Joseph M. Reder

After several years at headquarters focused on critical incidents, I returned to the field to run criminal investigations and daily operations. I had adopted a new approach: achieve success while keeping people safe and ensuring alignment with organizational standards.

In this position, I oversee a 16-person team and collaborate across federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies to execute cases with regional and national impact.

• Direct high-stakes investigations tied to trafficking, money laundering, and corruption while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and policy requirements.
• Step into active situations to set direction and support teams.
• Develop and coach an outstanding team focused on accountability, consistency, and safe execution.

Selected to lead of the Critical Incident Program, working closely with leadership during the agency’s most serious events. I was trusted as the primary point of contact between the field operations and senior leadership—managing situations in real time.

I was promoted to Acting Senior Inspector within six months of joining the Inspection Division.

• Responded to nationwide incidents, including agent-involved shootings, accidents, fatalities, and other major events.
• Determined facts on the ground within the first 24–48 hours; put teams at ease and stabilized the flow of information.
• Delivered clear, timely updates to executive leadership and Chief Counsel.
• Identified patterns, trends, and shortfalls, informing leadership training and strengthening future readiness.
• Improved incident tracking by consolidating databases and optimizing tech systems

Headed operations for a district office with four enforcement groups and approximately 70 personnel. In this role, I served as the right hand to senior leadership, setting the tone and taking ownership of how the team showed up and performed.

• Fostered lasting relationships with law enforcement, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Led people and administration to support consistent execution and policy compliance.
• Established new tactical capabilities to close operational gaps and improve response readiness.
• Implemented the body-worn camera pilot program, defining standards, access protocols, and usage expectations.

Developed cases and advanced investigations in partnership with peers, outside agencies, and US attorneys. Maintained safety and security practices across field operations. Later joined a countywide task force addressing trafficking activity and its broader impact. Worked closely with local agencies and community partners.

• Restored working relationships with the Sheriff’s Office, reestablishing trust and improving how agencies operated together in the field.
• Engaged directly with community members affected by substance use and related issues.
• Contributed to the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition Steering Committee, supporting countywide initiatives.