Wyatt Derr
Box Elder,SD
Summary
Dedicated law enforcement professional with experience in patrol, tactical operations, corrections, and military supervision, actively pursuing a promotion to Sergeant with the Rapid City Police Department. Demonstrates a strong track record of effectively leading personnel, enforcing policies, and mentoring fellow officers. Skilled in making sound decisions during high-risk situations while upholding accountability and professionalism. Committed to enhancing officer safety and fostering a collaborative team environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Officer / School Liaison Officer
Rapid City Police Department
Rapid City, SD
06.2019 - Current
- Demonstrated leadership during high-risk and rapidly evolving incidents by directing officer actions, coordinating responses, and maintaining scene control to ensure officer and public safety.
- Exercised sound judgment balancing enforcement, discretion, and community relations in complex situations.
- Utilized advanced communication and de-escalation techniques to resolve conflicts and reduce use-of-force incidents.
- Former entry team member of the RCPD / PCSO Special Response Team, operating in high-liability environments requiring strict adherence to tactics and command structure.
- Mentored and informally coached junior officers, ensured policy compliance, officer safety principles, and professional conduct.
- Maintained effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, and civilian staff, contributing to cohesive team operations.
Correctional Officer
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Supervised approximately 60 inmates a day in a secure detention environment, ensuring safety, security, and compliance with facility rules.
- Applied verbal de-escalation and conflict management techniques to prevent escalation and maintain order.
- Maintained accountability for equipment, keys, and controlled items.
- Worked collaboratively with staff to maintain safe and orderly operations under high-stress conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD12-2021
Law Enforcement Certification -
Law Enforcement Training Academy
Pierre, SD11-2019
Skills
- Integrity and honesty
- Conflict de-escalation
- Relationship building and management
- Human relations
- Planning and coordination
- Emergency management
Core Leadership Competencies
- Personnel supervision, mentoring, and accountability
- Incident leadership and tactical decision-making
- Officer safety, risk assessment, and scene control
- Policy enforcement and ethical decision-making
- Conflict resolution, de-escalation, and communication
- Training, coaching, and corrective guidance
Military Leadership Experience
Infantry Mortarman, United States Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, NC, 09/2013, 09/2017,
- Promoted to Sergeant (E-5); served as Mortar Section Leader with responsibility for supervising, training, and evaluating Marines.
- Led and mentored junior Marines through hazardous training and operational environments while maintaining a 100% safety record.
- Planned and conducted formal instruction on tactics, weapons employment, and safety procedures.
- Selected as Honor Graduate of the Advanced Mortarman Course, earning the highest GPA among peers.
- Worked closely with senior leadership to accomplish mission objectives while enforcing standards and discipline.
- Trained and mentored U.S. Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), enhancing combat readiness, discipline, and leadership.
Professional Development
- 2025, ALERRT: Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
- 2025, FBI LEEDA Course
- 2023, ALICE Instructor Course
- 2023, Advanced School Resource Officer Course
- 2022, Basic School Resource Officer Course
- 2022, Advanced SWAT Course
- 2022, Basic SWAT Course
Professional Attributes
- Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
- Strong ethical standards and accountability
- Respected, integrity driven and team-oriented leader
- Adaptable decision-maker in dynamic environments
Timeline
Police Officer / School Liaison Officer
Rapid City Police Department
06.2019 - Current
Correctional Officer
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
08.2017 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
Black Hills State University
Law Enforcement Certification -
Law Enforcement Training Academy