Derek Watts
Osceola
Summary
Professional with comprehensive experience in law enforcement, consistently ensuring public safety and effective community policing. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results through teamwork. Skilled in conflict resolution, crisis management, and maintaining public order. Adaptable and reliable, always ready to respond to evolving situations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer
St. Joseph County Police Department
4141 Lathrop Street South Bend, IN 46628
12.2021 - 04.2025
- 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 we serve.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
Corrections Officer
St. Joseph County Police Department
401. W. Sample Street South Bend, IN 46601
02.2020 - 12.2021
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting thorough security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Supervised inmates during all activities and transfers to monitor compliance and implement corrective actions.
- Reduced inmate altercations by maintaining consistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
- Supported successful emergency response efforts by participating in regular drills and training exercises.
- Promoted a positive environment for rehabilitation with effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Developed a reputation for professionalism and integrity, serving as a role model for fellow officers in the performance of daily duties and adherence to ethical standards.
- Authored incident reports for management on violations and discrepancies.
Lamination Laborer
Heartland RV
1100 D.I. Drive Elkhart, IN 46514
01.2015 - 02.2020
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks at the end of the production day.
- Contributed to successful completion of projects by following instructions from supervisors and adapting to changing priorities to meet production needs.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.
Laborer
Indratech
2200 W. Lusher Ave Elkhart, IN 46516
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Serviced every position on the production line from beginning to finish.
- Manufactured high performance fiber parts that were used to manufacture seats, beds, cushions, etc in private and commercial transportation vehicles such as RV's, busses, and airplanes.
- Maintained high level of efficiency.
- Served as team lead for main production line
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks at the production day.
General Retail / Sales Jobs
Various Employers
05.2009 - 01.2015
Education
No Degree - General Law Enforcement
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy
Plainfield, IN04-2022
High School Diploma -
Jimtown High School
Elkhart, IN06-2009
Skills
- Report writing
- Conflict de-escalation
- Relationship building and management
- Criminal investigations
- Planning and coordination
- Emergency management
- Crisis intervention and deescalation
- Proficient in tool utilization
- RV lamination experience
Accomplishments
- Served on the S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator for 2 years.
- Certified Crime Scene Technician
- Developed two courses that were implemented into mandatory training for all new hires (street level negotiations and officer involved shootings)
Certification
- Certified Law Enforcement Officer through the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. (LETB)
- Hostage negotiations Level 1 & 2
- Crime scene photography
- Crime scene processing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- 40-hour Street Crimes and proactive techniques
- Anatomy of a criminal motor vehicle
- Street-Smart Cop/Pro-Active Patrol Tactics.
Timeline
Police Officer
St. Joseph County Police Department
12.2021 - 04.2025
Corrections Officer
St. Joseph County Police Department
02.2020 - 12.2021
Lamination Laborer
Heartland RV
01.2015 - 02.2020
Laborer
Indratech
01.2012 - 01.2015
General Retail / Sales Jobs
Various Employers
05.2009 - 01.2015
No Degree - General Law Enforcement
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy
High School Diploma -
Jimtown High School