Zachary Thew
Sparks
Summary
Law enforcement leader with a proven track record at the City of Reno Police Department. Excels in strategic initiatives and relationship building, and has successfully implemented several intelligence-led policing programs. Skilled in project and budget management and fostering interagency collaboration for improved public safety outcomes. Deep expertise in both criminal and administrative investigations, and strong skills in crisis management, policy development, and resource allocation. Known for being adaptable and consistently delivering impactful results.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Chief of Police
City of Reno Police Department
08.2000 - 01.2024
- Streamlined department operations by evaluating and revising policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with best practices.
- Recommended and prepared long-range plans for police service programs by developing specific proposals for action on current and future needs.
- Conducted and supervised complex criminal and administrative investigations.
- Fostered positive relationships with media outlets through transparency in information sharing, enhancing the department's public image
- Managed budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining high-quality law enforcement services for the community.
- Rewrote and updated comprehensive department policies and procedures.
- Coordinated emergency management efforts during natural disasters or critical incidents, prioritizing public safety and swift recovery operations.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to share information and resources, leading to improved public safety outcomes.
- Implemented new technology systems such as body-worn cameras or computer-aided dispatch software to improve operational efficiency within the department.
- Reduced crime rates by establishing intelligence-led policing tactics to target high-crime areas effectively.
Deputy Sheriff
Carson City
01.2000 - 08.2000
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Nevada
Reno, NV05-1999
High School Diploma -
Douglas High School
Minden06-1995
Skills
- Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Criminal and Administrative Investigations
- Operational Planning, Incident Command and Crisis Management
- Relationship Building and Interagency Coordination
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Media and Labor Relations
- Problem-solving
- Personnel management
Reno Police Assignments
- 2000-2004: Patrol Officer
- 2004-2006: Detective Financial Crimes Unit
- 2006-2007: Detective Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit
- 2007-2012: Detective Robbery/Homicide Unit
- 2011-2012: Sergeant Patrol
- 2012-2015: Sergeant Internal Affairs
- 2015-2016: Lieutenant Patrol
- 2016-2020: Lieutenant Detective Division
- 2020-2021: Commander
- 2021-2024: Deputy Chief
Collateral Assignments:
- Police Training Officer
- Critical Incident Negotiator Team Leader
- Detective Computer Crimes Unit
- Victim Services Unit Supervisor
- Community Services Officer Training Development
- Use of Force Committee Chair
- Race Symposium Organizer and Presenter
- Crime Reduction Guiding Principle Group
- Organizational Family and Enrichment Guiding Principle Group
- Mentor
- Jail Liason
Certification
- Hostage Negotiations Certification – Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Incident Command System Certification (ICS)
- Public Agency Training Council Internal Affairs Certification
- The Reid Institute Basic and Advanced Interviewing Certification
Affiliations
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Police
City of Reno Police Department
08.2000 - 01.2024
Deputy Sheriff
Carson City
01.2000 - 08.2000
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Nevada
High School Diploma -
Douglas High School
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