Detective Marissa Williams of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has been honored as one of the 40 Under 40 Award recipients by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Detective Williams began her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2012, quickly standing out for her skill and dedication.
During her time as a Patrol Deputy, she became a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) trainer and a Drug Recognition Expert, playing a key role in developing her fellow deputies.
In 2019, Detective Williams transitioned to the Investigations Division, where she discovered a passion for financial crime investigations. She earned certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), further enhancing her expertise. She also serves as a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Secret Service. Throughout her career, Detective Williams has shown exceptional determination and skill in handling complex and sophisticated cases.
The IACP’s 40 Under 40 Award recognizes top law enforcement officers worldwide who are under 40 years old. This award highlights leaders in policing who are making a meaningful impact on their agencies, communities, and the broader profession.
"Detective Marissa Williams embodies the high standards of dedication, leadership, and professionalism expected of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office," said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. " I am honored to have her as part of my Office, representing the very best in law enforcement."
The original submission is below.
Detective Marissa Williams has had a remarkable career in law enforcement since she started in 2012. After graduating at the top of her class at the academy, she quickly proved herself a dedicated El Paso County Sheriff's Office member. Her meticulous report writing and commitment to improvement while working in the county jail set her apart. She developed her investigative skills and leadership qualities in the Patrol Division, eventually becoming a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) trainer and Drug Recognition Expert.
Her transition to the Investigations Division in 2019 saw her focus on complex financial crimes. Det. Williams’ attention to detail and determination proved instrumental in solving a high-profile fraud case involving more than 260 victims and millions of dollars in losses, leading to a significant federal investigation. Another notable case involved uncovering over 800 counts of fraud and theft at the Pikes Peak Christian Church, resulting in a successful plea deal and restitution for the victims. Her outstanding investigative work earned her multiple awards, including Sworn Employee and Achievement Awards for her contributions to homicide cases.
Det. Williams holds certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and she serves as a U.S. Secret Service Task Force Officer, contributing to significant recoveries in fraud cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond her professional achievements, Det. Williams is dedicated to community service, regularly volunteering at events like Coffee with a Cop, Polar Plunge, Special Olympics, and educational talks. Her unwavering commitment to justice and community well-being makes her an exemplary law enforcement officer.
“As a criminal investigator, I have a duty to get justice for the victim and a duty to strengthen the stability of the community.”
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