DESTINY J. MERCHANT
Sandy Springs Police Department
Villa Rica
1
Language
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Dedicated Detective who has the ability to work and adapt to different cases ranging from sex crimes to homicides. I have worked as the the lead Detective over sex crimes and missing person incidents (to include Human and Child Trafficking cases). Conducting interviews and interrogations, quickly gathering evidence through thorough research, with attempting follow ups in searching and locating subjects with issued warrants, are all tactics I have used to conclude cases in a timely manner if possible. I patrolled as a police officer for nearly three years and with outstanding report writing and case follow ups, I was provided the Detectives rank during my fourth year with the department.
Professional investigator with strong track record in solving complex cases and uncovering critical information. Skilled in surveillance, evidence gathering, and data analysis, ensuring thorough and accurate investigations. Strong team player with focus on collaboration and adaptability, consistently achieving results in dynamic environments. Known for reliability, analytical thinking, and effective communication.
Work History
Detective
3 Years- Conducted complex criminal investigations, gathering evidence and identifying case leads for prosecution.
- Interpreted witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic reports to reconstruct incident timelines.
- Collaborated with patrol officers, prosecutors, and partner agencies to coordinate investigative strategy.
- Prepared detailed case files, affidavits, and arrest warrants with strong accuracy and documentation standards.
- Interviewed victims, suspects, and witnesses using sound judgment and investigative techniques.
- Executed follow-up investigations on assigned cases, resolving discrepancies and closing evidentiary gaps.
- Mentored newer detectives on investigative practices, report quality, and case organization.
- Wrote detailed reports outlining case findings for internal files and legal purposes.
- Solved complex cases by utilizing advanced investigative techniques and collaborating with fellow detectives.
Criminal Investigations Division (CID Detective)
6 Years 8 Months- I was assigned as the sole and lead detective within the Criminal Investigations Division, primarily assigned to work sex crimes. As the lead detective, I both proficiently and routinely prepared concise case briefings for supervisors, as well as drafting detailed affidavits and search warrant requests to present to Judges. I am adept at using interpersonal skills to interact with victims and or possible subjects.
- I am flexible in investigating/assisting with cases outside of sex crimes to which include homicides, missing persons, theft, aggravated assault incidents and many more criminal incidents. During my time as a Detective, I have assisted with a team of Detectives to investigate multiple homicide cases in which were closed and solved within 72 hours or less. Interviews and interrogations are methods used to collect testimonies and or evidence, to conclude to an arrest of a suspect/offender. While conducting investigations with minor’s who have been sexually assaulted, I have scheduled appointments and observed forensic interviews conducted with victims of sexual abuse or child abuse. During my investigation process, I also conducted searches by traveling with other detectives within my unit, for apprehending offenders, of any arrest warrants I have issued, by visiting current home addresses or workplace locations listed for a wanted offender. When organizing my case files I include any and all video footage, photos for evidence, GBI submission forms, ATF submission forms, All issued warrants or any document(s) linked to the case assigned.
- Initiative- Sole detective assigned to sex crimes, runaway juveniles and human/child trafficking crimes that are discovered or occurred within my department’s jurisdiction.
- Flexibility/Adaptability- Rapidly transitions between multiple criminal violations (sex crimes, homicides, fraud, missing persons, armed robbery and assaults).
- Problem-solving and Judgement- Conducted multiple interview’s and interrogation’s to solve major cases.
- Collaboration- Assisted several detectives within the department, other outside department’s, as well as U.S Marshals with solving major cases and or organizing strategic attempts to apprehend wanted offender(s).
- Communication- Able to provide consistent and progressive updates to superiors about the status of major cases and communicate with other law enforcements agencies about cases that may include similar offenders or criminal act patterns (example: Armed robbery spree in which targeted specific victims in metro Atlanta GA.)
General Manager
2 Years 3 Months- As the General Manager, It was my responsibility to assign and schedule times and dates for staff members daily for each month. I managed the floor staff (waiter/waitress) and bartending staff to enforce outstanding customers service, with incoming customers and provided techniques, on how to upsell any new or special signature meal or drinks created by the owner of the establishment. I monitored table turn overs to avoid customers from extensive wait time. I also maintained a clean and safe establishment. I organized and monitored the establishment’s inventory of drinks and supplies per month, in which were listed and or recorded for documentation and provided to owner. As the host, I would also organize called in reservations and escort incoming customers to an available table for service. Each week for payroll, I would collect checks and distribute the checks to each staff member accordingly. Cash out at the end of each shift will be counted and handed to the owner.
- Job Type:$30,000 Per Year
- Salary: 50 Hours Per Week Full Time
- Organize and Planning- Organizing item inventory for the establishment. Planning social events for customers to attend. Organized daily schedules for staff to attend their work duties.
- Initiative- I interviewed for a hosts position and although it was provided, due to the General Manager leaving shortly after my hire, I was then asked to take the position as General Manger, by the owner, and I pursued it with no prior training.
- Leadership- Supervised several staff member’s, trained several staff members including a future assistant manager for the establishment. Provided training and important strategies to provide outstanding customer service to gain repeat customers.
- Communication- Able to provide clear and concise directions for staff members to follow, in which may be either by my request or the request of the owner of the establishment, to improve the restaurant or to motivate staff member’s.
Team Member
2 Months- Collected and distributed appropriate cash/change at the cash register as one of the assigned duties. While located at the register, with all incoming customers, I was trained to greet each and every customer who entered the establishment. I would upsell products or specials by providing a customer with details on ingredients and a description of the taste of product, to help build curiosity within the customer(s) about the product, leading the individual wanting to purchase the product. I worked with my fellow team members to quickly build and distribute products for smooth transitions during our shifts and with outstanding customer service, was able to develop frequent/regular customers with short friendly conversation(s) that usually made customers return to our specific location for service. Great reviews were left on sites such as YELP about our service.
- Interpersonal Ability- Ability to provide outstanding customer service to multiple individuals, of different cultures and or personalities and establish friendly relationships to gain a repeat of individual customers.
Basketball Coach (High bridge Gardens)
1 Year 3 Months- I was assigned as the Basketball Coach for ages 10-15, 15-17-and 18-21 year old males. I scheduled and organized basketball tournaments for the basketball teams to compete with other teams developed by the organization. Due to the males I trained experiencing violence within their neighborhood, I planned and organized a “Stop the Violence” tournament, to bring awareness and to also provide an outlet for children to participate in a productive project. I was also able to enroll my team in a NIKE tournaments in which provided each player with basketball gear, skill and training techniques. I scheduled trips for the youth to different areas within the tristate daily to provide experiences outside of their neighborhood. I conducted intense workout plans and created basketball related plays for an organized set up on the basketball court during our games.
- Organize and Planning- Organized and planned multiple scrimmages and tournaments, while also creating strategic game plays for organized basketball for the teams I coached.
- Collaboration- Collaborated with several after school programs to gather local children in participating within basketball tournaments.
- Leadership- I coached ages 10-21 year old young men. I provided workshops in which were set up to persuade children to focus on school, expose different ways to avoid violence (gun violence) and provided insight of College’s and their curriculum’s both academic and athletic.
- Communication- Although I was a basketball coach, I also wore a hat as a mentor and counselor for the youth. I was able to give clear directions, advise and words of motivation for the troubled teens who were registered at the after school/summer program.
- Job Type:$16,224 Per Year
- Salary:24 hours Per Week Part Time
Team Member
1 Year 2 Months- Collected and distributed appropriate cash/change at the cash register as one of the assigned duties. While located at the register, with all incoming customers, I was trained to greet each and every customer who entered the establishment. I would upsell products or specials by providing a customer with details on ingredients and a description of the taste of product, leading the individual wanting to purchase the product. I worked with my fellow team members to quickly build and distribute products for smooth transitions during our shifts and with outstanding customer service, was able to develop frequent/regular customers with short friendly conversation(s) that usually made customers return to our specific location for service.
- Job Type:$9,984 Per Year
- Salary:24 hours Per Week Part Time
- Interpersonal Ability- Ability to provide outstanding customer service to multiple individuals, of different cultures and or personalities and establish friendly relationships to gain a repeat of individual customers.
Waitress/Cashier
1 Month- As a Host at the establishment, I provided outstanding customer service by creating a comfortable environment for the customer. I would escort the customers to an available or desired table location and immediately provide a glass of water while advising of a short wait of engaging with their assigned waiter or waitress. While at the take out window, I would answer the phone with a pleasant greet and record all requested orders made by customers over the phone. I would receive the meals and check to make sure all orders were correct and properly ready for delivery. As a waitress, I would greet each table, record orders, serve each table their desired dishes and continuously check on each assigned table to ensure all customers were satisfied with their service.
- Job Type:$13,000 Per Year (Plus Tip wages)
- Salary:50 hours Per Week Full Time
- Interpersonal Ability- Ability to provide outstanding customer service to multiple individuals, of different cultures and or personalities and establish friendly relationships to gain a repeat of individual customers.
- Communication: As a waitress I was able to receive desired meals and beverages requested by customers verbally, verbally repeat their desired meals to the customer’s for confirmation and deliver the desired meals requested, to the lead chef of the kitchen to prepare meals.
Education
Associates - Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigation)
Master of Science - Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Psychology
Skills
Intermediate proficiency level speaking in Russian language (read and write
furthering study).
Trained for Hostage Negotiations (Gained certificate
signed by Dr. Harvey Schlossberg founding father).
Ability to identify fraudulent passports (Border Patrol Maritime college level course)
Criminal Procedure course completed (Certificate issued by GPSTC).
Crime scene investigations Level I and II certified (Post)
Post Certified in the state of Georgia (Active)
Properly collect and lifted latent fingerprints for evidence
Studied techniques and aspects of criminology. (Identifying and labeling “hotspots”)
Ability to create photo line ups of offender(s) for victim’s to properly identify suspects.
Ability to qualify with assigned duty weapon annually in order to continue performing my duty at the department.
Interrogation/Interrogation skills
Negotiation tactics
Conducting investigations
Crime scene investigation
Victim support
Report preparation
Researching skills
Leading team operations
Affidavits/Search warrants
Case report development
Logical reasoning
Undercover investigations
Criminal law proficiency
Training proficiency
Surveillance techniques
Courtroom testimony skills
Defensive tactics training
Weapons handling
Case management
Case documentation
Report development
Risk assessment
Certification
- Fulton County Police Academy - Elected/awarded Class Corporal,
- Saint John’s University - Member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International,
- Columbia Southern University - Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society,
- Columbia Southern University - National Society of Leadership and Success,
- Columbia Southern University - Advanced Leadership Training Certificate,
- Certified Field Training Officer
- Sandy Springs Police Department - ASIS Greater Atlanta Chapter: Excellence in Investigations
- Certified General Instructor (POST GA certification)
- Sandy Springs Police Department - Certified in Level I Public Order (Foundation for Public Order Civil Order Unit).
Skill
Intermediate proficiency level speaking in Russian language (read and write, furthering study).
ASIS Greater Atlanta Chapter: Excellence in Investigations
A homicide call was dispatched to my department for response during my shift. With 6 minutes of the call, I was able to response to the area of the crime scene and with the descriptions provided, I was able to identify the offenders vehicle, conduct a safe vehicle pullover and apprehend three (3) offenders from the vehicle and the firearm used during the crime. Other articles of evidence were also retrieved to include the offenders worn shirt that had the victim's blood visible on it.
Timeline
Detective
Sandy Springs Police Department
10.2023 - CurrentRead More
Criminal Investigations Division (CID Detective)
College Park Police Department
02.2017 - 10.2023Read More
Team Member
Potatopia Restaurant
10.2016 - 12.2016Read More
General Manager
Melba’s Restaurant
08.2015 - 11.2017Read More
Basketball Coach (High bridge Gardens)
Catholic Charities Afterschool Programs
03.2015 - 06.2016Read More
Team Member
Jamba Juice
06.2010 - 08.2011Read More
Waitress/Cashier
Questan’s Seafood Restaurant
06.2010 - 07.2010Read More
Saint John’s University
Bachelor of Science from Forensic Psychology
Read More
Columbia Southern University
Master of Science from Homeland Security
Read More
Herkimer County Community College
Associates from Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigation)
Read More