Steven Bennett

Successfully manages the administrative and operational functions of two patrol squads (two Sergeants and six officers)

• Reviews and approves all incident-based reports to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university-based reporting policies and laws. Utilizes working knowledge of Title IX, Clery Act, and Threat Assessment principals to ensure that appropriate entities are notified of any community concerns.
• Effectively coordinates scheduling to ensure proper staffing. Makes timely requests for additional operational support. Fills scheduling gaps as necessary. Ensures appropriate time and attendance procedures are followed and timesheets are completed in compliance with policy.
• Maintains a positive, professional working relationship with University Life Staff. Is responsive and works willingly with members of the University Administration, the University community, and other resources available to effectively coordinate the public safety goals of the University.
• Works with the assigned Sergeants to inspect equipment, vehicles, and department property. Responds promptly to requests for additional information from subordinates, Command Staff, and other supervisors. Leads by example and maintains personal accountability.
• Commits to Community Engagement Plans which readily identify communicated concerns or needs of the community with documented, attainable steps to produce the desired outcome.

Provides leadership and guidance to the assigned patrol squads.

• Provides training, mentorship, and support to Sergeants, officers, and other staff as assigned. Maintains status as a certified Field Training Officer, General Instructor, and Crisis Intervention Instructor. Utilizes these certifications to create advanced mentorship opportunities to newly certified instructors.
• Successfully established a work environment that encourages and promotes proactive enforcement efforts which has resulted in noted increases in teamwork and attributed to a positive change in morale.
• Promotes and encourages the implementation of established roll-call training procedures to increase the knowledge base of all officers. Encouraged first-line supervisors to take ownership of their marketed skill sets to train others at the department.
• Provides guidance to first-line supervisors to ensure that each department member is afforded chances to develop their career goals. Works to address performance deficiencies and properly document / create improvement opportunities for officers as needed. Monitors and assists in the completion of probationary and field training paperwork.
• Attends court on self-initiated cases. Observes and provides guidance to officers through courtroom observations.
• Responsible for the patrol division operations during assigned shifts. Supervises and encourages community-oriented solutions to communicated concerns. Encourages the appropriate use of educational and enforcement-based operations within the community.
• As an Active CIT Instructor, consistently reinforces the principles and encourages officers to utilize a CIT based mindset. Utilizes experience to provide guidance to other officers regarding the determination of Emergency Custody status and the processes of Temporary Detention Orders.

Patrol Operations

March 2019 – May 2022; March 2024 – January 2025

Managed the administrative and operational functions of a patrol squad (4-6 officers)

• Responsible for day to day operations of the patrol squad. Reviewed and approved incident-based reports. Ensured that proper referrals were made to University entities.
• Coordinated scheduling to ensure shift staffing. Approved time off requests and ensures time sheets are completed in compliance with policy.
• Ensured department property, equipment, and vehicles are maintained through routine checks. Documented any necessary requests for equipment.
• Supported department initiatives related to community engagement and assisted officers in establishing liaison opportunities.
• Conducted roll call training to provide to the patrol squad. Maintained status as a certified Field Training Officer and completed Crisis Intervention Instructor Training. Provided field training hours to numerous department members in their training time.
• Created a proactive, positive work environment with noted results including increased productivity and higher morale.
• Responsible for primary notifications to the notification matrix and University Life staff after hours. Consistently collaborated with responding staff to provide detailed information related to events occurring inside of residential buildings.
• Attended court on self-initiated charges. Provided court observation to ensure the proficiency of subordinate officers. Responsible for squad level disciplinary measures. Received and investigated initial citizen complaints.

Threat Assessment

May 2022 – March 2024

• Detailed to work on the University established Threat Assessment Team.
• Responsible for attending weekly meetings as well as situational meetings as requested by other team members.
• Worked closely with various department heads in University Life, University Administration, and Employee Relations to resolve multidisciplinary concerns brought forth by a team designated by University policy and Virginia law.
• Collaborated with other local, state, and federal partners to improve information sharing in the efforts of reducing the risk of violence to the community.
• Served as an Evidence Custodian- worked with other custodians to inventory, audit, and reorganize the system in which items of evidentiary value and property are handled to comply with best practices.

Police Corporal – Criminal Investigations

• Responsible for receiving and investigating cases of sensitive nature and cases referred from patrol operations. Prepared legal process, attended court on a regular basis.
• On-Call rotation to respond out in the event of an after hours need for additional investigative resources. Attended a search warrant preparation course.
• Investigated, conducted interviews, a prepared court documents for a variety of felony crimes resulting in successful criminal prosecution.
• Attended and became certified in various interview and interrogation courses to include Reid Interview Technique, Trauma Informed Interviewing, Empathy Based Interrogation, and sexual assault response.
• Became knowledgeable in court proceedings and provided assistance to individuals in obtaining protective orders.
• Became certified in basic cell phone forensics through Cellebrite.
• Worked as an evidence custodian – assisted in the routine property maintenance to include inventory, audits, and destruction at the conclusion of cases.

• Successfully completed the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy and obtained state certification under DCJS.
• Conducted regular, proactive patrols of the Fairfax campus. Actively participated in traffic enforcement completing summonses and attending court.
• Responded to calls for service, utilized appropriate discretion, and made custodial arrests when necessary. Attended court and secured successful prosecution of a variety of misdemeanor and felony offenses.
• Participated in community involvement initiatives and developed crime prevention strategies as community problems were brought to light.
• Completed all required paperwork without error, documented reportable offenses appropriately.