Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Patrick Barker

Chicago

Summary

Professional with comprehensive experience in conducting sensitive and thorough investigations. Skilled in evidence collection, interview techniques, and maintaining objectivity. Strong focus on collaborative teamwork and delivering accurate, impactful results. Reliable and adaptable, proficient in handling changing needs and providing support in high-stress situations.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Forensic Interviewer

Self Employed
11.2023 - Current
  • Fostered positive relationships with community partners including law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and mental health providers to facilitate a coordinated response to cases involving abuse or neglect.
  • Reduced potential biases in interviews by adhering to best practices for neutral questioning methods that allow subjects to provide their own narratives without leading them towards specific responses or conclusions.
  • Streamlined workflow with efficient scheduling and prioritization of multiple forensic interviews daily.
  • Contributed to agency growth by actively participating in fundraising events aimed at increasing resources available for forensic interviewing services.
  • Ensured interviewees'' comfort and trust by maintaining a professional, empathetic, and non-judgmental demeanor throughout the interview process.
  • Increased case resolution rates by consistently applying thorough questioning strategies during interviews.
  • Maintained strict adherence to ethical guidelines while gathering sensitive information from vulnerable individuals such as minors or victims of trauma.
  • Advanced knowledge in interviewing techniques through continuous professional development via workshops, seminars, and trainings.
  • Supported legal processes by providing detailed written reports and expert testimony in court proceedings when required.
  • Improved case outcomes by conducting comprehensive reviews of case files prior to interviews for better context understanding.
  • Continually honed expertise in child development and trauma-informed care to ensure appropriate questioning techniques were employed during interviews involving children or individuals who have experienced significant psychological distress.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
  • Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.

Licensed Private Investigator

All Investigations Group PLLC
04.2022 - Current
  • Performed background checks efficiently, enabling clients to make informed decisions about potential employees or business partners.
  • Trained junior investigators on proper techniques, promoting consistent quality across all agency services.
  • Provided unparalleled customer service while managing multiple high-profile investigations concurrently.
  • Increased case resolution rates through meticulous evidence gathering and detailed documentation.
  • Kept up-to-date on industry trends and advancements, maintaining a competitive edge in private investigation services.
  • Conducted surveillance operations, resulting in the collection of crucial evidence for various cases.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by conducting thorough investigations and providing comprehensive reports.
  • Improved team collaboration by facilitating regular communication and sharing best practices among colleagues.
  • Investigated insurance fraud cases successfully, saving companies significant financial losses from false claims payouts.
  • Expanded clientele base through effective networking and marketing strategies, growing company revenue.
  • Utilized advanced technology tools for improved data analysis and accurate evidence tracking during investigations.
  • Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, contributing to favorable legal outcomes for clients.
  • Developed strong professional relationships with clients, ensuring trust and confidence in the investigative process.
  • Produced professional reports outlining findings of cases, expenses incurred and any important incidents.
  • Stayed in open communication with supervisors to maintain operational safety and submit timely reports.
  • Tracked claimants through routine and notable activities and documented findings with videos, photographs and audio recordings.
  • Conducted mobile and stationary surveillance on subjects of Insurance Fraud and Workmen Compensation Investigations.
  • Supported civil cases by collecting exhaustive notes and offering sworn testimony in depositions and open court.

Sergeant

Chicago Police Department
05.2005 - Current
  • Responsible for the supervision of 49 police officers, as they handle preliminary and follow up criminal investigations
  • Reviewed, approved, and submitted reports
  • Planned, staffed, and executed missions directed toward the solving of criminal incidents and reducing the crime rate
  • Handled manpower deployment during major incidents
  • Responsible for the safety and security of 20 public and parochial schools
  • Organized school safety team to include intelligence gathering as part of their primary responsibilities, the result of which has lowered criminal incidents in and around the schools
  • Continually advised and trained school officers and school staff in emergency operations and procedures, such as Active Shooter, Weather, Intruder, and Hazardous Material evacuations
  • Self-initiated formalized training for officers within my command in Active Shooter scenarios with emphasis on saving lives
  • Supervised officers of the Robbery, Burglary Mission Team
  • Organized their efforts in conducting follow up investigations, which have resulted in the clearances of a dozen patterns of criminal activity
  • Created a spreadsheet for assignments of follow up investigations, which the team can take ownership of, update statuses, and show results of investigations
  • Responsible for the mentoring and guiding of Field Training Officers and Probationary Police Officers
  • Continually evaluated their performances in all job-related aspects
  • Meet with both FTO/PPO to gain their input on training and on ways to enhance their training experiences
  • Supervised 1st and 3rd watches
  • Progressively responsible for effective law enforcement operations
  • Conducted internal investigations of allegations of misconduct fairly and in accordance with established procedures
  • Recognized outstanding performances of officers under my command by nominating them for department awards
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.

Detective

Chicago Police Department
01.2005 - 05.2005
  • Assigned as a Detective to Area 4 Homicide, Gang, and Sex Crimes Unit
  • Responsible for investigating violent crimes occurring in the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Police Districts, with emphasis on criminal street gangs
  • Conducted follow-up investigations, prepared written reports, prepared for prosecutions with the Cook County State's Attorney Office
  • Provided sworn testimony in court

Police Officer

Chicago Police Department
12.1996 - 01.2005
  • Conducted patrols in high crime areas
  • Conducted preliminary and follow-up investigations into criminal street gang enterprises city wide

Police Officer

Chicago Police Department
04.1992 - 12.1996
  • Assigned to 17th District Gang Crimes Unit
  • Responsible for the investigation of criminal street gang enterprises at the district level
  • Authored and participated in the execution of more than 150 search warrants

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Administration of Criminal Law

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
11-1989

Skills

  • Forensic interviewing
  • Evidence gathering
  • Interview documentation
  • Neutral questioning
  • Professional ethics
  • Crisis management
  • Legal compliance
  • Conflict resolution
  • Effective communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Report writing
  • Courtroom testimony
  • Building rapport
  • Interview planning
  • Detailed report writing
  • Court testimony

Certification

Certified Forensic Interviewer through Wicklander and Zulowski.

Member of the International Association of Interviewers.

Timeline

Certified Forensic Interviewer

Self Employed
11.2023 - Current

Licensed Private Investigator

All Investigations Group PLLC
04.2022 - Current

Sergeant

Chicago Police Department
05.2005 - Current

Detective

Chicago Police Department
01.2005 - 05.2005

Police Officer

Chicago Police Department
12.1996 - 01.2005

Police Officer

Chicago Police Department
04.1992 - 12.1996

Bachelor of Arts - Administration of Criminal Law

Northeastern Illinois University
Patrick Barker