Steven Schlenger
Toms River
Summary
Dedicated law enforcement officer with experience in patrol operations, inmate processing, and criminal investigations. Skilled in evidence handling, report writing, interviewing subjects, and applying constitutional law during enforcement actions. Experienced in detainee intake, identity verification, fingerprinting, and records management using NCIC and RMS systems. Demonstrates strong situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and sound decision-making in high-stress environments. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail. Seeking to leverage investigative and enforcement experience in a federal law enforcement role with the Department of Homeland Security.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer
Tom’s River Police Department
Toms River, NJ
10.2025 - Current
- Conducted proactive patrol operations in a high-volume tourist jurisdiction with elevated narcotics, disorderly conduct, and assault incidents.
- Performed traffic stops and field investigations leading to arrests for controlled dangerous substances and other criminal violations.
- Conducted person searches and vehicle searches in accordance with legal search procedures and officer safety practices.
- Identified, collected, and documented physical evidence including narcotics and contraband.
- Assisted in narcotics enforcement actions and drug arrests based on observed violations and probable cause.
- Completed investigative reports documenting elements of offenses, witness statements, and evidence recovered.
- Used NCIC and state criminal justice systems to check warrants, stolen property, and wanted persons.
- Processed arrested individuals and ensured accurate documentation of charges and evidence.
- Provided testimony and case documentation supporting prosecution of criminal cases.
- Successfully completed use-of-force training and was exposed to OC spray as part of certification.
- Maintained NJ Police Training Commission certification and firearms qualification.
Police Officer
Seaside Heights Police Department
Seaside Heights, NJ
01.2023 - 10.2025
- Enforced traffic laws to ensure public safety and reduce accidents.
- Conducted thorough investigations of crimes and incidents, documenting findings accurately.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls, providing assistance and maintaining order.
- Collaborated with community members to foster trust and enhance public relations.
- Trained new officers on departmental policies, procedures, and best practices for effective policing.
- Utilize law enforcement databases including NCIC, ATS, and ACS to verify identity, warrants, criminal history, and investigative information.
- Qualified with duty firearm and maintain annual firearms proficiency standards.
Education
GED -
Brick Township High School
Brick Township NjNo Degree - Law Enforcement
Ocean County Police Academy
Lakewood, NJSkills
- Criminal investigations
- Case development
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Interviewing and interrogation techniques
- Report writing and documentation
- Probable cause determination
- Warrant preparation
- Chain of custody procedures
- Surveillance operations
- Field investigations
- Arrest procedures
- Court testimony
- Crime scene processing
- Intelligence gathering
- Detainee intake and processing
- Identity verification procedures
- Fingerprinting and biometric collection
- Records management systems
- Classification and risk assessment
- Contraband detection
- Search procedures (pat-downs, cell searches)
- Prisoner transport and custody control
- Use of force decision making
- Crisis intervention
- Conflict resolution
- De-escalation techniques
- Public interaction
- Victim and witness interviewing
- Community relations
- Professional verbal communication
- Written communication (incident reports, affidavits)
- Constitutional law application (4th Amendment, 5th Amendment)
- Search and seizure procedures
- Miranda procedures
- Use of force continuum
- Courtroom testimony
- Affidavit and report preparation
- Evidence admissibility standards
- Officer safety procedures
- Defensive tactics
- Handcuffing and restraint techniques
- Radio communication procedures
- Emergency response
- Incident command participation
- Hazard recognition
- Situational awareness
- Records Management Systems (RMS)
- Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
- NCIC database
- CJIS systems
- Report writing software
- Body camera systems
- Digital evidence handling
- Fingerprint/LiveScan systems
- Attention to detail
- Integrity and ethical decision making
- Ability to work independently
- Team operations
- Time management
- Adaptability
- High-stress decision making
- Confidential information handling
Accomplishments
Successfully completed a full-time police academy while supporting a pregnant spouse and caring for three young children at home. Balanced rigorous academic, physical fitness, and practical training requirements while maintaining family and financial responsibilities. Demonstrated strong time management, discipline, and commitment by graduating and immediately transitioning into active law enforcement service. Since that time, has continued professional development while now supporting a family of four children.
Performs critical duties in inmate intake and processing, including identification verification, fingerprinting, classification, and documentation, ensuring accuracy of official records and proper custody procedures. Regularly handles high-stress interactions with combative or uncooperative individuals while maintaining professionalism and officer safety.
Participated in patrol operations and investigative activities including responding to calls for service, conducting interviews, preparing detailed incident reports, and assisting in narcotics-related investigations. Developed strong report writing skills and attention to detail, producing documentation suitable for prosecutorial and court proceedings.
Maintains proficiency in constitutional policing practices, applying search and seizure law, probable cause determinations, and proper evidence handling procedures. Provides court testimony and works collaboratively with supervisors, prosecutors, and other law enforcement personnel.
Recognized by supervisors for reliability, accountability, and the ability to remain calm and effective during stressful and rapidly evolving situations.
Certification
- New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC) Certified Police Officer
- Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate, Ocean County Police Academy
- Firearms Qualification (Handgun) – Active Duty Qualification
- Use of Force Certification
- Defensive Tactics Certification
- Handcuffing and Restraint Techniques Certification
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray Certification
- CPR / First Aid Certification
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
- Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC)
- Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) / NCIC Access Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- De-escalation / Crisis Intervention Training
- Narcan / Naloxone Administration Training
Active Shooter Response Training
Incident Command System (ICS 100/200) - Report Writing or Evidence Handling Training
Timeline
Police Officer
Tom’s River Police Department
10.2025 - Current
Police Officer
Seaside Heights Police Department
01.2023 - 10.2025
GED -
Brick Township High School
No Degree - Law Enforcement
Ocean County Police Academy