Thomas CHOATE
JACKSONVILLE,FL
Summary
Results-oriented professional bringing expertise in Criminal Justice Program management. Successful at overseeing all areas of daily operations and making effective decisions to positively impact programs and people. With over 30+ years of success conducting investigations,managing, developing and leading teams. Analytical, detail-oriented with a proven track record of conducting a full range of roles to include management, leadership, capacity building, investigative and security-related duties. Former Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Principal with international experience in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Thailand. Highlights of Expertise Major Case Investigations Team Development Capacity Building Investigators Training & Development Programs Mentoring & Coaching
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Investigations and Law Enforcement Development
International Justice Mission (IJM)
Bangkok , Bangkok
07.2019 - Current
- Managed, coached, and trained a diverse team of 7 Anti Human Trafficking Investigators
- Managed team in training, mentoring and coaching while setting individual and team goals.
- Developed team yearly work plans and yearly budgets
- Prepared and presented request for intervention to the Thai government related to investigations
- Developed and implemented mobile digital forensics capabilities, mentoring and coaching Thai National Level Investigative agencies to use mobile forensics in forced labor investigations.
- Identified and mentored team members for increased responsibilities, fostering their professional growth
- Developed and organized a course catalog, enhancing the training capabilities of the team.
- Conducted training sessions and delivered presentations to Law Enforcement agencies, social media companies, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
- Collaborated with Legal, Aftercare, Human Resources, and Public Engagement teams to drive cross-functional partnerships
- Worked closely with host government and non-government entities to carry out extensive probes on Human Trafficking and Forced Labor
- Honored to be a part of the IJM Thailand Leadership Team.
Embedded Subject Matter Expert / Mentor/Monitor
Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA)
Amman
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Identified training and equipment needs to enhance capabilities of Jordan Police Crime Laboratory, leading to a grant of over $800,000 in valuable equipment and training
- Enhanced detection, deterrence, and disruption of terrorist activities through knowledge-enhancing training courses and on-scene skills development in Jordan Public Security Directorate (PSD) Forensic Lab and Crime Scene Units.
- Conducted site visits to crime scene units and mentored investigation teams in order to assess capability and training requirements
- Prepared and presented detailed assessment reports to inform the U.S. government.
- Developed and tracked performance indicators to measure achieved milestones.
- Designed and executed the first joint, full spectrum training event involving crime scene investigators, criminal investigators, and K9 teams, fostering enhanced cohesion and cooperation among three police units.
- Played an integral role in developing and mentoring a dedicated crime scene investigations team in the national capital area.
- Provided subject matter expertise during meetings with senior leadership team members in order to discuss potential opportunities or challenges.
Operations Lead / Training Coordinator
Mobile Training Team, Palestinian Security Transformation Program
Amman
03.2016 - 01.2017
- Implemented strategies to optimize the operations section's productivity by planning, tracking, and documenting workflow effectively, leading to a monthly reduction of 24 work hours per staff member.
- Oversaw the entire Mobile Training Team Operations Section to enhance the effectiveness and quality of all training activities.
- Kept stakeholders informed about upcoming training events for Palestinian National Security Forces (NSF) and Presidential Guard
- Developed and updated training-related resource requirements as necessary
- Planned and executed day-long, scenario-based training events.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping by maintaining detailed electronic files of training events, curriculum, and resources
- Analyzed training outcomes through the use of metrics to showcase advancements in knowledge and skills before and after courses.
- Played a role in enhancing the team's security measures and emergency preparedness by assisting with the development and implementation of an effective security and evacuation plan.
- Coordinated and scheduled training activities for over 300 trainees monthly, overseeing the utilization of 22 venues across four competing programs.
- Provided guidance and support to Jordanian training coordinator
- Determined resource requirements for DOS/INL pricing and contract purposes.
Observer/Coach/Trainer - OCT
Joint Readiness Training Center
Ft. Polk
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Observed, coached, and trained U.S Soldiers in rule of law efforts for Operation Enduring Freedom deployment preparation
- Assisted US Army instructors in creating and presenting field-based training materials, focusing on insider threat awareness, street level interaction, entry control point search methods, detainee handling procedures, evidence gathering techniques, and raid simulations following Afghan legal protocols.
- Assisted in the rotational training of new Law Enforcement Professionals to promote integration and incorporate lessons learned from real-world deployments.
Investigative Surveillance Unit (ISU) Lead
Military Professional Resources Inc.
Afghanistan
09.2011 - 05.2012
- Enhanced performance and progression of Afghan ISU Investigators towards transition to Afghan control through development of metrics for assessing investigative strategies, operational capacity, policies, best practices, and control measures.
- Mentored Afghan Police in surveillance, search, and arrest operations within the framework of Afghan legal procedures
- Coordinated joint efforts to enhance operational effectiveness between ISAF Special Forces Command and Afghan National Police Forces.
- Conducted site visits for mentoring plan advisement, addressing concerns, and ensuring contract compliance
- Developed security assessment SOP for ensuring safety of Afghan ISU members' safe houses
- Established a reporting system to improve the Units performance reporting to customer, resulting in an increase of contracted mentors from 22 to 35.
Embedded Law Enforcement Professional (LEP)
Military Professional Resources Inc.
Afghanistan
08.2008 - 09.2011
- Planned and delivered training on street-level counter-gang investigative tactics, techniques, and procedures in a war-fighting setting
- Participated in street-level operations within hostile threat environments on both mounted and dismounted patrols
- Instructed advanced investigative and surveillance techniques to a specialized host nation police unit
- Provided updates on ongoing investigations and strategies to combat insurgent networks to command staff
- Developed and mentored war fighters on a field expedient method to exploit enemy killed in action, increasing input to intelligence unit.
GBI Special Agent Principal
Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI)
Thomasville
08.1987 - 12.2004
- Conducted major case investigations, covering a wide range of criminal activities such as violent crime, property crimes, financial crimes, corruption investigations, narcotics, source management, surveillance, pre-employment investigations, professional standards and crime scene investigations.
- Additional duties included Homicide Task Force (Ware Judicial Circuit), State Crime Scene Specialist, Regional Narcotics Specialist, Special Response Team (SWAT), ground team leader on Governor’s Task Force on Marijuana Eradication (1990), Assistant team leader on an Interagency Threat Assessment Group during the 1990 Olympic games in Atlanta, Ga., Threat assessment team member during the National Democratic Convention in Atlanta, Ga
- Demonstrated a strong track record of maintaining both the highest case load and conviction rate among peers in the regional GBI office.
Investigator
European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo
12.2004
- Exemplified expertise in providing executive-level guidance to Kosovo Police Organized Crime Investigators, ensuring effective investigation of major cases related to organized crime activities
- Performed evidence collection and analysis, witness and suspect interviews, informant management, surveillance activities, and executed arrests.
- Maintained detailed case files on investigation activities
- Managed the direction and coordination of crime scene activities, working closely with investigators to ensure proper procedures were followed.
- Managed an international staff consisting of 16 professionals specializing in financial crime, fraud, and corruption investigations.
- Managed and provided guidance to a team of 22 host nation crime scene investigators.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
South West Ga Technical College
Did not graduate -
Herzing University
Skills
- Program Management
- Team Development
- Capacity Building
- Investigators Training & Development Programs
- Mentoring & Coaching
Awards
- Law Enforcement Gallantry Star 1998
- Brooks County Georgia Victim Advocate Office Officer of the year award 1999
- Thomasville Georgia Kiwanis Club Officer of the year award 2000
- 6 United Nations Peacekeeping Medal
- EU Kosovo Service Medal
- Commanders Medal for Civilian Public Service reference OEF 2009-2010
Languages
Albanian
Elementary
Arabic
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Investigations and Law Enforcement Development
International Justice Mission (IJM)
07.2019 - Current
Embedded Subject Matter Expert / Mentor/Monitor
Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA)
01.2017 - 07.2019
Operations Lead / Training Coordinator
Mobile Training Team, Palestinian Security Transformation Program
03.2016 - 01.2017
Observer/Coach/Trainer - OCT
Joint Readiness Training Center
08.2012 - 06.2013
Investigative Surveillance Unit (ISU) Lead
Military Professional Resources Inc.
09.2011 - 05.2012
Embedded Law Enforcement Professional (LEP)
Military Professional Resources Inc.
08.2008 - 09.2011
Investigator
European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo
12.2004
GBI Special Agent Principal
Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI)
08.1987 - 12.2004
Some College (No Degree) -
South West Ga Technical College
Did not graduate -
Herzing University
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