Sworn Employee of the Month: Senior Technology Detective Jason Valdes

I would like to nominate Senior Technology Detective Jason Valdes as Employee of the Month.

Jason is our secret weapon. It may not be widely known, but he is responsible for much of the technology that leads to solving crime. Our community cameras and automated license plate readers, including the very effective custom hotlist, provide investigative leads and evidence which have contributed to countless successes. The maintenance of these systems, as well as providing user access and training, is a full-time job.

Even with the full workload, Jason accepted a new role at the start of 2022 to provide cell phone records and cell tower analysis. Despite the steep learning curve and heavy demand, he has fully embraced the role and has since performed to a very high standard. This has led to significant contributions in key investigations over the last few months. Slightly oversimplified, they include:

• In June, two suspects robbed and kidnapped a victim at gunpoint, stealing his vehicle and then dumped him. Detectives charged one suspect, but additional investigative steps were required for the second. After multiple cell phone searches and phone dumps, Jason immediately volunteered to analyze the data and mapped locations. He put many hours into the painstaking task and created a report showing the suspect’s cell phone at key locations before, during, and after the crime. According to Det. Gebhardt, “it was Jason’s work that led to the evidence needed in this case. His skill set in this arena is unmatched by anyone else at this PD and he is an absolute asset to all major investigations.”
• In September, Jason provided his technical expertise for a high-profile vandalism of infrastructure investigation. He assisted the GEN side with camera deployment in the area the suspect was targeting. Det. Macdonald stated that these cameras clearly identified the suspect and were key when getting him charged through the DA’s office.
• Most recently in October, Jason assisted Det. Butcher’s 187 investigation which occurred earlier in the year. Jason created a detailed timeline by combining previously obtained evidence with his analysis of the suspect’s historical call records. Accompanying Butcher to his second presentation of the case to the DA’s office, Jason’s presentation of his analytical product aided in compelling the DA to agree to the eventual charging of the case.

In addition, Jason’s abilities and insight are essential to the progress we’ve made thus far in establishing Real-Time capabilities. He will be instrumental as we make our Real Time Information Center a reality. Currently, regardless of what Jason has going on in the moment, if he hears a tone alert, BOSS hit, or other active incident, he never hesitates to pull up the cameras, grab his radio and provide officers with any possible updates or direction.

Jason’s technical knowledge, investigative insight, and unquestionable work ethic are extremely valuable and appreciated - we are lucky to have such a talent in our department.

Respectfully submitted,
Manager Johanna Canaday