Draft:Simon Osamoh

• Comment: In just the opening paragraph the WP:PROMO language includes "He has gained national recognition for his significant contributions ... Amazon best-selling books ... extensive publications ... widely regarded as one of Americas foremost authorities...". Needs to be written in WP:NPOV. Lopifalko (talk) 07:15, 11 January 2024 (UTC)

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Simon C. Osamoh is a British-American expert in public safety and security, with an extensive background as a former UK Police Detective and the Head of Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. He has gained national recognition for his significant contributions to the security of open and public venues. As an author, Osamoh has penned two Amazon best-selling books: "10 Powerful Strategies for Conflict De-escalation" and "Securing Church Operations." His extensive publications focus on enhancing security measures at houses of worship, he is widely regarded as one of Americas foremost authorities on safety and security within religious institutions

During his time as a British detective he specialized in organized crime investigations, particularly focusing on animal activism and covert drug operations. His most notable case was collaborating with MI5 on the 2006 liquid bomb terrorism plot, a ground breaking terrorism invesitgation that led to the global change in aviation security limiting liquids on planes, notably the implementation of the TSA 3-1-1 rule regarding liquid restrictions on flights.

Early life and education

Simon Osamoh, was born in Reading, England to a Nigerian father and British mother, he joined Thames Valley Police at 19, becoming one of its youngest detectives at 23. He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2011, where he led counter-terrorism efforts at the Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment venue in the U.S. His responsibilities included overseeing the bomb detection K9 team, behavior detection programs, and collaborating with federal agencies on intelligence. Osamoh, who earned his B.A. in British American Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State University in 2013, became a U.S. citizen in April 2022 after 11 years in the country.

Friendship with Michael Long

As a young detective, Osamoh was assigned to a case involving career criminal Michael David Long, a serial fraudster with traveler connections. Long, with a history of over 15 years in and out of incarceration, became highly agitated when Osamoh seized his stolen Porsche Cayenne from his driveway. Controversy ensued when an informant revealed that Long, incensed by the seizure, knew where Osamoh’s mother lived and planned to have her assaulted.

This investigation sparked a relentless cat-and-mouse game between a young detective and the seasoned criminal. The threat only fueled Osamoh's determination to put Long behind bars, the case eventually leading to Long's conviction and a five-year prison sentence. Upon his release, Long resumed criminal activities, often found carrying Osamoh’s home address when stopped and searched by police. They viewed each other as archenemies: one striving to uphold the law, the other bent on evading it.

After 13 years, with Osamoh now in America, Long emerged from prison a changed man, having embraced Christianity. In 2016, Osamoh reached out to express his pride in Long's transformation, a gesture that moved Long to tears and bridged the gap between them.

Months later, Long, having drafted a book in prison titled "There is a Way Out," asked Osamoh to read it. The prelude, highlighting Long's longing for his father's validation, resonated deeply with Osamoh, who had also grown up fatherless. This connection forged a unique bond between the two now grown men, transforming them from archenemies to friends.

In 2017, Long and Osamoh shared their remarkable story on BBC Radio, illustrating how adversarial paths can lead to unexpected friendship.

Career

Osamoh's 14-year tenure with Thames Valley Police culminated as a Detective Sergeant in the Serious and Organized Crime Unit, where he led covert investigations. His key achievements include infiltrating Stop Huntington Animal Cruelty (SHAC), a domestic terrorism group, and collaborating with MI5 on the 2006 liquid bomb terrorism plot, which revolutionized global aviation security by restricting liquids on planes. He also played a pivotal role in dismantling a crime syndicate that smuggled over $3 million worth of cannabis into the UK each week. Recognized for his exceptional investigative skills, Osamoh received eight commendations from the Chief of Police.

Following his police career, he spent eight years in the United States, ascending to Director of Risk and Compliance at major financial institutions like Equiniti Trust Company, US Bank, and Wells Fargo. His expertise spanned risk management, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, quality assurance testing, business continuity, and third-party risk management.

Popular culture

Osamoh is a passionate podcaster, hosting the show "Who I Became," where he interviews a diverse array of fascinating individuals on how they became who they became. His guests include Carol Baskin from Netflix's "Tiger King," Joe Foster, the founder of Reebok, Brian McDermott, manager of Reading FC, Karlton Dennis, a Tax Strategist, and even convicted murderers, among others. His podcast showcases a wide range of intriguing and unique stories.