GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: He retired from the Huntington Beach Police Department in December 2011 after 31 years of law enforcement experience. He has experience in all major units of the police department and served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.  He was a captain for nearly ten years during which time he commanded the Investigation, Uniform, Administrative Services and Administration Divisions. As Administration Division Commander, his responsibilities included the management of the Professional Standards Unit (internal affairs).  He personally investigated and/or supervised hundreds of personnel investigations. Investigator Thomas also served as the City of Huntington Beach Acting Deputy City Administrator for one year. Served on the State-wide Board of Directors for the California Police Officers’ Association and was a standing member of the Associations’ Police Legal Advisors and Standards and Ethics committees. 

EDUCATION:  He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Redlands University majoring in Management and an Associate of Arts Degree from Golden West College in the Administration of Justice; He is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, the California POST Command College, the I.A.C.P. “Leadership in Police Organizations”, Josephson Institute of Ethics “Ethics in Law Enforcement and Police Administration” and has over 1000 Hours of specialized training.