Veronica De La Garza
Texas City,TX
Summary
Investigator V. De La Garza has been an Officer with the Texas City Police Department since 2018, with 7 years of service with the department and currently has approximately 4800 training and course hours. Investigator De La Garza received her associate's degree in 2011 and later graduated from the Galveston College Police Academy in 2018. Investigator De La Garza currently holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certification. Over the course of Investigator De La Garza's career with the Texas City Police Department, she has served as a Patrolman, Field Training Officer, Field force Training Team member, Crisis Negotiation team member, Dignitary Protection team member, Background Investigator, and is currently an Investigator with Crime Scene Investigations division. She is skilled in collecting digital photography, evidence preservation,successfully testifying in court and maintaining the integrity of evidence with meticulous attention to detail.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Crime Scene Investigator
Texas City Police Department
Texas City, TX
04.2023 - Current
- Enhanced evidence collection by implementing meticulous crime scene documentation and photography techniques.
- Streamlined investigative processes through the establishment of clear protocols for crime scene management and evidence handling procedures.
- Prepared demonstrative aides to be used at evidentiary hearings and trials.
- Developed innovative strategies for recovering latent fingerprints from challenging surfaces, increasing chances of successful suspect identification significantly.
- Prevented evidence contamination by maintaining proper chain of custody and utilizing proper packaging techniques.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Testified in court during aggravated assault and homicide proceedings and trials.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Appeared in court and testified under oath in aggravated assault and homicide cases.
Police Officer
Texas City Police Department
Texas City, TX
05.2018 - 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.
- Enforced traffic laws diligently, promoting road safety and reducing accident rates.
Education
Law Enforcement Certification - Police Academy
Galveston College
Galveston, TX05.2018
Associates - Science
Galveston College
Galveston, TX05.2011
Skills
- Answer calls for service and assist citizens
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Crisis negotiator
- Tcole certified
- Advanced peace officer
- Crime scene digital photography
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Crime Scene Investigator
Texas City Police Department
04.2023 - Current
Police Officer
Texas City Police Department
05.2018 - Current
Law Enforcement Certification - Police Academy
Galveston College
Associates - Science
Galveston College