Sandi Fujitani Awaya
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Dedicated and experienced law enforcement professional with 30 years of service as a police officer, currently serving as an Investigator Support Specialist for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Recognized for a strong work ethic, ability to make sound decisions under pressure, and adept at navigating complex and sensitive situations. Extensive experience in both administrative and criminal investigations, specializing in handling cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and more. Skilled in conducting complex investigations, interviewing diverse individuals, and handling sensitive information. Committed to protecting and serving the community through effective teamwork and collaboration. Senior-level Investigator with experience managing case analysis in law enforcement settings. Adept at partnering with colleagues and other agencies to gather investigative data. Known for excellence in [Skill].
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Investigator Support Specialist
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
04.2023 - Current
- Assist in executing felony investigations, primarily focusing on sexual assault and sexual harassment cases
- Collect and review documents, video/audio surveillance, and participates in searches and seizures
- Conduct interviews with potential witnesses and victims, obtaining sworn statements
- Handle evidence, ensuring chain of custody, and prepare fact-based investigative reports and command authorization for search and seizures
- Provides support at crime and death scenes, including processing and preserving physical evidence
- Serves as a field office liaison, collaborating with various jurisdictions to facilitate information exchange.
Metropolitan Police Captain
Honolulu Police Department
12.2021 - 03.2023
- Oversaw daily operations of a 35-member HR Division
- Managed personnel actions, including recruitment, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions
- Acted as liaison for promotion examinations and planned sworn promotion/assessment processes
- Ensured compliance with deadlines and handled confidential investigations of sexual harassment and discrimination
- Prepared division’s annual budget proposals and monitored HR-related legislative changes
- Provided guidance on personnel matters and attended meetings with various agencies and unions
- Supervised administrative and support functions of non-sworn personnel.
- Oversaw internal investigations to uphold disciplinary standards within the police force, promoting accountability among officers.
- Spearheaded recruiting initiatives to attract diverse candidates into law enforcement careers, fostering an inclusive work environment.
- Monitored performance of employees and established police requirements.
- Prepared executive-level correspondence
- Managed budgetary resources for the efficient operation of the division, optimizing resource allocation and cost control.
- Ensured compliance with all local, state, and federal laws during daily operations, mitigating legal risks.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through reviews and assessment of metrics, identifying areas for improvement or recognition of outstanding achievements.
Metropolitan Police Lieutenant
Honolulu Police Department
09.2020 - 12.2021
- Supervised administrative detectives and managed the Drug Urinalysis Screening Program
- Executed Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) processes and led inquiries into discrimination allegations, ensuring fair and unbiased evaluations
- Ensured confidential investigations were thoroughly conducted to avoid criticism of the department.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Managed personnel scheduling, ensuring optimal coverage during peak times and effective response to emergency situations.
- Managed internal affairs investigations fairly and impartially, upholding departmental integrity at all times.
- Led interdepartmental briefings to educate staff on policy updates and promote adherence
Metropolitan Police Lieutenant
Honolulu Police Department
11.2019 - 09.2020
- Directed law enforcement activities, investigated crimes, and supervised crime reduction and community units
- Reviewed manpower requests, employee performance, and ensured proper facility maintenance
- Planned field activities and evaluated beat problems in relation to crime prevention and public relations.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Implemented data-driven policing strategies to identify crime trends and allocate resources effectively.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Frequently patrolled routes and talked with business owners and residents.
- Audited inventory of safety equipment and weapons for mission security compliance.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 15 officers.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders to discuss crime reduction strategies.
Metropolitan Police Detective
Honolulu Police Department
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Investigated complaints against police personnel, ensuring compliance with directives and the Hawaii Penal Code
- Collected evidence, apprehended suspects, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Kept meticulous and detailed records of each case to avoid causing any problems with prosecution.
- Coordinated multi-agency task forces focused on addressing specific crime trends or patterns within the jurisdictional area.
- Testified in court proceedings providing accurate and detailed accounts of investigations conducted.
- Prepared comprehensive reports detailing investigative findings, supporting effective prosecutorial efforts in court cases.
- Assisted victims of crimes by providing resources for support services and ensuring their rights were protected throughout the investigation process.
- Solved complex criminal cases by conducting thorough investigations and utilizing critical thinking skills.
- Utilized advanced forensic tools and technologies to analyze evidence, leading to breakthroughs in challenging investigations.
- Conducted surveillance operations for intelligence gathering, leading to successful apprehension of suspects.
- Interrogated suspects using appropriate interview techniques to obtain crucial information for case resolution.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
Metropolitan Police Detective
Honolulu Police Department
09.2000 - 08.2018
- Investigated crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and robbery
- Collected crime scene evidence, obtained warrants, and provided testimony in court hearings
- Supervised and mentored subordinates to improve job performance and case clearance rates.
Honolulu Police Department
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Police Officer (District 1, Chinatown; District 6, Waikiki); Police Sergeant (Central Receiving Division)
U.S. Probation Office
01.1990 - 01.1994
- Clerical Support
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Chaminade University
Honolulu, HI01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
University of Hawaii - West Oahu
Kapolei, HI01.1995
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Kapiolani Community College/University of HI Community Colleges
Honolulu, HI01.1992
Skills
- Complex Investigation Management
- Evidence Collection & Preservation
- Interviewing & Interrogation
- Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Investigations
- Administrative Oversight
- Top Secret US Government Security Clearance
- Ethical and honest
- Crime Scene Analysis
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Legal Documentation & Report Writing
- Public Safety & Community Relations
- Case Management & Follow-up
- Legal knowledge
- Cybersecurity awareness
Timeline
Investigator Support Specialist
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
04.2023 - Current
Metropolitan Police Captain
Honolulu Police Department
12.2021 - 03.2023
Metropolitan Police Lieutenant
Honolulu Police Department
09.2020 - 12.2021
Metropolitan Police Lieutenant
Honolulu Police Department
11.2019 - 09.2020
Metropolitan Police Detective
Honolulu Police Department
08.2018 - 11.2019
Metropolitan Police Detective
Honolulu Police Department
09.2000 - 08.2018
Honolulu Police Department
01.1994 - 01.2000
U.S. Probation Office
01.1990 - 01.1994
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Chaminade University
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
University of Hawaii - West Oahu
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Kapiolani Community College/University of HI Community Colleges
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