Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kayla Miller

Mishawaka

Summary

Results-driven law enforcement leader with a strong background at the South Bend Police Department. Known for consistently delivering in strategic decision-making and community engagement, with a career built on a foundation of professionalism, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to the community. Notable achievements include the successful resolution of high-profile cases through diligent investigative work, Crime Prevention Commendation, Life-Saving Award, and Chief's Award of Merit.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Detective Bureau Lieutenant

South Bend Police Department
10.2021 - Current
  • Trained detectives in proper investigative procedures, leading to increased competence and success within the Detective Bureau and Police Department as a whole.
  • Partnered with victim advocate professionals to provide appropriate support for victims during the judicial process, ensuring trauma-sensitive approaches were available throughout investigations and court proceedings.
  • Improved interdepartmental communication by regularly presenting case updates and sharing critical information with the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office and other area law enforcement agencies.
  • Conducted thorough reviews of closed cases to identify possible areas of improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement of department procedures.
  • Developed strong relationships with community members, fostering trust and cooperation in the reporting of crimes and gathering of crucial information.
  • Supervised and motivated Detective Bureau Sergeants and collaborated to identify strengths and areas of weakness with detectives to facilitate a more productive and efficient Bureau.
  • An instrumental part of the planning and successful implementation of the Violent Crimes Unit upon the dismantling of the Metro Homicide Unit.

Coordinator of Michinana Crime Stoppers

South Bend Police Department
08.2015 - Current
  • Answered phone lines, entered data, generated reports, and produced monthly statistical reports for the Board of Directors.
  • Managed fundraising projects and event deadlines efficiently and effectively to ensure that each event was completed on time, but was also successful.
  • Played a key role in rebranding the organization and launching new programs, which continuously promote a positive image.
  • Managed daily, weekly, and monthly content to be used as case features and conducted necessary research to ensure the validity of the information shared.
  • Collaborated on volunteer programs that expand the organization's community outreach, enhancing its public image and community engagement.
  • Prioritized and managed both the role of Coordinator while also working as a Detective in the Detective Bureau, then Sergeant, and most recently Lieutenant.

Hostage Negotiator (Commander)

South Bend Police Department
01.2015 - Current
  • Team Member from 2015-2018 before being named Commander, in 2018 to present.
  • Successfully negotiated one of the longest armed-hostage situations recorded for the South Bend Police Department.
  • Evaluated performance from past negotiations to optimize approaches for future operations.
  • Achieved successful negotiations by establishing rapport and effectively communicating with targets.
  • Provided support to victims' families during crises, ensuring their needs were addressed and they were kept informed throughout the process.
  • Enhanced the effectiveness of negotiations through continuous training and professional development.
  • Participated in community outreach efforts aimed at fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. (Citizens' Police Academy)
  • Maintained a calm demeanor under pressure, effectively handling highly-emotional situations while working towards a peaceful outcome.

Detective Bureau Sergeant

South Bend Police Department
07.2018 - 10.2021
  • Prioritized multiple active cases efficiently by continually reassessing urgency levels based on emerging factors such as public safety concerns, new leads, and personnel deployment.
  • Mentored detectives to improve their investigative skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
  • Developed strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for collaborative efforts in solving high-profile cases.
  • Improved inter-departmental collaboration, sharing intelligence and resources between Patrol and the Detective Bureau, as well as other units.
  • Conducted community outreach programs to educate the public on crime prevention strategies.


Detective

South Bend Police Department
01.2017 - 07.2018
  • Managed both the full-time role of Michiana Crime Stoppers while also prioritizing investigations.
  • Successfully solved the mass shooting known as the Dayton Street Shooting, which resulted in the conviction of two individuals. One of whom was sentenced to 100 years in prison.
  • Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing investigations.
  • Prioritized multiple active cases efficiently by continually reassessing urgency levels based on numerous factors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while sharing vital intelligence with appropriate colleagues for effective case resolution.
  • Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
  • Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence, and verbal testimonies.
  • Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
  • Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, contributing to successful convictions in numerous cases.
  • Acted as a liaison between the detective division and community members, fostering trust and strengthening communication channels for improved crime reporting.

Patrol Officer

South Bend Police Department
08.2012 - 08.2015
  • Prepared detailed reports documenting incidents encountered and actions taken during shifts.
  • Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
  • Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
  • Enhanced public safety by patrolling assigned areas and responding to emergencies promptly.
  • Handled crisis situations effectively by utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and sound judgment under pressure.
  • Testified in court cases as needed, providing clear and concise accounts of events witnessed or investigated.
  • Developed positive relationships within the community through regular interaction with citizens.

Police Officer

Indiana State Excise Police
09.2007 - 08.2012
  • Field Training Officer and a Crime Scene Technician during my tenure with the Indiana State Excise Police.
  • Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members in the different communities.
  • Enforced administrative laws for alcohol and tobacco-related offenses and worked with business owners to improve their procedures.
  • Conducted thorough investigations for a variety of case types.
  • Managed crowd control during large-scale events, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.

Deputy Sheriff

Wabash County Sheriff's Department
04.2005 - 09.2007
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
  • Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
  • Improved community safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
  • Enhanced community safety by conducting routine patrols in high-risk areas.

Education

Criminal Justice

Indiana University
IN
05-2018

High School Diploma -

North Miami High School
Denver, IN
05-2001

Skills

  • Effective team leadership
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Resource allocation oversight
  • Critical thinking in investigations
  • Leading team operations
  • Resilient problem-solving
  • Public safety partnerships
  • Supervising investigations
  • Community relations
  • Oversight of investigative processes

Timeline

Detective Bureau Lieutenant

South Bend Police Department
10.2021 - Current

Detective Bureau Sergeant

South Bend Police Department
07.2018 - 10.2021

Detective

South Bend Police Department
01.2017 - 07.2018

Coordinator of Michinana Crime Stoppers

South Bend Police Department
08.2015 - Current

Hostage Negotiator (Commander)

South Bend Police Department
01.2015 - Current

Patrol Officer

South Bend Police Department
08.2012 - 08.2015

Police Officer

Indiana State Excise Police
09.2007 - 08.2012

Deputy Sheriff

Wabash County Sheriff's Department
04.2005 - 09.2007

Criminal Justice

Indiana University

High School Diploma -

North Miami High School

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Kayla Miller