Open to opportunities

Tonisha Pullen-Smith

@tonishapullen-smith

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Federal background investigator specializing in information analysis, interviewing, and ROI reports.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a secure, challenging role in a competitive, innovative, and creative environment where I can apply my investigative, interviewing, and report development strengths while delivering organized, accurate work and strong written and oral communication.

I’m a criminal justice professional with extensive investigative experience supporting federal agencies, specializing in information analysis, structured interviewing, and clear, standards-based report development. I analyze complex personal, financial, and behavioral data to determine eligibility for Top Secret clearances and consistently focus on accuracy and compliance.

In my federal roles, I produce comprehensive Reports of Investigation (ROI), documenting findings, analysis, and recommendations in accordance with federal standards. I conduct in-depth background investigations, develop and validate sources, and corroborate sensitive information through structured interviews to build complete case profiles.

Beyond investigations, I bring strong legal and communications experience from working as a VHR/ Court Reporter—capturing accurate verbatim records in fast-paced legal environments while maintaining confidentiality. I also have emergency dispatch and social services experience, including triaging and prioritizing high-pressure calls, preparing detailed case documentation, and collaborating with law enforcement and community agencies to support appropriate outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Background Investigator

CACI Inc

Jan 2022 - Feb 2025 (3 years 1 month)

Conducted in-depth background investigations supporting Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and federal clients, analyzing personal, financial, and behavioral data for Top Secret eligibility. Produced comprehensive Reports of Investigation and conducted structured interviews to gather, validate, and corroborate sensitive information.

Background Investigation Structured Interviews Source Development Counterintelligence Data Analysis Compliance Documentation

VHR / Court Reporter

Stratcomm, Inc

Dec 2019 - Jan 2022 (2 years 1 month)

Produced accurate verbatim records of legal proceedings for the Social Security Administration, ensuring complete and reliable documentation of testimony and case activity. Captured complex verbal information in real time with high accuracy and maintained confidentiality of sensitive case information across multiple proceedings and deadlines.

Verbatim Court Reporting Confidentiality Attention To Detail Data Capture Fast Paced Compliance

Special Investigator Level II

Perspecta, Inc

Jun 2017 - Jul 2019 (2 years 1 month)

Conducted comprehensive background investigations for the National Background Investigations Bureau and other federal agencies to evaluate access to sensitive and classified information. Performed subject and source interviews, verified personal history, identified inconsistencies, and maintained relationships with organizations to obtain and validate critical records.

Background Investigation Subject Interviews Eligibility Verification Intelligence Sensitive Records Handling Validation Risk Assessment

911 Dispatcher

Raleigh County Emergency Services

Aug 2015 - Jun 2017 (1 year 10 months)

Received, screened, and prioritized emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, EMS, and fire services. Operated multi-frequency radio and computer-aided dispatch systems, maintained incident status, and dispatched appropriate emergency resources while working under pressure and maintaining confidentiality.

Call Screening Computer Aided Dispatch Incident Tracking Prioritization Confidentiality

Senior Social Worker

Department of Social Services (Child Protective Services)

Sep 2014 - Aug 2015 (11 months)

Investigated complaints of alleged abuse or neglect and emergency situations, taking corrective action and documenting case activity. Served as a liaison to social service agencies, school personnel, law enforcement, and court personnel while advising, counseling, and interviewing clients and family members to develop service plans.

Child Protection Investigations Case Documentation Interviewing Counseling Clients Risk Assessment Service Planning Confidentiality

Social Service Worker III

Department of Health and Human Resources

Feb 2012 - Sep 2014 (2 years 7 months)

Assessed family dynamics contributing to delinquent behavior and planned strategies to reduce risk to youth, family, and community. Prepared case documentation and legal documents, supported law enforcement and legal teams, and testified in court while gathering and analyzing information about youth and families.

Family Assessment Case Documentation Testifying Law Enforcement Support

Transportation Security Officer

Department of Homeland Security (TSA)

Apr 2010 - Feb 2012 (1 year 10 months)

Performed security screening of passengers, baggage, and cargo, operating x-ray equipment to identify dangerous objects and prevent prohibited items from being transported on aircraft. Served as a point of contact/lead, helped resolve issues and conflicts, and improved screening processes through ongoing training and development.

Threat Detection Training Development