Steven Richards

In August, 2025, I applied and was selected for the Flex Team. During my time on the Flex Team, I have participated in activities related to patrol operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Routine patrol within the community.
• Responding to injury and non-injury accidents.
• Traffic violation enforcement.
• Assisting with the execution of search and arrest warrants.
• Surveillance.
• Foot patrol.
• Managing small and large collision scenes, including resource management.
• Prepared detailed reports.
• Photographed and document collision scenes.
• Arrested violators for numerous criminal violations.
• Prepared warrant applications for criminal violations.

During my time on patrol at the Elizabethtown Police Department, I have participated in activities related to patrol operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Patrolled assigned areas to ensure public safety and deter criminal activity.
• Conducted traffic stops, issued citations for violations of laws, performed DUI investigations, narcotics investigations, and made arrests as appropriate.
• Prepared detailed reports on incidents and maintained accurate records.
• Investigated suspicious activities, persons, and vehicles.
• Interviewed victims, witnesses and suspects in order to collect information about crimes.
• Checked buildings and businesses after hours for security purposes.
• Operated radar equipment to detect speed violations by motorists.
• Apprehended suspects in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
• Performed motor vehicle accident investigations.
• Prepared detailed documentation of felony-level property and violent crimes investigations.
• Testified in court regarding arrests and investigations, presenting evidence clearly.
• Wrote detailed reports to accurately document accidents and incidents.

I was assigned to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Section, Multi-Agency Drug Task Force. I was also a Task Force Officer with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). During that time, I conducted numerous short- and long-term investigations into low, mid-, and high-level drug traffickers. These investigations included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Planned, conducted, and managed covert, undercover, and electronic surveillance operations.
• Cultivated and managed confidential sources.
• Obtained, planned, and executed state and federal search warrants and arrest warrants, including risk analysis and mitigation, and operational briefs.
• Analyzed evidence, including forensic telephone downloads, telephone call detail records, and pen register data, to establish hierarchy, sources of supply, co-conspirators, and customers of drug trafficking organizations.
• Obtained authorization for five (5) federal Title III wiretaps, which included the interception of wire and electronic communications from nine (9) telephones belonging to drug traffickers.
• Determined appropriate work scheduling and assignments associated with Title III wiretap operations.
• Assisted in surveillance and monitoring operations involving 20+ telephones included in state and federal Title III wiretaps.
• Collaborated with state and federal law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and intelligence, and develop strategies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations.
• Provided tactical consultation to other investigators and investigative units when executing search warrants and arrest warrants.
• Assessed potential risks associated with investigative activities and developed mitigation plans accordingly. This included assuming tactical command during the planning and execution of search warrant and arrest warrant operations.
• Interviewed witnesses, sources of information, and suspects to obtain detailed information, verify previously obtained information, and corroborate information used to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.
• Prepared comprehensive reports detailing investigation findings.
• Presented case findings to legal teams for prosecution preparation.
• Trained junior investigators on investigative procedures, techniques, and agency policies.
• Maintained accurate case files and documentation for ongoing investigations.
• Analyzed evidence, interviewed witnesses and obtained relevant documents related to investigations.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to investigations.
• Drafted subpoenas and search warrants, and developed investigative strategies in conjunction with state and federal prosecutors when necessary during the course of an investigation.
• Managed teams of investigators, directing their activities and providing guidance as necessary.
• Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures throughout the course of an investigation.
• Developed strategies to ensure successful outcomes in investigation cases.
• Maintained organized records of all information and material pertinent to open investigations.
• Applied knowledge of criminal law and procedures in the collection and handling of evidence to ensure admissibility in court.
• Conducted undercover operations as required, adhering to legal and ethical standards to obtain information.
• Photographed narcotic purchase transactions to compile evidence and protect undercover investigators.

I met the physical and psychological requirements of the Special Response Team (SRT), which led to my being selected as a probationary member. After completing the training and probationary phase, I continued my training and ultimately earned an Assistant Team Leader position. As an Assistant Team Leader, I was responsible for leading tactical elements, planning and executing tactical assaults, and making tactical decisions during operations. My duties on the SRT included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Anti-sniper suppression.
• Anti-terrorist suppression.
• Barricaded subjects.
• Apprehension of armed subjects.
• Execution of search warrants and arrest warrants.
• Hostage rescue operations.
• Dignitary protection.
• Civil disturbance abatement.
• Tactical assault operations.

As such, I was part of hundreds of tactical operations, which include my experience as a Senior Narcotics Investigator. This includes the execution of countless residential search warrants, vehicle assaults, and fugitive apprehensions. Additionally, I have played key roles in two (2) successful hostage-rescue operations. Furthermore, I helped train and mentor new and junior members of the SRT.

During my assignment to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit, I was part of a team responsible for identifying neighborhood and community conditions and issues, which are the catalysts for drug-related crime problems, gun violence, and citizen fear. We provided proactive enforcement of the laws and ordinances, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens and the business community. My duties included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Proactive patrol operations in high-crime and problem areas, targeting street-level drug dealers and users.
• Identifying and targeting nuisance locations used for drug distribution, prostitution, and general community degradation.
• Undercover surveillance aimed at identifying and monitoring gang members and drug distributors.
• Assisted the Drug Task Force with developing probable cause for search warrants, wall-off traffic stops, and confidential source cultivation.

As a Deputy Sheriff assigned to the patrol division, I quickly became a leader on my shift. I consistently sought out additional training and took on extra responsibilities. I served as the Shift Crime Scene Investigator and Employee Counsel Representative, and received several accommodations and accolades from my agency and the community. Additionally, I was selected and served as a Field Training Officer, served on the Clandestine Laboratory Response Team, and became an Active Shooter Threat Instructor, certified by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). My responsibilities included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Responded to emergency calls and incidents with urgency and professionalism.
• Conducted traffic stops for violations of the law, issued citations, and made arrests when necessary.
• Prepared detailed reports on criminal activities and incidents for legal documentation.
• Attended court hearings to present evidence in criminal cases.
• Patrolled assigned areas to detect suspicious activity, enforced laws and ensured public safety.
• Participated in search operations for missing persons and fugitives.
• Investigated complaints from citizens, documented reports, and collected evidence.
• Utilized radar equipment to detect speeders on highways and roads within jurisdiction area.
• Trained new deputies to become valuable members of the agency.
• Supervised new deputies while training; assuring they adhered to applicable federal and state laws and agency policies, while providing necessary correction and mentorship.
• Identified, documented, and collected evidence at crime scenes.
• Trained other members of the agency in Active Shooter Threat Response.

I began my law enforcement career as a Patrol Officer at the Niceville Police Department. During my time there, I learned the skills that created the foundation of my career. As a rookie officer, I was awarded Officer of the Year, and led the agency in both felony and misdemeanor arrests. My duties included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Patrolled assigned areas to ensure public safety and security.
• Responded to emergency calls and incidents promptly and efficiently.
• Prepared detailed reports on incidents, arrests, and other observations.
• Patrolled assigned areas to detect criminal activity and provide public safety.
• Attended regular training sessions on new law enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Investigated suspicious activities, responded to emergency calls, and mediated disputes.
• Conducted traffic stops, wrote citations, and made arrests when necessary.
• Testified in court regarding arrests and investigations, presenting evidence clearly.