Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professionalmembershipsandaffiliations
Personal Information
Community Service
Training
Presentationsandpublications
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

David Verástegui

Austin,TX

Summary

Proven leader in the criminal justice field with over 25 years of progressive law enforcement experience. Strong sense of leadership and goal orientation. Expertise in legal compliance, research, and handling confidential data. Collaborates effectively with all levels of staff, including elected officials and local, county, state, and federal partners, showcasing strong professional acumen and analytical skills for strategic, data-driven solutions. Skilled manager of resources, projects, and organizational changes. First-generation college graduate with a passion for promoting social welfare. Holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice - Administration. TCOLE Certified Instructor status enhances qualifications as a cutting-edge law enforcement practitioner. Known for multitasking and cooperative work. Forward thinker always seeking ways to improve the status quo. Proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, iOS, Android, and similar software. Open to embracing new technology and software advancements.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

THP Captain – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
10.2017 - Current
  • I have served approximately seven (7) years as a THP Captain
  • Provide education workshops and seminars on topics related to criminal justice, officer safety and resilience
  • Keep current with criminal justice and leadership trends
  • Responsible for developing and implementing traffic safety and criminal enforcement initiatives in support of increase in violent crime
  • Most recently, I created the Road Rage Aggressive Driving initiative in Region 2
  • Utilize program and project management experience to execute programs and projects related to employee acquisition and staffing
  • Chaired numerous interview boards for new hires, corporals, career progression, and Violent Crime Strike Team, and Crime Reduction Unit (CRU)
  • Created SOP for DL Function Troopers and Violent Crime Strike Team (VCST)
  • Utilize special projects relating to analytics, reporting, and communications relating to traffic and crime patterns
  • Represent the Region 2 THP Major in his absence e.g., Monthly VTCs, THP Recruit / Family Night, DPS Citizens Academy, meetings with local/ county/ state/ federal partners, and other important meetings
  • Liaise with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners
  • Identified and developed relationships with key stakeholders for a myriad of operations
  • Led a plethora of staff meetings in my District
  • Created the Department’s first Violent Crime Strike Team (VCST) in 2019
  • Many VCST Troopers have promoted to CID from the VCST
  • Supervise the Highway Patrol Service in my District, including the Violent Crime Strike Team
  • Supervise the THP K-9 Program in Region 2
  • Supervised the SES / MCO Service in Region 2
  • Supervise the Commercial Vehicle Safety Program in my District
  • Supervise the AIS Service in Region 2
  • Served as the Texas Disaster District Chairman for District 16-A; covers natural and manmade disasters
  • Since late 2023, No serve as the THP 2A Rep
  • In TDEM DDC 16
  • Mentor, coach, and counsel employees to help them achieve their goals
  • Reviewed a plethora of OIG Division Referrals and wrote corresponding letters to affected employees and complainants
  • Served as firearms instructor

CVE Captain – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
09.2016 - 10.2017
  • Responsible for Region 2 CVE personnel in a 35-Counties-Area, both commissioned and non-commissioned CVE Inspectors
  • Provided education workshops and seminars on topics related to commercial motor vehicle safety
  • Developed CVE education material for classroom and field use
  • Keep current with criminal justice and leadership trends
  • Responsible for developing and implementing traffic safety and criminal enforcement initiatives in support of increase in violent crime
  • Utilize program and project management experience to execute programs and projects related to employee acquisition and staffing
  • Chaired numerous interview boards for new hires, corporals, and career progression
  • Led staff meetings in my District
  • Utilize special projects relating to analytics, reporting, and communications relating to traffic and crime patterns
  • Supported the Texas Disaster District Chairman of District 16-A with natural and manmade disasters
  • Identified and developed relationships with key stakeholders
  • Mentor, coach, and counsel employees to help them achieve their goals
  • Reviewed OIG Division Referrals and wrote corresponding letters to affected employees and complainants
  • Served as firearms instructor

CVE Lieutenant – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
09.2008 - 09.2016
  • Provided education workshops and seminars on topics related to commercial motor vehicle safety
  • Developed CVE education material for classroom and field use
  • Revamped the CVE Registration Training of the CVE Basic School
  • The first to introduce gamification into the classroom in DPS for adult learning
  • Kept current with criminal justice and leadership trends
  • Responsible for developing and implementing traffic safety and criminal enforcement initiatives in my area of responsibility
  • Utilize program and project management experience to execute programs and projects related to employee acquisition and staffing
  • Chaired a plethora of new hire boards and CVE Corporal boards
  • Supervise the Commercial Vehicle Safety Program in my area of responsibility
  • Served as the Highway Patrol Honor Guard Commander
  • Served as a member of the Region 2 Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) for the Texas Rangers (beginning in 2012)
  • Measured the business advantages of programs that support and promote an effective and productive environment
  • Identified and developed relationships with key stakeholders
  • Mentor, coach, and counsel employees to help them achieve their goals
  • Monitored activity for compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  • Completed Line Inspections to ensure Departmental compliance and efficiency
  • Served as firearms instructor

CVE Sergeant– Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
01.2005 - 09.2008
  • Provided education workshops and seminars on topics related to commercial motor vehicle safety
  • Kept current with criminal justice and leadership trends
  • Responsible for assisting with developing and implementing traffic safety and criminal enforcement initiatives in my area of responsibility
  • Utilize program and project management experience to assist in projects related to employee acquisition and staffing
  • Served on numerous new hire boards and Corporal boards
  • Supervise the Commercial Vehicle Safety Program in my area of responsibility
  • Served as the Highway Patrol Honor Guard Team Leader
  • Identified and developed relationships with key stakeholders
  • Mentor, coach, and counsel employees to help them achieve their goals
  • Monitored activity for compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  • Served as firearms instructor

State Trooper– Texas Highway Patrol Division / TLE

Texas Department of Public Safety
04.1999 - 01.2005
  • Responsible for enforcing Texas traffic law and Texas criminal laws in my area of responsibility
  • Seized large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, illegal weapons, and currency with a nexus to criminal activity
  • Investigated crashes involving non-commercial and commercial vehicles
  • Responsible for enforcing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Material Regulations in my area of responsibility
  • Utilize program and project management experience to assist in projects related to employee acquisition and staffing
  • I was on the Region 2 Recruiting Team (CVE / L&W representative)
  • Provided education workshops and seminars on topics related to commercial motor vehicle safety to the motor carrier industry
  • Identified and developed relationships with key stakeholders
  • Mentored and coached my peers to help them achieve their goals
  • Kept current with criminal justice and leadership trends
  • Served as firearms instructor

Trooper Trainee– Texas Highway Patrol

Texas Department of Public Safety
10.1998 - 04.1999
  • Attended Trooper Recruit School
  • Engaged in physical and classroom training to become a Texas State Trooper

Education

Master of Science - Criminal Justice Leadership and Management

Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
08.2021

Certificate -

University of Virginia
03.2018

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration

West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
08.2017

Skills

  • Friendly, Positive Attitude
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Service
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Computer Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Calm Under Pressure
  • Active Listening
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Decision-Making
  • Problem Resolution

Professionalmembershipsandaffiliations

  • Federal Bureau Investigations National Academy Association, FBINA Session 271, 2018
  • Northwestern University – School of Police Staff and Command, SPSC Session 352, 2013
  • Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association
  • Texas State Troopers Association
  • Combined Law Enforcement of Texas Officers Association

Personal Information

Title: Captain

Community Service

  • Boy Scouts of America, Trooper 573, Houston, TX, 2009 to 2014
  • Lufkin Youth Baseball, Team Coach, 2005
  • Baytown Little League Baseball, Team Coach, 2000 to 2004
  • Baytown Saints Soccer Club, Assistant Coach, 2002 to 2004

Training

  • CRIJ 3362 – Statistics for Social Sciences (West Texas A&M)
  • CRIJ 4340 – Constitutional Rights of the Accused (West Texas A&M)
  • CRIJ 4348 – Ethics (West Texas A&M)
  • CRIJ 4350 – Administration of CJ Organizations (West Texas A&M)
  • CRIJ 4354 – Public Personnel Administration (West Texas A&M)
  • CRIJ 4355 – Public Financial Administration (West Texas A&M)
  • POSC 4331 – Administrative Law (West Texas A&M)
  • POSC 4353 – Public Administration (West Texas A&M)
  • SOCI 4302 – Criminology (West Texas A&M)
  • SOCI 4321 – Racial / Cultural Minor (West Texas A&M)
  • CJ 3210 – Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement (University of Virginia)
  • CJ 5200 – Psychology of Leadership (University of Virginia)
  • CJ 5270 – Advanced Psychology of Communication (University of Virginia)
  • CJ 3400 – Fitness in Law Enforcement (University of Virginia)
  • CJ 5660 – Spirituality / Wellness Advanced (University of Virginia)
  • CRIJ 5350 – Critical Analysis of Justice Administration (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6333 – Seminar in Organization and Administration (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6334 – Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6363 – Leadership Psychology in Criminal Justice Mgmt. (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6365 – Community Theory and Administration of Justice (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6335 – Seminar in Leadership and Management (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6396 – Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Management (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6392 – The Ethics of Criminal Justice (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6388 – Emergent Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership (Sam Houston State University)
  • CRIJ 6392 – Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice Leadership (Sam Houston State University)

Presentationsandpublications

  • Created the Road Rage Aggressive Driving initiative for THP in Region 2 in December 2023.
  • Blue Courage-The Heart and Mind of the Guardian—lead instructor in this workshop on criminal justice, officer safety and resilience.
  • Chambers County Commissioners Court – developed and presented research on the modernization of the Winnie Inspection Station and the implementation of CMV Non-Commissioned Inspectors.
  • Texas Trucking Association (TXTA)—developed and presented commercial motor vehicle safety trends program.
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Training– developed and instructed the Commercial Vehicle Registration Course for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Modernized this training by implementing gamification.
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Public Awareness – presented numerous safety programs relating to commercial vehicles.

Certification

Leadership Certificate from University of Virginia

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

THP Captain – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
10.2017 - Current

CVE Captain – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
09.2016 - 10.2017

CVE Lieutenant – Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
09.2008 - 09.2016

CVE Sergeant– Texas Highway Patrol Division

Texas Department of Public Safety
01.2005 - 09.2008

State Trooper– Texas Highway Patrol Division / TLE

Texas Department of Public Safety
04.1999 - 01.2005

Trooper Trainee– Texas Highway Patrol

Texas Department of Public Safety
10.1998 - 04.1999

Master of Science - Criminal Justice Leadership and Management

Sam Houston State University

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration

West Texas A&M University

Leadership Certificate from University of Virginia

Certificate -

University of Virginia
David Verástegui