Gossett was sworn into military service in 1976 and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army in 1982. He began his law enforcement career in 1985 as a Correction Officer with the New York City Department of Correction, a position held until retiring in 2004. Gossett's investigation experience dates back to 1998, when he was assigned to the Investigation Division, an elite unit within the New York City Department of Correction.

Over the next three years, Gossett investigated hundreds of cases involving uniformed and civilian staff as well as the detainee population. Cases included but were not limited to: escape from custody, suicide, homicide, felony assault, weapons possession, assault of staff, rape, forgery, theft of services, employee misconduct and various cases warranting an investigation by the Investigation Division.