Open to opportunities

Matthew Palozola

@matthewpalozola

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Experienced criminal investigator skilled in fraud detection, complex casework, and collaborative law enforcement.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role using investigative, analytical, and leadership skills in a collaborative, mission-focused organization with growth and training opportunities.

I am an investigative professional with extensive experience conducting complex criminal and fraud investigations across federal, municipal, and corporate environments. I consistently manage high-volume caseloads, develop actionable intelligence, and produce detailed reports used for legal proceedings and organizational action.

My background includes serving as a Special Investigations Unit Investigator at Centene and as a Detective and DEA Task Force Officer with a municipal police department, where I led homicide, narcotics, financial, and weapon trafficking probes while coordinating multi-agency responses. I am recognized for strong communication, interview and interrogation skills, and a demonstrated ability to adapt tactics to evolving threats and regulatory requirements.

I am committed to mission accomplishment, continuous professional development, and leveraging cross-functional collaboration to prevent fraud and criminal activity while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Special Investigations Unit Investigator

Current

Centene Corporation

Dec 2021 - Present (4 years 2 months)

Conduct thorough investigations into suspected fraud, managing a high-volume caseload and collaborating with law enforcement and insurance professionals to produce detailed investigative reports and ensure regulatory compliance for the Florida market.

Fraud Investigation Case Management Data Analysis Report Writing Regulatory Compliance Cross Functional Collaboration

Detective, Bureau of Criminal Investigations

Chesterfield Police Department

Aug 2017 - Dec 2021 (4 years 4 months)

Managed an active criminal caseload (20–30 cases), conducted interviews/interrogations, authored detailed incident reports, and led complex homicide investigations with multi-agency coordination as part of the Major Case Squad.

Investigation Interviewing Report Writing Homicide Investigation Evidence Handling Surveillance

DEA Drug Task Force Officer

Chesterfield Police Department

Jun 2016 - Aug 2017 (1 year 2 months)

Conducted federal investigations into drug/weapon trafficking, money laundering, and fraud; prepared federal court documents and executed surveillance and search warrants as a detached Task Force Officer and SRT member.

Federal Investigations Surveillance Source Development SRT Operations

Patrol Officer

Chesterfield Police Department

Dec 2013 - Jun 2016 (2 years 6 months)

Maintained sector security by responding to calls for service, conducting citizen contacts, and analyzing crime trends to proactively prevent threats to public safety.

Community Policing Public Safety Emergency Response Situational Awareness

Machinegun/Rifle Squad Leader

United States Marine Corps

Jan 2008 - Oct 2011 (3 years 9 months)

Led a 10-person squad in combat and security operations in Afghanistan, managed accountability for personnel and $2M in sensitive equipment, and instructed Marines on weapons employment and force protection procedures.

Leadership Force Protection Logistics Management Accountability

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

American Heart Association

CPR/AED Certification, Emergency Medical Training

Activities and societies: CPR and AED skills maintenance

Maintains current CPR/AED certification through the American Heart Association.

DEA Special Response Team School

SRT School Certification, Tactical Operations

Activities and societies: Search warrant execution, building clearing, and threat response training

Completed DEA SRT School in April 2017 covering special operations, search-warrant execution, and threat identification and neutralization tactics.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program

CIT Certification, Crisis Intervention / Mental Health

Activities and societies: Tactical communications and crisis recognition training

Completed Crisis Intervention Team training in July 2014 focusing on tactical communications and mental and emotional crisis recognition and intervention.

St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy

Police Academy Certification, Law Enforcement

Activities and societies: Completed training in investigation and interrogation techniques

Completed a 916-hour law enforcement training program covering criminal justice procedures, investigation, and interrogation techniques.

United States Marine Corps - Advanced Infantry Machinegun Leaders Course

Leadership Course Certification, Military Leadership / Infantry

Activities and societies: Leadership training, combat tactics instruction, weapons employment

Completed advanced infantry machinegun leadership training focused on combat tactics, leadership, and supervisory administrative duties in April 2010.