Steven Bland
Pooler
Summary
Accomplished Police Sergeant with extensive experience at the City Of Savannah, adept in team management and conflict de-escalation. Demonstrated success in enhancing community policing initiatives and improving emergency response strategies. Skilled in evidence collection and courtroom testimony, significantly contributing to a safer community environment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Sergeant
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - Current
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 9 officers.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Managed personnel schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for shifts while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance on best practices for policing techniques and career advancement opportunities.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Provided critical incident command during emergency situations, directing response efforts to protect public safety swiftly.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Coordinated special event security details, working closely with organizers to ensure public safety during large gatherings.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
- Facilitated communication between command staff and subordinates, promoting transparency and resolving conflicts efficiently.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Increased crime prevention efforts by coordinating targeted patrols and deploying resources effectively.
- Oversaw evidence collection and management to maintain proper chain of custody in criminal cases.
- Strengthened inter-agency cooperation, fostering partnerships with other law enforcement agencies for joint initiatives.
- Conducted internal investigations, addressing both ethical violations and procedural discrepancies among officers.
- Implemented proactive community policing strategies to build trust between officers and residents in high-crime areas.
- Conducted regular audits of department operations, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures while identifying areas for improvement.
- Monitored development of new technologies and tactics to improve police department activities.
- Developed department policies and procedures to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Enhanced community trust by leading public safety workshops and fostering open dialogue between police force and community members.
- Oversaw Specialized Unit budget, optimizing resource allocation to meet operational needs effectively.
- Liaised with local, state, and Federal agencies.
Police Corporal
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - 01.2024
- Liaised with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to streamline investigation completion.
- Verified and authenticated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved its integrity for court hearings while testifying under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Effectively rolled out new systems for criminal prosecutorial case logs, crime reports, investigations, suspect records, and operational agendas, resulting in strengthened traceability.
- Organized and carried out regular inspections and oversaw surveillance recordings to safeguard data.
- Performed traffic enforcement duties, promoting safe driving habits within the community while generating revenue through citations issued for violations.
- Investigated stolen property cases and searched residents and property.
- Assisted in the development of new training programs to better prepare officers for the challenges they face on the job.
- Bolstered field contacts, vehicle stops, criminal arrests and traffic citation
- Reviewed police reports thoroughly before submission ensuring accuracy of details leading to fewer discrepancies during investigations.
- Trained junior officers on department procedures, policies, and best practices, resulting in a more effective workforce.
- Testified in court proceedings to present evidence and ensure just outcomes for victims of crime.
- Inspected and assessed weapons and vehicles on regular basis to detect maintenance needs.
- Participated in specialized task forces that focused on specific issues such as DUI Task Force or gang violence and Stolen Vehicle.
- Collaborated with police officers at crime scenes and during investigations and documented actions, findings and evidence.
- Served as acting supervisor when necessary, effectively managing officer assignments and overseeing daily operations.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 3 officers.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
Police Officer
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Fostered strong relationships with community members by attending local events and meetings.
- Developed crime prevention strategies with community input to reduce local crime rates.
- Mentored junior officers to enhance skills and promote professional growth within the department.
- Participated in ongoing training programs, staying updated on laws and law enforcement techniques.
- Patrolled assigned areas to deter criminal activity and ensure public safety.
- Prepared detailed reports by documenting incidents and observations during patrols.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- 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.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar speed detection.
Loss Prevention Officer
Marshalls & HomeGoods
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Completed incident reports and activity logs for accurate, current records.
- Patrolled store premises to detect and prevent shoplifting and security breaches.
- Monitored employee compliance with company policies, promptly addressing any violations or concerns as needed.
- Conducted daily store walk-throughs to identify potential security risks.
- Responded quickly to emergency alarms and calls for assistance for improved issue prevention.
- Investigated and documented thefts and suspicious activity to improve issue prevention.
- Provided support during internal investigations, gathering evidence and documenting incidents thoroughly.
- Assisted in the apprehension of shoplifters, adhering to company policies and legal guidelines during each incident.
- Observed video surveillance systems for prompt emergency response.
- Interviewed suspects, customers and witnesses to obtain helpful information and statements.
Loss Prevention Officer
JCPenney
02.1997 - 01.1998
- Completed incident reports and activity logs for accurate, current records.
- Patrolled store premises to detect and prevent shoplifting and security breaches.
- Monitored employee compliance with company policies, promptly addressing any violations or concerns as needed.
- Conducted daily store walk-throughs to identify potential security risks.
- Responded quickly to emergency alarms and calls for assistance for improved issue prevention.
- Investigated and documented thefts and suspicious activity to improve issue prevention.
- Provided support during internal investigations, gathering evidence and documenting incidents thoroughly.
- Attentively monitored store and surrounding areas for signs of attempted theft by customers or personnel, intervening when necessary.
- Assisted in the apprehension of shoplifters, adhering to company policies and legal guidelines during each incident.
- Generated comprehensive reports documenting evidence of attempted theft and recovered merchandise.
- Served as a key point of contact for staff members, addressing any loss prevention-related questions or concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Trained personnel on security best practices, protocols and procedures.
- Worked with auditors to conduct investigations into suspected theft or fraud by internal personnel.
Infantry Fire Team Leader /Security Forces Member
United States Marine Corps
09.1991 - 09.1996
- Kept up-to-date on mission objectives by researching intelligence targets to understand significance in geopolitical context.
- Led fire team during infantry dismounted battle drills and situational training exercises.
- Produced reports on equipment status, incidences, personnel readiness and intelligence for superiors.
- Directed logistical training procedures in accordance with military regulations.
- Performed as fire team member during situational training exercises and infantry dismounted battle drills.
- Patrolled designated coverage areas and evaluated terrain for defensive use.
- Trained teams on emergency situation preparedness and integration of tactical planning, equipment maintenance and weapon use.
- Maintained current in-depth knowledge of team member strengths and weaknesses to most effectively plan battle strategy.
- Assessed battlefield conditions such as terrain and enemy fire effectiveness to organize and deploy team members effectively.
- Trained in use of tear gas, passive ordnance, and explosives.
- Briefed leaders on readiness, equipment status, and enemy locations to enable sound decision making.
- Executed reasoned and efficient decision-making to foster troop discipline and unity.
- Evaluated terrain to determine optimal routes, minimizing risk during patrols and engagements.
Education
Lee Senior High School
Sanford, NCPost Instructor
GPSTC
Forsyth, GASFST Intructor
IPTM
Jacksonville, FLNo Degree - Police Academy
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Savannah, GA05-1999
Skills
- Performance appraisals
- Team management
- Conflict de-escalation
- Patrol supervision
- De-escalation techniques
- Courtroom testimony
- Policy enforcement
- Criminal law
- Police reports
- Firearms training
- Search and seizure
- Suspect identification
- Workload balancing
- Traffic control
- Crime prevention
- Community policing
- Personnel supervision
- Computer-aided dispatch
- Nonlethal force apprehension
- Firearms proficiency
- Evidence collection
- First aid administration
- Emergency response
- Records maintenance
- Search and seizure procedures
- Teamwork
- Firearms handling
- Decision-making
Certification
- Incident Command System Certification (ICS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- National Incident Management System Certification (NIMS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Police Officer Standards and Training Certificate (POST) - State-specific POST Boards.
- Advanced Certificate for Police Supervisors - various Police Training Commissions or POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Boards.
- Taser Instructor Certification - Axon Enterprises, Inc.
- CPR/AED Certification
- Post Instructor
- SFST Instructor
Timeline
Police Sergeant
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - Current
Police Corporal
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - 01.2024
Police Officer
City Of Savannah
01.1999 - 01.2001
Loss Prevention Officer
Marshalls & HomeGoods
01.1998 - 01.2001
Loss Prevention Officer
JCPenney
02.1997 - 01.1998
Infantry Fire Team Leader /Security Forces Member
United States Marine Corps
09.1991 - 09.1996
- Incident Command System Certification (ICS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- National Incident Management System Certification (NIMS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Police Officer Standards and Training Certificate (POST) - State-specific POST Boards.
- Advanced Certificate for Police Supervisors - various Police Training Commissions or POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Boards.
- Taser Instructor Certification - Axon Enterprises, Inc.
- CPR/AED Certification
- Post Instructor
- SFST Instructor
Lee Senior High School
Post Instructor
GPSTC
SFST Intructor
IPTM
No Degree - Police Academy
Armstrong Atlantic State University
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