Michael Porretta
Prescott
Summary
Adept at leading high-stakes investigations for the San Diego District Attorney's Office, I excel in uncovering critical evidence and managing witness relations, showcasing expert interrogation skills and a calm demeanor in crisis situations. My track record includes supervising key units and pioneering cold case resolutions, demonstrating a profound impact on community safety and justice delivery.
Vigilant and customer-oriented Senior Law Enforcement Officer with forty years' experience maintaining safety and security during public safety emergencies. Confident law enforcement supervisor with experience managing law enforcement teams. Comfortable learning from other employees and providing mentorship. A self-starter and strong independent worker who excels in analyzing problematic situations in order to generate a solution. I believe in integrity, setting a good example, and an honest day's work.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-Time Investigator
San Diego District Attorney's Office
12.2022 - 05.2023
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Researched criminal cases and led investigations to determine appropriate course of proceedings.
- Testified in court during criminal / civil proceedings and trials.
- Building security
Part-Time Investigator
San Diego District Attorney's Office
11.2019 - 11.2022
- Conducted over 120 follow-up investigations relating to dated reported rape cases in an attempt to identify a suspect(s) and establish serial cases.
- Collected DNA samples to determine and eliminate DNA donors and identify potential suspects.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
Supervising District Attorney Investigator IV
San Diego District Attorney's Office
09.2013 - 11.2019
- Supervised and motivated field investigators and collaborated with personnel to identify strengths and areas of weakness.
- Prepared evaluation reports for investigators.
- Assigned criminal cases to investigators.
- Conducted disciplinary investigations involving DA investigators and civilian staff members.
- Worked with deputy district attorneys for follow-up investigations and assist throughout the judicial process.
- Supervised the DA Office Insurance Fraud Division (2018/2019). Supervised eight investigators.
- Supervised the the DA Office North County Branch (2014/2019). Supervised nine investigators.
- Supervised the DA Office Gang Prosecution Unit (2013/2014). Supervised eight investigators.
- RETIRED from full-time DA Supervising Investigator position, November 1999. Started Part-Time status December 1999.
Investigator (Cold Homicide Unit)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
08.2011 - 09.2013
- Death investigation of homicide dating back five years of more.
- One of two investigators selected to work Cold Homicide.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Collaborated with federal agencies on investigations.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Prepare search and arrest warrants.
- Conducted extensive computer skip tracing to locate suspects, victims and witnesses.
- Prepared extensive documentation to support witness(s) safety relocation efforts in and out of California.
Investigator (Economic Crimes/Environmental Fraud)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conduct investigations regarding the violation of laws relating to the environment.
- Prepared affidavits in support of search and arrest warrants.
Investigator (North County Gang Prosecution Unit)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
11.1999 - 08.2009
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects.
- Conducted extensive data research and investigations in preparation to relocate witnesses associated to gang related homicide.
- Routinely managed a budget throughout the the witness relocation process and conducted routine safety assessments.
Detective (Crimes of Violence/Homicide)
Oceanside Police Department
06.1994 - 11.1999
- Conduct investigations relating to all violent crimes against persons, including homicide.
- Conduct extensive interviews with suspects, victims and witnesses.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Conducted personal, property, and event surveillance.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for criminal violations.
- Management of witnesses and maintained a rapport with the families of victims and witnesses.
Police Officer (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
Oceanside Police Department
11.1989 - 06.1994
- Trained to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior among school aged children.
- Police Officer D.A.R.E. instructor throughout the Oceanside Unified School District.
- Served as a school resource officer, improving relationships between youth and police through positive interactions and educational programs.
Detective (Vice, Narcotics and Gangs)
Oceanside Police Department
10.1985 - 11.1989
- Investigations involving more than 300 vice, narcotic and gang related offenses resulting in the conviction of most offenders, cultivation and maintenance of confidential informants.
- Followed constitutional standards to properly obtain and execute warrants for arrests and searches.
- Kept meticulous and detailed records of each case to avoid causing any problems with prosecution.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Conducted personal, property, and event surveillance.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
Police Officer (Patrol/Crime Scene Inv.)
Oceanside Police Department
08.1981 - 10.1985
- 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 they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- One of the first patrol officers trained in the collection and preservation of crime scene evidence.
Sergeant (A.G.E. Mechanic)
United States Air Force
02.1976 - 01.1980
- Maintenance and delivery of equipment to aircraft on the flight line.
- Equipment was utilized for the testing and start-up of all aircraft systems.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Ordered repair parts quickly to prevent delays in projects and repair work.
- Disassembled defective parts to make proper repairs.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
Education
Associate of Arts - Fire Science
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA06.1984
Skills
- Blood spatter patterns
- Undercover Investigations
- Interrogation skills
- Report Preparation
- Evidence processing
- Action planning
- Crime scene photography
- Covert investigations
- Interview techniques
- Investigation Management
- Witness interviews
- Crime Prevention
- Data review
- Undercover operations
- Calm in crisis situations
- Due diligence
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the San Diego District Attorney's Office "Investigator of the Year Award" in 2009 for investigative work leading to conviction of the threes suspects responsible for the murder of an Oceanside Police Officer.
Timeline
Part-Time Investigator
San Diego District Attorney's Office
12.2022 - 05.2023
Part-Time Investigator
San Diego District Attorney's Office
11.2019 - 11.2022
Supervising District Attorney Investigator IV
San Diego District Attorney's Office
09.2013 - 11.2019
Investigator (Cold Homicide Unit)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
08.2011 - 09.2013
Investigator (Economic Crimes/Environmental Fraud)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
08.2009 - 08.2011
Investigator (North County Gang Prosecution Unit)
San Diego District Attorney's Office
11.1999 - 08.2009
Detective (Crimes of Violence/Homicide)
Oceanside Police Department
06.1994 - 11.1999
Police Officer (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
Oceanside Police Department
11.1989 - 06.1994
Detective (Vice, Narcotics and Gangs)
Oceanside Police Department
10.1985 - 11.1989
Police Officer (Patrol/Crime Scene Inv.)
Oceanside Police Department
08.1981 - 10.1985
Sergeant (A.G.E. Mechanic)
United States Air Force
02.1976 - 01.1980
Associate of Arts - Fire Science
Palomar College
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