Sheriff’s investigator recognized for work by state association

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office employee was named as Investigator of the Year, but the work isn’t all about winning awards.

Sergeant Monique DeCesare was recognized as the Florida Internal Affairs Investigator of the Year at the association’s annual conference Thursday in Clearwater Beach, the sheriff’s office announced.

“It was extremely surprising and endearing and thoughtful. I was just in shock,” DeCasare said. “I am very proud that they recognize that I have strong integrity and that it reflects in my work.”

DeCesare is an investigator in the Office of Professional Standards, which investigates complaints of misconduct, where she has conducted many investigations, including several officer involved shootings, and has been instrumental in developing a Critical Incident Advisor program, according to the sheriff’s office. The program is a peer-based team of deputies who provide on-scene support for deputies involved in critical incidents.

During a time when projection of law enforcement has been controversial, DeCesare said she believes in what her colleagues do, but also in transparency and fairness.

“I take great pride in that ... If you are doing your job with fairness, unbiasness and integrity in mind, that’s the most important thing,” DeCesare said.

She said it’s the first time she’s been recognized for her work at that level.

“I feel like there’s almost more pressure on myself, I feel like I have to step my game up,” DeCesare said.

DeCesare started at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in October 1998 and has since worked a variety of assignments including School Resource Officer, Criminal Investigations Division Detective, Special Investigations Division (Narcotics), and Professional Standards Inspector Sergeant. She’s also currently a member of the MCSO Emergency Services Team and Honor Guard.

This story was originally published June 24, 2017 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Sheriff’s investigator recognized for work by state association."