DANA E. CARLSON
Dixon
Summary
Collaborative public safety executive with 15+ years of progressive law enforcement leadership experience, including command-level roles within federal institutions and county probation. Proven ability to lead large, complex safety operations while advancing community-based policing, equity-centered practices, and organizational trust. Experienced in building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, improving compliance outcomes, and leading cultural transformation initiatives. Known for maintaining a visible leadership presence, fostering transparent communication, and aligning safety strategies with the needs of diverse communities. Holds an MBA and advanced training in law enforcement command, emergency management (NIMS/ICS), and organizational leadership.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Probation Officer – Adult Services (SAFE Unit)
Sacramento County Probation
Sacramento, CA
06.2025 - Current
- Supervised adult offenders using a case management and rehabilitation-focused approach, balancing accountability with support services
- Conducted risk assessments and developed individualized case plans for diverse populations
- Collaborated with community partners and service providers to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism
- Demonstrated cultural competence and equity-minded practices when working with individuals from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
Captain of Operations – Law Enforcement Unit
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
06.2021 - 07.2024
- Direct all law enforcement and security operations for a major financial institution, overseeing personnel, infrastructure protection, emergency response, and public safety services
- Lead with a community-oriented and service-first approach, fostering trust, transparency, and accountability across diverse internal stakeholders
- Oversee executive protection, intelligence operations, hiring, and leadership development programs
- Manage district-wide strategic initiatives focused on safety, compliance, and operational improvement
- Strengthen cross-agency collaboration and partnerships to enhance coordinated response capabilities
Administrative & Training Lieutenant – Law Enforcement Unit
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Led department-wide compliance remediation initiative, achieving 100% successful federal audit and board review outcomes
- Managed training programs, certification compliance, and professional development aligned with regulatory standards
- Oversaw budgets, contracts, and administrative operations supporting department effectiveness
- Facilitated organizational culture initiatives that improved trust, communication, and employee engagement
- Ensured policies and procedures aligned with federal regulations and best practices
Operations Lieutenant & K9 Unit Supervisor
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Managed daily law enforcement operations, including patrol, incident response, staffing, and safety planning
- Supervised and developed sergeants and officers, building a strong leadership pipeline
- Directed executive protection operations and coordinated security for high-profile events
- Partnered with internal stakeholders on infrastructure security, access control, and safety planning
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures in alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements
- Supported community-facing safety initiatives through collaboration with business units and stakeholders
Operations Sergeant | Corporal | Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Progressed through leadership roles while supporting training, field operations, and safety services
- Delivered firearms and tactical training; mentored and developed new officers
- Conducted investigations, vendor background checks, and security operations
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management
Roosevelt University
Master of Management - Law Enforcement Administration
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice (Administration & Management)
Kaplan University
School of Police Staff & Command (Class #496) - undefined
Northwestern University
Skills
- Community-Oriented Policing
- Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Competence
- Campus & Public Safety Strategy
- Emergency Preparedness (NIMS/ICS)
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Crisis Management & Incident Command
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Policy Development & Program Oversight
- Budget & Resource Management
Accomplishments
- Led compliance transformation resulting in perfect federal audit and board-level review (2023)
- Founded a district-wide leadership development program and inaugural Sergeant Symposium
- Served on Federal Reserve System audit committee, evaluating law enforcement programs nationwide
- Developed policies and procedures improving operational effectiveness and accountability
- Partnered with risk management teams to conduct enterprise-level safety and security assessments
- Recognized with Operational Excellence Award
Certification
- Incident Command System (ICS 100, 300, 400) – FEMA / IEMA
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) – FEMA
- Multi-Agency Coordination Systems (MACS) – FEMA
- Critical Infrastructure Protection – TEEX (Texas A&M)
- Certified Firearms Instructor (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun)
- PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course - POST - Sacramento Co. Probation
Timeline
Deputy Probation Officer – Adult Services (SAFE Unit)
Sacramento County Probation
06.2025 - Current
Captain of Operations – Law Enforcement Unit
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
06.2021 - 07.2024
Administrative & Training Lieutenant – Law Enforcement Unit
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
02.2020 - 06.2021
Operations Lieutenant & K9 Unit Supervisor
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
01.2013 - 01.2020
Operations Sergeant | Corporal | Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
01.2007 - 01.2013
Master of Management - Law Enforcement Administration
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice (Administration & Management)
Kaplan University
School of Police Staff & Command (Class #496) - undefined
Northwestern University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management
Roosevelt University