Thomas Kezele
Security Advisor / Blogger
Zagreb,Croatia
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in conducting background investigations and collaborating with law enforcement. Skilled in enforcing developed security protocols and threat assessments to ensure the safety of company operations. Proficient in risk management and data analysis.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Security Investigator
US Embassy Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
02.2008 - Current
- Conducted background checks on employees and contractors maintaining appropriate databases that I also have participated in their development
- Collaborated with law enforcement on security matters affecting embassy operations to include VIP visits of U.S. dignitaries (including the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and others) as well as securing U.S. Embassy sponsored or organized VIP events.
- Analyzed potential threats to ensure the safety of embassy personnel and visitors in coordination with Croatian General Police Directorate
- Coordinate security detail efforts and scheduling
- Developed and implemented security protocols to enhance overall safety measures.
- Trained staff on emergency response procedures and security awareness practices.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting investigation findings and recommendations.
- Coordinated security drills to evaluate response effectiveness among embassy staff in cooperation with host country law enforcement key players.
- Responded to emergency situations involving potential threats or criminal activity.
- Assisted in developing training programs related to security awareness.
- Ran background checks of individuals to obtain data on character, financial status and personal history.
- Interviewed subjects, targets and witnesses for information verification and corroboration.
- Surveyed residences of U.S. diplomats to ensure the safety and security of residents and property; enhancing security features to meet requirements according to the threat level.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement during investigations and emergency situations.
- Co-organized multiple courses for Croatian law enforcement, taught by U.S. lecturers.
- Other duties as assigned by the Regional Security Officer
Senior Criminal Investigator
Zagreb Police Department
Zagreb, Croatia
05.1998 - 01.2008
- Conducted thorough investigations into criminal activities and incidents, specializing in the Armed Robbery squad as a team leader.
- I wrote numerous reports to the appropriate district attorney's offices, as well as the appropriate courts, for both criminal and misdemeanor charges.
- Interviewed witnesses and suspects to obtain critical information for cases.
- Analyzed crime scene data to identify patterns and potential suspects.
- Supervised subordinate investigators in the collection of evidence and preparation of reports.
- Conducted polygraph examinations (2006-2008) as a certified polygraph examiner.
- Analyzed data collected from various sources to develop leads in criminal investigations.
- Testified under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Interviewed subjects, targets and witnesses for information verification and corroboration.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminalistics
Policijska Akademija - Visoka Policijska Skola
Zagreb10-2007
Skills
- Background checks
- Data analysis and threat assessment
- Evidence collection and processing
- Investigation techniques
- Emergency response training
- Risk management
- Law enforcement collaboration
- Investigative techniques
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Limited
Italian
Elementary
Certification
Polygraph Examiner Course, Police Academy, Zagreb, Croatia
Foreign Service National Investigator Course, Diplomatic Security Training Centre, Dunn Loring, VA, USA
Wicklander – Zulawski & Associates: Interview and Interrogation Techniques Course; DS Training Centre, Dunn Loring, VA, USA
Financial Investigations Techniques Training Course – Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service at International Law Enforcement Academy, Budapest, Hungary
Bodyguard Protective Security Operations (BGPSO) course – Winchester, VA, US
Foreign Service National Investigator Course, Diplomatic Security Training Centre, Dunn Loring, VA, USA
Wicklander – Zulawski & Associates: Interview and Interrogation Techniques Course; DS Training Centre, Dunn Loring, VA, USA
Financial Investigations Techniques Training Course – Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service at International Law Enforcement Academy, Budapest, Hungary
Bodyguard Protective Security Operations (BGPSO) course – Winchester, VA, US
Accomplishments
Multiple awards from Croatian Ministry of Interior and U.S. State Department
Affiliations
Author and host of podcast Bez pauze (pro bono)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Security Investigator
US Embassy Zagreb
02.2008 - Current
Senior Criminal Investigator
Zagreb Police Department
05.1998 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Criminalistics
Policijska Akademija - Visoka Policijska Skola