Christopher Sullivan

Experience

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  Federal Reserve System

  Jan 1998 - Jan 1999

  Protection Officer

  Protection & security for FRS employees and assets. First responder for incidents on property.

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  Medford Police Department/NEMLEC

  Sept 1999 - Apr 2005

  Patrolman

  Patrol DivisionNEMLEC RRT

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  Cambridge Police Department

  Apr 2005 - now

  Police Officer

  A veteran Police Officer with nearly two decades at the Cambridge Police Department, I've dedicated my career to serving and protecting the community with distinction and a broad skill set. Currently assigned to Patrol Operations, I uphold law and order with a focus on community engagement and safety. I also contribute as a part-time instructor within the Training Division, specializing in defensive tactics and use-of-force instruction, ensuring our officers are proficient and responsive to the dynamics of public encounters.My expertise extends to the ICAT program, where I integrate communication, assessment, and tactical training to enhance officer decision-making in critical situations. Beyond instruction, my tenure includes roles such as Traffic Enforcement Unit (Motorcycle Operations), Crash Investigations, Tactical Patrol Force Officer, and Patrol Plain Clothes Operations. Each position has honed my adaptability and situational awareness, allowing me to excel as a Mountain Bike Officer, Field Training Officer, and Task Force Officer. My diverse background in various facets of policing positions me to adeptly navigate and manage the complexities of modern law enforcement. Show less

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  Municipal Police Training Committee

  Jan 2010 - now

  Defensive Tactics Instructor

  As a seasoned Defensive Tactics Instructor with the Municipal Police Training Committee, I have devoted over a decade to equipping law enforcement personnel with the competencies needed to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and safety. My expertise lies in delivering comprehensive training that spans the full spectrum of defensive tactics, use of force principles, and integrated communication strategies.I serve as a primary instructor for the Cambridge/Northeastern University Police Academy and the Cambridge Police Department Academy, where my programs are instrumental in veteran in-service training. My responsibilities extend to hosting and instructing at the MIT Police Department, Harvard University Police Department, and the Cambridge Fire Department, reflecting a broad impact across multiple agencies.My instructional approach is founded on the rigorous standards established by the MPTC, ensuring that each course I conduct not only meets but exceeds the expected proficiency levels. This commitment to excellence has established my reputation as a pivotal figure in the training of municipal, University of Massachusetts, and Environmental police officers throughout the Commonwealth.Through dynamic teaching methods and a clear focus on real-world application, I am dedicated to fostering a high degree of skill and professionalism in our law enforcement community. My goal is to ensure that every officer and responder is thoroughly prepared to serve and safeguard their communities with the utmost competence and preparedness. Show less

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  Strategies to Stop Agressive Actions For Emergency Responders

  Jan 2018 - now

  President, Master Instructor

  SSAAFER is a revolutionary defensive tactics program originally designed for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics, but it has since been adapted to train all types of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers including doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and fire fighters. This innovative program was developed by taking many of the same principles and skills used for years by law enforcement officers and adapting them to the world of EMS. SSAAFER is a flexible program that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization and professional.The program is designed to equip EMS providers with basic awareness and self-defense skills to protect themselves from aggressive or assaultive individuals. However, SSAAFER goes beyond teaching simple self-defense tactics and hands-on techniques. The foundation of this training is grounded by the de-escalation and diffusion strategies that are infused throughout the entire training program. These strategies provide important, field-tested principles designed to give EMS personnel another layer of protection against aggressive behaviors or attacks.SSAAFER's courses have been reviewed and approved for continuing education credits and contact hours. The program has been recognized for its excellence in the field, having been awarded the Metro Boston EMS Council's Innovation of the Year in 2019. SSAAFER is continuously reviewed and critiqued by the EMS and medical community for best practices, ensuring that participants receive the most up-to-date and relevant training. Show less

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  Police Executive Research Forum

  Jan 2021 - now

  Technical Consultant

  The Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, is a training program that provides first responding law enforcement officers with the tools, skills, and options they need to successfully and safely defuse a range of critical incidents. Developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) with input from hundreds of police professionals from across the United States, ICAT takes the essential building blocks of critical thinking, crisis intervention, communications, and tactics, and puts them together in an integrated approach to training.Recent studies have shown agencies adopting ICAT, “…demonstrated statistically significant reductions in use of force incidents (−28.1%), citizen injuries (−26.3%), and officer injuries (−36.0%) in the post-training period…” (Engel, Corsaro, Isaza, & McManus, 2022)ICAT is designed especially for situations involving persons who are unarmed or are armed with weapons other than firearms, and who may be experiencing a mental health or other crisis. The training program is anchored by the Critical Decision-Making Model that helps officers assess situations, make safe and effective decisions, and document and learn from their actions. ICAT incorporates different skill sets into a unified training approach that emphasizes scenario-based exercises, as well as lecture and case study opportunities. Show less

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  Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association

  Jan 2024 - now

  President

  Represent and lead the members of the CPPOA;Leadership and Representation: Act as the principal representative of the association in all affairs, providing strong leadership to members and representing their interests in discussions with the police department and city officials.Advocacy and Negotiation: Champion the rights and benefits of patrol officers, spearheading collective bargaining for improved working conditions and benefits. Handle grievances and disciplinary issues involving members.Communication: Keep association members informed about important developments, policies, and negotiations. Act as the spokesperson for the association, effectively communicating our stance and achievements to the media and public.Administrative Duties: Manage the association’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and organizing meetings and elections.Collaboration and Community Engagement: Develop relationships with community groups and other unions, participating in events that foster positive police-community relations.Policy Development: Formulate and implement policies that address the concerns and needs of patrol officers, working in collaboration with police department leadership. Show less