Teronda A Gaines
Chicago
Summary
Dedicated police officer with the Chicago Police Department for 22 years, recognized for enhancing public safety through proactive community engagement and effective conflict de-escalation.
Professional with comprehensive experience in law enforcement, consistently ensuring public safety and effective community policing. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results through teamwork. Skilled in conflict resolution, crisis management, and maintaining public order. Adaptable and reliable, always ready to respond to evolving situations.
The last 5 years as a part of Community Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Business and Alderman Liaison my responsibilities with creating strong partnerships with the local business and Alderman include routine patrol and license business checks, host monthly business meetings for the 006th district Business Sub-Committee. In addition conduct safety checks for businesses having issues and concerns, sign up businesses for Trespass Affidavit Program. Attend community hearings with BACP for business call in. Bridge the gap between businesses and the community. As the Alderman liaison to address their constituents issues and concerns.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer
Chicago Police Department
05.2002 - Current
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
- Trained new officers on department policies and procedures, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Conducted thorough investigations for various cases, leading to timely resolutions and justice served.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Enforced traffic laws diligently, promoting road safety and reducing accident rates.
- Responded immediately to reports of automobile accidents and criminal activity, calling for additional support as necessary.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
- Managed crowd control during events, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Developed strong rapport with local businesses owners to address concerns about crime or vandalism affecting their establishments.
- Assisted in the development of crime prevention strategies, resulting in safer neighborhoods.
- Implemented community outreach initiatives that strengthened partnerships between residents and local law enforcement agencies.
- Served as a school resource officer, improving relationships between youth and police through positive interactions and educational programs.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Utilized clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Monitored criminal activity in community to identify suspicious activity.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
Education
Jurisprudence - Law
DePaul University
Chicago, IL05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL06-2001
High School Diploma -
Morgan Park High School
Chicago, IL06-1991
Skills
- Report writing
- Integrity and honesty
- Conflict de-escalation
- Relationship building and management
- De-escalation techniques
- Patience and empathy
- Community engagement
- Criminal investigations
- Planning and coordination
- Human relations
- Community relations
- Crisis intervention and deescalation
- Physical fitness
- Criminal law
- Community oriented policing
- Law enforcement
- Mental resilience
- Cultural awareness
- Safety improvements
- Domestic violence prevention
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- First aid
Accomplishments
2009 CRIME REDUCTION AWARD
2012 (3) HONORABLE MENTION
2013 COMPLIMENTARY LETTER
2013 NATO SUMMIT SERVICE AWARD
2014 (2) HONORABLE MENTIONS
2018 HONORABLE MENTION
2018 PROBLEM SOLVING AWARD
12 EMBLEMS OF RECOGNITION PHYSICAL FITNESS AWARD OF THE YEARS
Certification
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM (C.I.T.)
CARDIOPULMORY RESUSCITATION (C.P.R.)
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
Timeline
Police Officer
Chicago Police Department
05.2002 - Current
Jurisprudence - Law
DePaul University
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Chicago State University
High School Diploma -
Morgan Park High School