Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Passion for the Job

Joel Shults retired as Chief of Police in Colorado. Over his 30-year career in uniformed law enforcement and criminal justice education, Joel served in a variety of roles: academy instructor, police chaplain, deputy coroner, investigator, community relations officer, college professor and police chief, among others. Shults earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri, with a graduate degree in Public Services Administration and a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Missouri. In addition to service with the U.S. Army military police and CID, Shults has done observational studies with over 50 police agencies across the country. He has served on a number of advisory and advocacy boards, including the Colorado POST curriculum committee, as a subject matter expert.

LATEST ARTICLES

Officer Safety

Worst-case scenarios: 10 things every cop should do for their family and self

Because the future is uncertain, police officers must make arrangements today for whatever worst-case scenario may befall them tomorrow

September 09, 2015 05:59 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Off Duty

A cop’s conundrum: What do I tell my spouse about my day?

Learning to manage what and how you share can have a huge impact on the intimacy necessary for a healthy partnership

September 02, 2015 05:50 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

4 ways police leaders can better communicate with the community

Building bridges — or rebuilding them — isn’t likely to happen if we wait for our citizenry to start the process, so we need to create a safe place for a conversation, and do that with skill and salesmanship

August 04, 2015 02:40 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Why chiefs and legislators must work together on pending laws

Chief Steven Casstevens of the Buffalo Grove (Ill.) Police Department urged police leaders to interact with line officers to inform them of potentially adverse pending legislation, and ask them how the proposal would affect their ability to do their job

August 04, 2015 02:38 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

4 signs your LE partner is in crisis (and how to help)

A focused question can confront a person with an integrity issue that may be interfering with his wellbeing, his career, and his (and perhaps your) safety

July 09, 2015 02:09 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Off Duty

5 ways cops can better connect with their children

A great way to reduce the stress out on patrol that gets generated at home is to have a happy home that you leave and return to in the first place

June 26, 2015 01:20 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Officer Safety

5 reasons back-up calls don’t guarantee safety

In defending against the “why didn’t you call for backup” critique from friend and foe alike, there are a few things to consider – here are five for starters

June 01, 2015 04:55 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Use of Force

Debunking 6 myths about in-custody death

Chris Lawrence offers the following about the misconceptions surrounding in-custody deaths and injuries to law enforcement trainers

April 24, 2015 04:13 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

“Choke-hold law:" How chiefs can combat ill-informed legislative police policies

Chief Steven Casstevens spoke at ILEETA 2015, urging leaders to stay aware of efforts in legislatures across the country that are making ill-informed policy decisions for local police

April 24, 2015 01:52 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.

Community Policing

4 easy ways police chiefs can build rapport for effective community policing

When dealing with the public or attending public meetings, there are simple things you can do to build better relationships

April 23, 2015 03:13 PM

Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D.