HEATHER BURRIS
Indianapolis
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement professional with extensive experience as a School Resource Officer at Washington Township Public Schools. Proven track record in crime prevention and community-oriented policing, fostering trust through effective communication and relationship building. Skilled in emergency management and report writing, ensuring safety and security in diverse environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Resource Officer
Washington Township Public Schools
Indianapolis
09.2025 - Current
- Enforced school safety policies to maintain secure learning environments.
- Conducted safety drills and training sessions for staff and students.
- Developed relationships with students to foster trust and communication.
- Monitored school grounds to deter criminal activity and ensure safety.
- Responded to emergencies, providing immediate assistance and support.
- Engaged with parents and community members on safety concerns and initiatives.
- Responded to emergency situations such as fights, medical issues, or suspicious activity.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, counselors, parents and guardians, and other stakeholders to create safe learning environments for all students.
- Conducted daily patrols of school grounds to ensure safety of students and faculty.
- Intervened when necessary to prevent potential conflicts from escalating into violence.
- Maintained a visible presence in classrooms, hallways, and other areas on campus.
- Mentored students to help foster positive and safe learning environment.
Deputy Constable
Washington Township Constable
Indianapolis
10.2024 - Current
- Enforce Civil Evictions
- Serve Civil papers through the Judge's order.
- Enforced Civil Law.
Off Duty Police Officer
Elite Security Services
Indianapolis
04.2017 - Current
- Assisted with the enforcement of all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
- Responded to emergency calls for service and provided assistance as needed.
- Provided security at public events such as parades, concerts, or sporting events.
- Monitored radio transmissions from dispatch regarding reported crimes or emergencies.
- Protected citizens by preventing crime, enforcing laws and apprehending suspects.
- Patrolled assigned areas both on foot and in motor vehicles, maintaining awareness and providing valuable community surveillance.
- Monitored and investigated suspicions persons and situations and unusual activities.
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports.
- Partnered with team members to implement service initiatives and achieve team objectives.
- Recorded facts and prepared reports to document incidents and activities for later use in court cases and legal records.
- Investigated illegal or suspicious activities, performing direct follow-up or reporting findings to appropriate senior personnel.
Patrol Officer
Nashville Police Department
Nashville
02.2019 - 10.2024
- Responded to radio dispatches regarding disturbances or criminal acts in progress.
- Developed relationships with members of the community through outreach programs.
- Attended regular training sessions on new law enforcement techniques and procedures.
- Enforced local ordinances related to parking violations or other minor infractions.
- Answered calls and complaints while providing community-oriented police services to improve and enhance quality of life community-wide.
- Supported positive relationships between community leaders and general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens and visitors.
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports.
- Recorded facts and prepared reports to document incidents and activities for later use in court cases and legal records.
- Testified in court at criminal hearings and trials as to scenes observed, evidence collected and previous incidents.
Chief of Police
Nashville Police Department
Nashville
03.2022 - 08.2024
- Reviewed and updated police department policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
- Supervised staff of officers and other personnel within the department.
- Provided leadership, guidance, and direction to subordinates.
- Monitored daily operations of the department to ensure efficiency.
- Created training programs for new officers and ongoing training for existing staff.
- Organized regular meetings with community leaders to discuss public safety concerns.
- Conducted investigations into criminal activity or complaints against officers.
- Maintained a budget for the police department ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Collaborated with outside law enforcement agencies on regional initiatives.
- Directed emergency response teams during critical incidents such as riots or hostage situations.
- Established relationships with local businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations in order to build trust between citizens and police force.
- Addressed citizen inquiries regarding police services at public forums or via telephone calls and emails.
- Advised city government officials on matters related to public safety.
- Developed strategies for improving officer morale while maintaining high ethical standards.
- Participated in community events such as parades or fundraisers in order to promote good relations between citizens and police force.
- Answered department phone calls and prepared public communications.
- Reviewed and assessed criminal prosecution information, including search warrants, citations and complaints.
Police Sergeant
Nashville Police Department
Nashville
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Assigned to this position for a short period of three months before being asked to step in as Chief of Police.
- Assigned, coordinated and reviewed the work of police officers.
- Responded to emergency calls for service as needed.
- Maintained records of case dispositions, arrests made by assigned personnel and other relevant data points.
- Participated in public outreach programs designed to engage citizens in law enforcement efforts.
- Responded quickly to calls, questions and complaints from citizens to help in various situations.
- Informed shift officers of properties to watch and noted criminals understood to be in patrol areas.
- Advised commanding officers on weapons operations, capabilities and unforeseen operational problems.
Campus Police Officer
Marian University Indianapolis
Indianapolis
10.2016 - 02.2019
- Attended training classes in order to stay up-to-date with current laws, regulations and procedures relating to campus police work.
- Operated two-way radio equipment for communication between officers on duty.
- Monitored surveillance systems and cameras throughout the campus area.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting all incidents including use of force if applicable.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies during investigations as necessary.
- Served as an initial responder for medical emergencies on campus grounds.
- Patrolled campus grounds on foot and in a patrol vehicle to ensure safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.
- Investigated suspicious activity and responded to calls for assistance or service.
- Assisted in the enforcement of university policies and procedures related to student conduct.
- Performed traffic control duties such as issuing parking tickets and directing traffic at special events.
- Performed building checks, escorts, lockouts, unlocks and other security services as needed.
- Mentored students to help foster positive and safe learning environment.
- Supported community outreach initiatives by implementing school crisis and safety plan.
- Answered calls and complaints while providing community-oriented police services to improve and enhance quality of life community-wide.
Police Officer
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Indianapolis
12.2015 - 11.2016
- Attended the IMPD 12th recruit class and graduated in November 2016.
- Patrolled assigned areas to detect and prevent criminal activity.
- Assisted with the enforcement of all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
- Conducted traffic stops in accordance with departmental protocol.
- Prepared detailed reports on incidents and arrests made.
- Investigated suspicious persons or activities to determine if criminal activity was present.
- Monitored radio transmissions from dispatch regarding reported crimes or emergencies.
- Arrested suspects following established procedures while exercising caution and good judgment.
- Attended training sessions to maintain proficiency in law enforcement techniques.
- Provided testimony in court when necessary, concerning investigations conducted.
- Performed searches for missing persons using a variety of investigative methods.
- Protected citizens by preventing crime, enforcing laws and apprehending suspects.
- Patrolled assigned areas both on foot and in motor vehicles, maintaining awareness and providing valuable community surveillance.
- Diffused active disturbances with de-escalation techniques, compassion and combat skills.
- Interviewed witnesses and victims to determine critical details relevant to each case.
- Gathered evidence, interviewed victims and interrogated suspects to conduct thorough criminal investigations.
- Documented observations and actions by radioing information and completing reports.
- Directed traffic at high-volume special events for public safety and order.
Sheriff's Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Department
Indianapolis
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Conducted daily patrols of assigned areas to monitor for criminal activity and traffic violations.
- Assisted in apprehending suspects, responding to emergency calls, and providing first aid when necessary.
- Monitored jail operations by conducting searches for contraband and maintaining order among inmates.
- Responded to disturbances such as domestic disputes or civil unrest while ensuring the safety of citizens.
- Patrolled designated area to assist persons in trouble and render other public safety services.
- Arrested and transported suspects or prisoners to jail or court to maintain custody.
- Maintained safe and secure environments for court proceedings.
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports.
- Supported positive relationships between community leaders and general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens and visitors.
- Monitored and investigated suspicions persons and situations and unusual activities.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff Department
Shelbyville
04.2014 - 12.2015
- Adhered to departmental policies and procedures while on patrol.
- Assisted in the apprehension of suspects by providing backup support for arresting officers.
- Performed traffic control duties, including directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic at intersections.
- Maintained daily logs of activities encountered during shift, which included arrests, citations issued and other pertinent information.
- Provided court testimony when required regarding criminal activity witnessed or investigated.
- Utilized a variety of investigative techniques to identify suspects involved in criminal activity.
- Responded to emergency calls involving hazardous materials incidents, hostage situations and civil disturbances.
- Conducted routine patrols of assigned areas while maintaining visibility within the community.
- Participated in training exercises designed to improve overall job performance skills.
- Served warrants upon suspected offenders in accordance with state law enforcement regulations.
- Served warrants, subpoenas and summonses, encouraging adherence to legal proceedings.
- Conducted preliminary or follow-up investigations of various crimes or other incidents to close open cases.
- Interviewed subjects, targets and witnesses for information verification and corroboration.
Volunteer Firefighter
Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department
Fountaintown
03.2008 - 12.2013
- Assisted in the operation of fire suppression equipment, such as hoses, nozzles and ladders.
- Inspected and maintained firefighting gear to ensure proper functioning.
- Responded quickly to emergency calls, providing medical aid where necessary.
- Participated in regular drills and training sessions to keep skills up-to-date.
- Provided support during hazardous material incidents, including cleaning up spills and containing the area.
- Communicated with other members of the team to coordinate activities at a scene.
- Attended community events to provide information on fire safety awareness initiatives.
- Coordinated efforts between multiple emergency response teams during major incidents.
- Checked hoses and breathing masks after fire calls to determine proper functionality.
- Collaborated with other emergency personnel when responding to accident scenes or acute illness calls requiring emergency medical care.
Education
CORE 40 Diploma - Associate of Applied Science: Criminal Justice
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN05.2013
High School Diploma -
Morristown Junior Senior High School
Morristown, IN06.2006
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies
Marian University
Indianapolis, INSkills
- Investigative skills
- Stress Tolerance
- Physical Fitness
- Crime Prevention
- Traffic Control
- Integrity and Honesty
- Report Writing
- Dispatch Communication
- Public Service
- Public Safety
- Emergency Management
- Community-Oriented Policing
- Interpersonal Skills
- Court Testimony
- Summons and Subpoena Serving
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Domestic Violence Prevention
- Criminal Investigations
- Problem-Solving
- Investigative Reports
- Community Education
- Defensive Tactics
- Officer Training
- Public event security
- Continuous Improvement
- Crisis intervention
- Law enforcement knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
Certification
- Tier 1 certified police officer through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy since 2016
- CIT certified
- Forensic Interview experience through Susie's Place.
- Taser Certified
- Experience with Lexipol-policy and procedure writing
- Member of Indiana Chief's of Police Association 2022-2024
- Evidence room experience
- IDAC certified
Timeline
School Resource Officer
Washington Township Public Schools
09.2025 - Current
Deputy Constable
Washington Township Constable
10.2024 - Current
Chief of Police
Nashville Police Department
03.2022 - 08.2024
Police Sergeant
Nashville Police Department
01.2022 - 03.2022
Patrol Officer
Nashville Police Department
02.2019 - 10.2024
Off Duty Police Officer
Elite Security Services
04.2017 - Current
Campus Police Officer
Marian University Indianapolis
10.2016 - 02.2019
Sheriff's Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Department
01.2016 - 10.2016
Police Officer
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
12.2015 - 11.2016
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff Department
04.2014 - 12.2015
Volunteer Firefighter
Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department
03.2008 - 12.2013
CORE 40 Diploma - Associate of Applied Science: Criminal Justice
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
High School Diploma -
Morristown Junior Senior High School
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies
Marian University