Austin Searles
Sisseton
Summary
Law enforcement officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a strong commitment to public safety. Proven leadership in training new deputies and enhancing multi-agency task force operations, dedicated to community service and maintaining law enforcement integrity.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patrol Sergeant
Roberts County Sheriffs Office
Sisseton
01.2026 - Current
- Supervised patrol activities to uphold department policies and maintain law enforcement standards.
- Organized shift operations by assigning tasks, evaluating performance, and providing constructive feedback to enhance team effectiveness.
- Managed incident reports and documentation, ensuring accuracy for effective case resolution.
- Conducted regular inspections of patrol vehicles and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Inspected patrol officers' equipment regularly to guarantee proper maintenance.
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.
Deputy Sheriff/Field Training Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Office
Sisseton
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Enforced state and local laws through proactive patrols and high-visibility traffic stops, enhancing community safety.
- Conducted crash investigations and DUI enforcement, addressing narcotics and weapons violations.
- Led department-wide traffic enforcement initiatives, issuing citations and identifying criminal activity.
- Drafted and executed search warrants for narcotics, blood draws, and electronic evidence, facilitating successful investigations.
- Served as field training officer, guiding new deputies through on-the-job training and evaluations.
- Managed agency’s patrol fleet, overseeing vehicle maintenance and readiness to support operational effectiveness.
Police Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer
Sisseton Police Department
06.2022 - 12.2024
- Conducted daily patrols and enforced traffic regulations to enhance public safety and build community trust.
- Conducted patrols and responded to calls for service, crash investigations, and criminal complaints.
- Executed vehicle and property searches, issued citations, and made arrests for violations related to drugs, alcohol, and weapons, ensuring community safety.
- 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 collaborated with school administrators to create proactive safety strategies, promoting a secure school environment.
Correctional Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Officer
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Ensured inmate supervision and facility security in county jail environment to uphold safety standards.
- Executed routine headcounts, cell inspections, and contraband searches to maintain order and compliance.
- Escorted inmates to appointments and assisted in conflict de-escalation.
- Recorded behavior irregularities and managed emergency responses per protocol to enhance safety and security.
Ground Electronics Technician (2841)
United States Marine Corps
05.2018 - 04.2022
- Supervised and trained junior Marines in troubleshooting and maintaining tactical communications equipment to enhance team readiness.
- Repaired circuit boards and communication systems under operational deadlines, ensuring mission-critical communications remained operational.
- Managed high-value inventory and equipment using Global Combat Support System, safeguarding assets and improving accountability.
- 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
- Patrol Operations
- Traffic Enforcement
- DUI & Drug Interdiction
- Crash Investigation
- Criminal Investigation
- Incident Command
- Field training
- Agency coordination
- Vehicle Extrication
- Report Writing
- Public Relations
Accomplishments
- Qualified as Expert Rifleman multiple times in USMC
- Lead agency-wide in proactive traffic enforcement
- 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 - 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 - Interview and Interrogation
Midwest Counterdrug Training Center -Completed 2026
Volunteer Work
- Vice President, Northeast South Dakota Anglers Association - 2024 to Present
Co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to providing underprivileged youth and families with opportunities to engage in recreational fishing. Oversee programs such as “Fish with a Cop,” which fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and the community through mentorship and outdoor education. - Volunteer Firefighter, Dwight Fire Protection District - 2016 to 2018
Responded to emergency calls, assisted in fire suppression and rescue operations, and supported the department in maintaining public safety throughout the rural service area.
Timeline
Patrol Sergeant
Roberts County Sheriffs Office
01.2026 - Current
Deputy Sheriff/Field Training Officer
Roberts County Sheriff's Office
12.2024 - 01.2025
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