Steven C. Thornton
Wichita,KS
Summary
Experienced law enforcement professional with extensive expertise in field operations, investigations, supervision, and command-level leadership. Specialized in community engagement, violent crime investigations, and special operations. Currently serving as the Special Investigations Bureau Captain for the Wichita Police Department, overseeing 908 personnel and ensuring safety for a population of 397,532.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Captain – Special Investigations Bureau
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
05.2024 - Current
- Supervise and manage Vice, Undercover, and Task Force units focused on disrupting narcotics trafficking and human trafficking organizations across Wichita-Sedgwick County
- Oversee a 6-million-dollar budget
- Manage independent budgets, including seizure funds
- Liaise with local, county, state, and federal partners to coordinate the interdiction and prosecution of major narcotics operations
- Develop and implement operational plans based on crime trends and major operations
- Lead a team of civilians, officers, detectives, and supervisors, ensuring effective response to significant incidents
- Prepare reports for executive staff on undercover operations and bureau productivity
- Collaborate with other commanders to allocate police resources efficiently
Police Lieutenant – Patrol North Community Policing
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
04.2024 - 05.2024
- Supervised three Sergeants, the Patrol North Community Policing team, and the Patrol North 2nd shift Patrol Officers
- Managed scheduling, training, staffing, and disciplinary investigations
- Mentored officers and engaged with citizens to promote departmental problem-solving initiatives
- Monitored and analyzed Community Policing projects and crime trends to develop targeted responses
Police Lieutenant-Domestic Violence/Sex Crimes Investigations
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed investigations of both sworn and non-sworn police personnel
- Managed critical domestic violence and sex crimes investigations, including incidents involving police personnel
- Oversaw two Sergeants, twelve Detectives, six specialty Officers, and a domestic violence advocate
- Supervised investigations of gang-related shootings and homicides
- Coordinated efforts with local and state advocates to meet deadlines for grants and internal assessments
Police Sergeant – Patrol South 3rd Watch and Patrol East 2nd Watch
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
08.2021 - 02.2023
- First line supervisor
- Supervised and mentored patrol officers in crime scene management and day-to-day operations
- Managed frontline supervision duties, ensuring operational effectiveness during shifts
Police Detective – Persons Crimes Section- Domestic Violence/Sex Crimes Investigations
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
03.2020 - 08.2021
- Investigated cases involving domestic violence, sex crimes and property crimes, presenting findings to District, Federal, and City Attorneys for prosecution
Community Policing Officer – Patrol East and North Bureaus
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
05.2016 - 03.2020
- Implemented Community Policing strategies in targeted areas under Public Safety Initiative
- Developed problem solving strategies and facilitated the creation of Neighborhood Associations and Watches
Crime Analyst – Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Identified emerging problems and trends through analytics
- Gathered and disseminated data to police personnel
- Utilized mapping technology, crime statistics, and intelligence to allocate police resources
Traffic Officer – Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
08.2011 - 05.2015
- Conducted traffic enforcement and safety analysis, developing comprehensive traffic strategies
Special Community Action Team Officer Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
11.2010 - 08.2011
- Responded to drug and gang complaints, conducted surveillance, and managed confidential informants
Patrol Officer East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
Wichita, KS
07.2006 - 11.2010
- Handled preliminary investigations and field activity as a first responder
Education
Police Staff and Command Executive Program -
Northwestern University
01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management and Leadership
Friends University
01.2014
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Crime Prevention
- Team Management
- Community policing
- Search and seizure
- Budget Management
- Personnel Supervision
Additionalprofessionalactivities
- FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute - Wichita KS
- DEA Clandestine Laboratory Investigations - Quantico VA
- Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings - New Mexico Tech Socorro NM
- Nationally Designated CPTED Officer
- Secretary, of Kansas Chapter of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives)
Awards
- Silver Wreath of Valor, Wichita Police Department
- Bronze Wreath of Merit, Wichita Police Department
- Three-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Wichita Police Department
- 10 Year Safe Driving Award, Wichita Police Department
Timeline
Police Captain – Special Investigations Bureau
Wichita Police Department
05.2024 - Current
Police Lieutenant – Patrol North Community Policing
Wichita Police Department
04.2024 - 05.2024
Police Lieutenant-Domestic Violence/Sex Crimes Investigations
Wichita Police Department
02.2023 - 04.2024
Police Sergeant – Patrol South 3rd Watch and Patrol East 2nd Watch
Wichita Police Department
08.2021 - 02.2023
Police Detective – Persons Crimes Section- Domestic Violence/Sex Crimes Investigations
Wichita Police Department
03.2020 - 08.2021
Community Policing Officer – Patrol East and North Bureaus
Wichita Police Department
05.2016 - 03.2020
Crime Analyst – Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
05.2015 - 05.2016
Traffic Officer – Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
08.2011 - 05.2015
Special Community Action Team Officer Patrol East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
11.2010 - 08.2011
Patrol Officer East Bureau
Wichita Police Department
07.2006 - 11.2010
Police Staff and Command Executive Program -
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management and Leadership
Friends University
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