Nick Wilson has a proven track record of leadership during some of the most challenging, highly complex, sensitive criminal cases and law enforcement missions over a 13-year career as a police officer. He was a Senior Detective assigned to Intelligence, Gangs, Narcotics/Vice/Homicide and Organized Crime. He was a SWAT Team Operator, Field Training Officer and later worked at a Department of Homeland Security task force investigating terrorism activities where he was assigned during the San Bernardino Terrorist Attack in 2015.
Nick has conducted investigations into the Sinaloa and La Familia Mexican drug smuggling cartels, resulting in the arrest and conviction of 32 defendants; the seizure of 17 firearms; the seizure of approximately 500 pounds of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana with an approximate street value of $13 million and has led long-term, complex organized crime investigations and was recognized by the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Throughout his career he has planned, led and conducted hundreds of law enforcement investigations under some of the most challenging conditions involving organized crime syndicates, homicides, undercover operations, TIII Wiretap Investigations, Gang/RICO and transnational/multi-jurisdictional crime.
Nick led numerous long-term investigations involving conspiracy-to-commit murder cases. One major investigation resulted in the successful prosecution and conviction of well-known Southern California white supremacist gang leaders which eventually crippled the gang. As a result of this work, Nick was targeted by the white supremacy organization who put a “green light” out on his life to have him murdered.
Nick has been the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Officer of the Year, Chief’s Citation, City Proclamation for Outstanding Investigations, United States Congressional Recognition - Homeland Security Committee, United States Department of Homeland Security Letter of Recognition and the prestigious San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department First Responder Award for his public speaking.
Nick dedicates his time traveling to police and fire agencies, universities, non-profit organizations and conferences to share his story as a police officer and his journey through overcoming challenges with PTSI. As a resulted, Nick is sought out daily through social media and email by officers nationwide seeking peer support.
Nick has become the face of the law enforcement mental health paradigm shift and has been featured on NBC Nightly News, The Break it Down Show Podcast and the Breaking Barriers United #ItsNeeded Podcast in addition to an upcoming documentary produced by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which features Nick's story of rebuilding resilience through trauma and loss. Nick is a regular guest speaker at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Chapman Law School.
