Trent Nelson
Rapid City,SD
Summary
With a proven track record at Pennington County Sheriff's Office, I've enhanced investigative accuracy by incorporating advanced forensic techniques and streamlined autopsy processes. My ability to foster professional growth in junior staff, alongside expert court testimony and effective community partnership establishment, showcases my comprehensive skill set in both technical proficiency and empathetic communication. Dedicated to detail-oriented investigations and keeping thorough records of findings and procedures. Proficient in medical history collection and working closely with officers. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Deputy Coroner
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
01.2015 - Current
- Maintained professional knowledge through ongoing continuing education courses and certifications in relevant areas such as forensic pathology, death investigation techniques, or grief counseling.
- Managed sensitive information discreetly while maintaining strict confidentiality standards as mandated by the profession.
- Conducted comprehensive witness interviews to gather essential information for ongoing investigations.
- Continuously improved personal skills by seeking feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals within the field.
- Improved the accuracy of death investigations by meticulously gathering and analyzing evidence at crime scenes.
- Collaborated with forensic experts, pathologists, and toxicologists to obtain necessary analyses for determining cause of death accurately.
- Developed strong relationships with funeral homes to ensure proper handling of decedents'' remains throughout the process from removal to burial or cremation.
- Assisted families in understanding the circumstances surrounding a loved one''s death by providing compassionate support and clear explanations.
- Enhanced communication with law enforcement agencies by collaborating effectively during investigations and sharing crucial findings.
- Conducted thorough autopsies to determine cause and manner of death, contributing to accurate case resolutions.
- Provided expert testimony in court cases when required, presenting clear explanations of complex medical findings for legal proceedings.
- Maintained detailed records of each case, ensuring both accuracy and promptness in reporting to relevant parties.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols while working with hazardous materials or infectious diseases, minimizing risks for all involved parties.
Criminal Investigator
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
03.2010 - Current
- Maintained detailed records of investigations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
- Assisted detectives in solving cold cases using new technology advancements and innovative analytical methods.
- Utilized advanced technology tools for efficient data analysis, enhancing the overall effectiveness of criminal investigations.
- Prevented future criminal activity by identifying and apprehending dangerous suspects in a timely manner.
- Managed caseload efficiently while prioritizing high-risk situations to protect public safety effectively.
- Improved case resolution rates by conducting thorough criminal investigations and utilizing effective interview techniques.
- Gathered crucial evidence by executing search warrants and processing crime scenes meticulously.
- Collaborated with forensic experts to analyze complex evidence, enabling accurate conclusions about criminal activity patterns.
- Conducted surveillance operations to gather intelligence on suspected criminal activities, leading to multiple arrests.
- Provided expert testimony during legal proceedings, contributing to successful prosecution of offenders in numerous cases.
- Mentored junior investigators, sharing best practices for successful case management and evidence collection.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
- Testified in court during proceedings and trials.
Patrol Officer
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
01.2004 - 03.2010
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies for joint operations, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness.
- Maintained accurate reports and records, aiding in the proper documentation of cases for judicial proceedings.
- Coordinated with social services agencies like Child Protective Services or mental health specialists as required during specific incidents.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Provided public safety assistance at community events to maintain safe and secure environments.
- Participated actively in ongoing training programs designed to enhance skills necessary for deputy sheriff duties.
- Testified effectively in court, presenting clear evidence that contributed to successful case outcomes.
- Enhanced public trust by providing professional and compassionate assistance during emergencies.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Maintained structure and security during court proceedings.
- Gathered information and evidence to assist in solving crimes.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
Non-Destructive Inspection
South Dakota Air Force National Guard
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Expedited necessary repairs through proficient use of non-destructive inspection techniques to identify hidden damage or flaws in aircraft structures.
- Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
- Prevented potential equipment failures with timely identification of wear or damage during routine inspections.
- Enhanced inspection accuracy by diligently following established NDT procedures and protocols.
Patrol Officer
Elk Point Police Department
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Prepared detailed reports documenting daily patrols, incidents encountered, and actions taken during shifts.
- Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Handled crisis situations effectively by utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and sound judgment under pressure.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Conducted traffic stops, issuing citations or warnings when necessary to maintain order on the roads.
- Collaborated with fellow officers for efficient crime prevention and response efforts.
- Investigated suspicious activities, deterring potential criminal behavior and maintaining community security.
Security Police Officer
United States Air Force
01.1991 - 01.1995
- Responded quickly to emergencies while exercising sound judgment under pressure, mitigating potential risks to personnel and property.
- Maintained strict adherence to military law enforcement standards, resulting in a safe environment for personnel and civilians.
- Manned base entry points to provide 24/7 force protection, reviewing identifications, searching vehicles, and verifying deliveries prior to entrance to secure areas.
- Patrolled base facilities and housing areas to deter crime, monitor activities, and provide force protection.
- Monitored gate activities, controlled traffic, and responded to emergencies on base.
- Provided security support for high-profile events, ensuring the safety of all attendees including high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
- Secured storage of weapons, ammunition and explosives to prevent theft and accidents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Galva-Holstein High School
Holstein, IA05.1989
Skills
- Established strong relationships with community partners, such as funeral homes and hospitals, ensuring timely transfer of decedents' remains
- Conducted detailed death scene examinations, gathering vital evidence for determining cause and manner of death
- Streamlined autopsy processes by adopting efficient scheduling methods and optimizing workflow
- Enhanced investigative procedures by incorporating advanced forensic techniques and technology
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigations and accurate case resolutions
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, aiding in the conviction of individuals involved in criminal cases
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and increasing overall team performance
- Case Management
- Medical history analysis
- Investigatory documentation
- Remains handling
- Evidence Preservation
- Interview techniques
- Courtroom Testimony
Timeline
Lead Deputy Coroner
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
01.2015 - Current
Criminal Investigator
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
03.2010 - Current
Patrol Officer
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
01.2004 - 03.2010
Patrol Officer
Elk Point Police Department
01.2003 - 01.2004
Non-Destructive Inspection
South Dakota Air Force National Guard
01.2002 - 01.2009
Security Police Officer
United States Air Force
01.1991 - 01.1995
High School Diploma -
Galva-Holstein High School
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