, and recommendations.
- Gathered intelligence information through interviews and open source research.
- Engaged in physical training exercises to maintain peak fitness levels.
- Participated in drills designed to test response times and preparedness levels.
- Assisted in the apprehension of dangerous fugitives from justice.
- Monitored communications systems during field deployments.
- Trained personnel on proper use of firearms and other weapons systems.
- Adhered to department policies regarding use of force guidelines.
- Utilized specialized equipment, such as night vision goggles, during operations.
- Maintained proficiency with firearms and other weapons systems.
- Executed law enforcement patrol functions in assigned locations for extended periods of time.
- Pursued fleeing suspects on foot and in varying terrain.
- Operated mobile data terminals from patrol vehicles to obtain criminal records on-scene.
- Served criminal warrants and subpoenas to suspects in public and private locations.
- Interviewed witnesses and victims to determine critical details relevant to each case.
- Diffused active disturbances with de-escalation techniques, compassion and combat skills.
- Subdued resisting subjects with defensive tactics and approved nonlethal weapons.
- Gathered evidence, interviewed victims and interrogated suspects to conduct thorough criminal investigations.
- Bagged evidence carefully and verified submission to proper department.
- Protected citizens by preventing crime, enforcing laws and apprehending suspects.
- Documented observations and actions by radioing information and completing reports.
- Opened investigations into issues brought up by individuals in community.
- Prepared detailed reports and affidavits for courts by obtaining information through physical surveillance and thorough investigations.
- Testified in court cases to back up case evidence and detail timelines.
- Documented facts and statements gathered from complainants, witnesses and accused persons.
- Photographed narcotic purchase transactions to compile evidence and protect undercover investigators.
- Obtained warrants to search properties for evidence of criminal activity.
- Mitigated risk, accurately analyzing, interpreting and evaluating information while processing crime scenes.
- Managed crime scene investigations by collecting evidence, performing fingerprinting and taking videos and photos of scenes.
Firearms Instructor
17 Years 7 Months- Developed and implemented firearms training programs for law enforcement personnel.
- Instructed students on proper weapon assembly and disassembly procedures as well as maintenance protocols.
- Monitored student progress throughout the course of instruction and evaluated results at completion.
- Supported other instructors by helping during class sessions or drills when necessary.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the use of firearms.
- Modified existing courses or developed new courses based on changes in technology or standards.
- Attended seminars or conferences related to the latest developments in firearms instruction methodology.
- Analyzed feedback from students regarding their experience to improve future courses.
- Researched industry trends related to firearms instruction methods or materials.
- Maintained accurate records of all training activities, including attendance and performance data.
- Inspected weapons prior to use to ensure safety and operational readiness.
- Provided instructions on the safe handling of firearms in multiple settings.
- Demonstrated proper shooting techniques to students in a variety of scenarios.
- Conducted classroom lectures, practical exercises, and range qualifications.
- Created lesson plans that incorporated current tactics, techniques, and technologies relevant to firearms instruction.
- Identified areas where student performance needed improvement and provided corrective guidance.
- Delivered group lectures and hands-on demonstrations to instruct students.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for lessons and projects.
- Monitored student performance and offered feedback to support goal achievement.
Defensive Tactics Instructor
17 Years 7 Months- Create curriculums for the Gahanna Police Department's subject control and self-defense program.
- Assisted new instructors in running classes by providing advice and guidance.
- Ensured all safety protocols were followed throughout the duration of each class.
- Provided instruction on self-defense techniques, including punches, kicks, and blocks.
- Developed lesson plans based on student skill level and experience.
- Educated students on the legal implications of using self-defense in certain situations.
- Conducted safety checks before each class session started.
- Created drills for students to practice their self-defense techniques in real-world scenarios.
- Discussed various strategies that can be used in different types of confrontations or attacks.
- Monitored student behavior during class sessions to ensure everyone was following instructions properly.
- Adapted teaching methods based on the needs of each group or individual learner.
- Organized and led classes with up to 20 participants at a time.
- Demonstrated proper form and technique for students to follow.
- Researched new methods of teaching self-defense techniques that could be incorporated into classes.
- Tracked student progress and provided feedback on areas of improvement.
- Encouraged students to push themselves in order to improve their skills.
- Informed students about the importance of physical fitness for self-defense purposes.
- Provided one-on-one instruction when needed to help struggling students grasp concepts more easily.
- Instructed students in martial arts skills and demonstrated appropriate use of techniques.
Police Sergeant
1 Year 3 Months- Supervised daily operations of patrol units, ensuring adherence to departmental policies and procedures.
- Led training programs for new officers, enhancing team performance and operational readiness.
- Developed strategies to improve community policing efforts, fostering trust between law enforcement and residents.
- Coordinated tactical responses during critical incidents, maintaining public safety and effective communication among units.
- Evaluated officer performance through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for professional growth.
- Managed resource allocation effectively during large-scale events, ensuring optimal deployment of personnel and equipment.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to [Number] officers.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Managed personnel schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for shifts while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on best practices for policing techniques and career advancement opportunities.
- Provided critical incident command during emergency situations, directing response efforts to protect public safety swiftly.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
- Facilitated communication between command staff and subordinates, promoting transparency and resolving conflicts efficiently.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Promoted culture of accountability and integrity, conducting regular reviews to uphold high ethical standards.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
4 Years 7 Months- Supervised open mats where students could practice their skills without formal instruction or supervision.
- Provided guidance and instruction on proper grappling technique to ensure safety during practice sessions.
- Tracked student progress through regular assessments to evaluate skill development over time.
- Researched new techniques or strategies related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in order to stay up to date with industry trends.
- Created lesson plans for each class tailored to the level of experience of the participants.
- Encouraged positive behavior and sportsmanship among students while teaching them respect for their opponents both on and off the mat.
- Conducted demonstrations for students to illustrate key concepts and principles associated with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
- Maintained a safe learning environment by enforcing rules and regulations among participants.
- Instructed classes on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques and strategies, including warm-ups, drills, and sparring.
- Demonstrated various self-defense techniques that can be used in dangerous situations outside of the gym.
- Built and maintained positive personal relationships with students and families, served as role model and character educator and prioritized safety by supervising classes closely.
- Demonstrated proper martial arts techniques and helped students practice and master techniques and embrace individual learning needs and realistic goals for advancement.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Applied training and motivational techniques to prepare students for competitions.
- Assessed participants' progress, corrected problems, and advised on better methods.
- Monitored student performance and offered feedback to support goal achievement.
- Planned classes focusing on instruction, demonstration, and work time.
Detective
9 Years 3 Months- Coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies to investigate violations of state laws pertaining to drugs.
- Prepared detailed reports on investigations, including arrest records and case dispositions.
- Attended community meetings where citizens expressed concerns about drug-related issues within their neighborhoods.
- Performed background checks on individuals suspected of being involved in the illicit sale or distribution of narcotics.
- Inspected vehicles for hidden compartments used for smuggling drugs across borders.
- Interrogated suspects about their involvement with narcotics trafficking organizations.
- Utilized advanced investigative techniques such as wiretapping and electronic tracking devices.
- Analyzed intelligence data to identify patterns of criminal behavior related to narcotics trafficking.
- Assisted prosecutors during trial preparations by providing expert testimony concerning the nature of narcotic substances found at crime scenes.
- Identified and apprehended suspects involved in illegal narcotic activities.
- Collected contraband from crime scenes for testing at a laboratory.
- Conducted surveillance of suspected drug activity in high-crime areas.
- Monitored known drug traffickers' movements using GPS technology.
- Gathered evidence for use in court proceedings through undercover operations, interviews, and searches.
- Participated in regular training sessions on topics such as search warrant procedures, drug identification, interview techniques, and courtroom testimony preparation.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert witness on matters relating to the investigation of narcotics offenses.
- Responded to emergency calls related to drug-related crimes or suspicious activity.
- Helped other officers during arrests or raids conducted by local police departments or federal agencies.
- Developed and maintained contacts with informants to obtain information regarding narcotics trafficking.
- Maintained accurate records of all investigations conducted and evidence collected.
- Investigated cases involving possession, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances.
- Completed routine police reports after conducting investigations.
- Testified in court using evidence compiled to apprehend criminals.
- Served warrants for individuals and property searches.
- Developed confidential sources to perform undercover investigations.
- Conducted follow-up investigations for felony narcotics arrests.
- Performed undercover work and organized operational plans.
- Explored prescription drug fraud and forgeries leads.
- Tracked information from patrol officers, community members and confidential informants.
- Opened investigations into issues brought up by individuals in the community.
- Secured evidence from crime scenes, bodies, and secondary locations, carefully following sound evidentiary practices and chain of custody requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Skills
Interrogation skills
Physical Fitness
Surveillance techniques
Witness interviewing
Excellent communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Public service
De-Escalation Techniques
Conducting computer checks
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Public speaking
Accomplishments
- Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps. as a Sergeant after six years of service.
- Iraq War Veteran (2003)
- Eagle Scout.
- Detective of the year awarded twice while working for the Gahanna Police Department.
- HCAC Honorable Mention Football at Defiance College.
Certification
- DEA Basic Drug Investigator Course.
- OPOTA Certified Police Officer.
- OPOTA Certified Firearms Instructor.
- OPOTA Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor.
- S.W.A.T. School Graduate.
- Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Instructor at Gracie Ohio.
Timeline
Patrol Lieutenant
Gahanna Division of Police
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
S.W.A.T. Commander
Gahanna Police Department
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Police Sergeant
Gahanna Division of Police
10.2024 - 01.2026Read More
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Gracie Ohio
03.2020 - 10.2024Read More
Detective
Gahanna Police Department
07.2015 - 10.2024Read More
Firearms Instructor
Gahanna Police Department
01.2009 - CurrentRead More
Defensive Tactics Instructor
Gahanna Police Department
01.2009 - CurrentRead More
Defiance College
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice
Read More
Activities and Honors
Parishioner at Saint John Newman Church and Knight of Columbus., Father of three, married for 22 years.