Todd Kara
Poughkeepsie
Summary
Experienced in crime scene investigation and forensic analysis, demonstrating a strong ability to collect and preserve evidence while adhering to chain of custody protocols. Developed and implemented training programs that enhanced officer readiness and team cohesion, contributing to improved public safety outcomes. Engaged in community outreach initiatives, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public, which strengthened community trust. Prepared detailed reports and provided expert testimony in court, effectively communicating complex forensic findings to support successful prosecutions.
Skilled in comprehensive traffic analysis and management, with background in coordinating road safety and efficiency projects. Known for ability to leverage data-driven approaches to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Strengths include advanced knowledge of traffic software, adept problem-solving skills, and effective communication with public agencies. Contributed to significant reductions in travel time and accidents through strategic planning and implementation of innovative traffic solutions.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1997
1997
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Sergeant
New York State Police
Salt Point
08.2016 - Current
- Supervised operational activities and coordinated response efforts to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates.
- Developed and implemented training programs, improving officer readiness and fostering team cohesion among personnel.
- Led investigations into criminal activities, resulting in successful prosecutions and strengthened community trust in law enforcement.
- Engaged in community outreach programs, promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the public to build trust.
Investigator
New York State Police
Salt Point
03.2006 - 08.2015
- Conducted thorough crime scene investigations, collecting and analyzing evidence to support criminal cases and ensure accuracy in reporting.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to develop investigative strategies, enhancing case resolution rates through effective communication and teamwork.
- Led training sessions for junior investigators on evidence handling and forensic techniques, improving team proficiency and knowledge retention.
- Utilized advanced forensic tools and techniques to analyze physical evidence, contributing to successful prosecutions and safeguarding public safety.
- Prepared detailed reports and presented findings in court, effectively conveying complex forensic information to juries and judges for informed decision-making.
- Mentored new forensic staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring adherence to best practices in forensic investigation methodologies.
- Secured evidence from crime scenes, bodies, and secondary locations, carefully following sound evidentiary practices and chain of custody requirements.
- Used crime scene equipment to identify, collect, forensically examine and preserve physical evidence.
- Assisted police officers in collecting evidence at accident sites or locations where a violent crime occurred.
- Collaborated closely with medical examiners to identify victims and cause of death based on autopsies performed.
- Prepared detailed reports of investigative findings for use in court proceedings.
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings related to forensic analysis results.
- Analyzed evidence, such as fingerprints, blood samples, and DNA profiles, to determine their relevance to the investigation.
- Operated photographic and video equipment to document evidence of crime scenes.
- Created sketches of and took photographs at crime scenes.
- Reviewed bloodstain patterns to determine bloodshed event details.
- Coordinated activities related to crime scene collection, preservation and transportation.
- Examined latent fingerprint evidence using various chemicals.
Trooper
New York State Police
Wappingers Falls
05.1999 - 03.2006
- Conducted thorough traffic stops and investigations, ensuring public safety and adherence to laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to develop strategies for crime prevention and community engagement.
- Trained and mentored new recruits in law enforcement protocols and procedures, enhancing team performance and cohesion.
- Responded to emergency calls promptly, assessing situations effectively and implementing appropriate responses for public safety.
- Prepared detailed reports on incidents and arrests, maintaining accuracy and compliance with department standards.
- Participated in high-speed vehicle chases in serious and emergency situations.
- Provided courtroom testimony concerning criminal investigations conducted.
- Assisted motorists with vehicle breakdowns or other emergency situations.
- Responded to calls for service from citizens regarding suspicious persons or activities.
- Maintained order at public events such as parades and sporting events.
- Transported prisoners between jails and courthouses as needed.
- Executed warrants issued by courts throughout the state.
- Assisted in conducting traffic surveys to determine problem areas.
- Performed first aid on injured individuals until medical help arrived.
- Searched for stolen vehicles, drugs, weapons, fugitives, and missing persons.
- Wrote reports on arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
- Inspected businesses that sell alcohol or tobacco products for compliance with state laws.
- Preserved evidence collected at crime scenes for use in court proceedings.
- Provided assistance to other law enforcement agencies as needed.
- Apprehended suspects who had committed crimes or violated laws.
- Investigated motor vehicle accidents, determining causes of the accident and issuing citations when necessary.
- Performed supervisory duties as required, in addition to serving as professionals and professionals.
- Operated radar equipment to detect speeding drivers on highways.
- Wrote reports on arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
- Coordinated security detail for governor and other dignitaries both at their residences and during travel.
- Directed traffic during emergency and congested situations to facilitate vehicular flow.
- Conducted high-speed vehicle pursuits to apprehend criminal suspects.
Security Officer
Marist college
Poughkeepsie
05.1996 - 05.1999
- Monitored campus safety protocols and responded to incidents, enhancing security and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
- Conducted regular patrols of campus facilities, identifying and addressing potential security breaches to maintain a secure atmosphere.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement during emergency situations, facilitating effective communication and rapid response to incidents.
- Conducted safety inspections of buildings and grounds, identifying hazards and recommending improvements to promote a secure environment.
- Conducted regular security patrols of the facility grounds, parking lots, and perimeter areas.
- Greeted staff, guests, vendors, contractors. upon arrival at the facility entrance.
- Maintained accurate logs of all security related activities.
- Secured personnel and premises by inspecting buildings and patrolling property.
- Guarded restricted areas to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Monitored entrances and exits for unauthorized personnel or prohibited items being brought onto premises.
- Verified photo IDs and tickets to allow guests passage.
- Addressed problems quickly and reported clear information while working under minimal supervision.
- Confirmed visitor identification prior to granting entry into the building.
- Monitored surveillance cameras and responded to suspicious activity.
- Checked for safety hazards and took corrective action when necessary.
- Monitored premises and recorded activity in daily officer reports.
- Responded to alarms and conducted investigations as required.
- Assisted with crowd control during large events held at the facility.
- Provided escorts for visitors as needed throughout the facility.
- Prepared detailed reports regarding daily activities, unusual occurrences, maintenance issues.
- Participated in training sessions to stay up-to-date on current security trends and best practices.
- Operated communication systems between officers stationed throughout the facility.
- Inspected parking lot to verify parking permits and ticketed or towed unauthorized vehicles.
- Inspected fire extinguishers to ensure they were properly charged and operational.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders during incidents and emergencies.
- Identified suspicious activity to determine appropriate response.
Medical Equipment Technician
Dave's Wheelchair inc
Hyde Park
11.1992 - 05.1999
- Conducted regular maintenance and repairs on medical equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to assess equipment needs, improving patient care through appropriate device selection.
- Trained and mentored junior technicians on equipment handling and safety protocols, enhancing team efficiency and knowledge retention.
- Trained patients on how to properly operate medical equipment.
- Conducted safety inspections on all medical equipment per protocol standards.
- Performed preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on medical equipment.
- Attended seminars and workshops as required to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field.
- Maintained accurate records of service calls and repair activities for each piece of equipment.
- Assisted with inventory management of parts and supplies related to medical equipment.
- Coordinated with vendors to order replacement parts as needed for servicing medical devices.
- Inspected malfunctioning medical equipment with test and analysis instruments.
- Analyzed part lists to requisition parts for repairs.
Education
State Trooper
New York State Police Academy
05.1999 - 11.1999
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY 09.1992 - 05.1996
Roosevelt High School
Hyde Park, NYSkills
- Crime scene investigation
- Evidence collection
- Forensic analysis
- Report preparation
- Community engagement
- Public safety enforcement
- Team leadership
- Emergency response
- Chain of custody
- Courtroom testimony
- Incident reporting
- Surveillance monitoring
- Traffic enforcement
- Risk assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Security protocols
- Communication skills
Timeline
Sergeant
New York State Police
08.2016 - Current
Investigator
New York State Police
03.2006 - 08.2015
Trooper
New York State Police
05.1999 - 03.2006
State Trooper
New York State Police Academy
05.1999 - 11.1999
Security Officer
Marist college
05.1996 - 05.1999
Medical Equipment Technician
Dave's Wheelchair inc
11.1992 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Marist College
09.1992 - 05.1996
Roosevelt High School