Austin Searles
Sisseton,SD
Summary
Law enforcement officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over five years of combined service in public safety. I take pride in leading by example, especially in traffic enforcement and interdiction. I’ve trained new deputies, worked multi-agency task force operations, and stayed committed to doing the job right with consistency and purpose. My approach is grounded, mission-driven, and always focused on serving the community with integrity.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Sheriff/Field Training Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Office
12.2024 - Current
- Enforce state and local laws through routine patrols, incident response, and high-visibility traffic stops.
- Conduct crash investigations, DUI enforcement, and felony vehicle stops related to narcotics and weapons violations.
- Lead department-wide in traffic enforcement activity, regularly issuing citations and identifying criminal activity through proactive stops.
- Draft and execute search warrants for narcotics, blood draws, and electronic evidence.
- Serve as a Field Training Officer (FTO), guiding new deputies through structured on-the-job training and performance evaluation.
- Manage and maintain the agency’s patrol fleet and vehicle equipment as the Fleet Supervisor.
Task Force Officer
Northeast South Dakota Multi Jurisdictional CET
11.2023 - Current
- Assigned as a Task Force Officer while serving with both Sisseton Police Department and Roberts County Sheriff’s Office.
- Conducted targeted saturation patrols focused on traffic enforcement, DUI interdiction, narcotics detection, and warrant apprehension.
- Collaborated with multiple agencies across jurisdictions to identify and disrupt criminal trafficking patterns.
- Executed felony stops, participated in joint investigations, and helped track and apprehend fugitives with active warrants.
- Collected and analyzed field intelligence tied to regional drug distribution and smuggling operations.
Police Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer
Sisseton Police Department
06.2022 - 12.2024
- Led department in traffic enforcement output, regularly identifying impaired drivers and significant drug interdiction opportunities.
- Conducted patrols and responded to calls for service, crash investigations, and criminal complaints.
- Executed vehicle and property searches, issued citations, and made arrests for drug, alcohol, and weapons violations.
- Served in a dual capacity as School Resource Officer, providing campus safety and delivering public education on law-related topics.
- Participated in threat assessments and partnered with school administrators to develop proactive safety strategies.
Correctional Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Officer
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Maintained inmate supervision and facility security in a county jail environment.
- Conducted routine headcounts, cell inspections, and contraband searches.
- Escorted inmates to appointments and assisted in conflict de-escalation.
- Documented behavior irregularities and responded to emergencies per protocol.
Ground Electronics Technician (2841)
United States Marine Corps
05.2018 - 04.2022
- Supervised and trained junior Marines in troubleshooting and maintaining tactical communications equipment.
- Repaired circuit boards and communication systems under operational deadlines.
- Managed high-value inventory and equipment using Global Combat Support System.
- Qualified as Expert Rifleman multiple times throughout service, demonstrating consistency and precision in marksmanship.
- Awarded Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Education
Basic Law Enforcement Certification -
South Dakota Law Enforcement Academy
Pierre, SD06-2023
High School Diploma -
Wyndmere Public School
Wyndmere, ND05-2017
Skills
- Traffic Enforcement
- DUI & Drug Interdiction
- Crash Investigation
- Search Warrant Execution
- Report Writing
- Patrol Operations
- Field Training & Mentorship
- Multi-Agency Coordination
- Vehicle Extrication
- Professional Appearance & Uniform Standards
Accomplishments
- Qualified as Expert Rifleman multiple times in USMC
- Lead agency-wide in proactive traffic enforcement (current role)
- Co-founded a regional youth-outreach nonprofit
- Served as FTO for onboarding new deputies
- Executed search warrants for narcotics, DUI cases, and fugitive apprehension
- Participated in joint agency saturation patrols across multiple counties
Certification
- Basic Law Enforcement Certification
South Dakota LET – Issued 06/2023 - CPR/AED Certified
Current - Emergency Medical Responder
Issued 07/2017 – Expired 07/2019 - Healthcare Provider BLS
Issued 03/2016 – Expired 03/2018 - Top Secret Security Clearance
Issued 02/2020 – Expired 02/2022 - Vehicle Extrication – Jaws of Life
North Dakota State-Certified
Specialized Training
- Interdiction Academy
Street Cop Training – Completed July 2025 - Commercial Motor Vehicle Interdiction
Diamondback Specialized CMV Training – Completed May 2025 - D.A.R.E. Instructor Certification
D.A.R.E. America – Completed 2024 - Basic School Resource Officer Certification
NASRO – Completed 2024
Timeline
Deputy Sheriff/Field Training Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Office
12.2024 - Current
Task Force Officer
Northeast South Dakota Multi Jurisdictional CET
11.2023 - Current
Police Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer
Sisseton Police Department
06.2022 - 12.2024
Correctional Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Officer
05.2022 - 06.2022
Ground Electronics Technician (2841)
United States Marine Corps
05.2018 - 04.2022
Basic Law Enforcement Certification -
South Dakota Law Enforcement Academy
High School Diploma -
Wyndmere Public School
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