Captain Zach Stephens is a law enforcement leader and educator with the Overland Park Police Department. He brings more than a decade of experience in policing, supervision, and leadership development. Currently serving as the Patrol Watch Commander and Commander of the School Resource Officer Unit, he also leads the department’s Public Order Unit. His prior assignments include serving as a Detective Sergeant, Community Policing Sergeant, Community Policing Officer, and Patrol Officer.
Captain Stephens is the lead instructor for Community Trust and Engagement, Promoting Public Trust, and Public Order Policing at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. He also serves as an adjunct instructor for the Center for Public Safety Leadership, where he authored and teaches the leadership development course “Forging Leaders.” His instruction emphasizes professionalism, ethical leadership, and building legitimacy in policing.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University and is pursuing a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership at Liberty University. He is also a Certified Public Manager and a graduate of the KLETC Command School.
Captain Stephens resides in Spring Hill, Kansas with his wife and two children. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity, humility, and the responsibility to lift others in the pursuit of excellence.
