- In the summer heat of Chicago's 002nd District, crime rates were climbing and public trust was low. Commander Joshua Wallace stood at a crossroads familiar to many in law enforcement, one that would come to define his leadership philosophy.
"We were facing one of the toughest summers on record," Wallace recalled. "The community was frustrated, my officers were exhausted, and morale was fragile. I realized that the solution couldn't just be more enforcement. It had to be about engagement."
By turning outward instead of inward, Wallace began to rebuild trust through transparency and communication. He encouraged his officers to listen first and act second, meeting with local leaders, pastors, and youth groups to create shared accountability.
"That experience taught me that leadership isn't about authority, it's about influence," he said. "When people know you care, they'll follow you anywhere. But when they feel unheard, you lose the foundation of everything."
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It is a principle that has guided Wallace through more than 25 years with the Chicago Police Department, where he now serves as Commander of the Criminal Network Group within the Counterterrorism Bureau.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police, Wallace has built his career on transparency, accountability, and trust. He is widely recognized for his commitment to resilience and fairness, navigating personal and professional challenges with integrity while maintaining focus on public service.
He has been a finalist for multiple chief of police positions nationwide, reflecting his strong reputation for leadership and readiness to serve diverse communities. His dedication to law enforcement and public safety is more of a calling than a career.
"I was motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to serve others and be part of something bigger than myself," Commander Wallace shared in a recent interview about his career and life. "Growing up, I saw firsthand how strong leadership and community trust could improve neighborhoods. That sense of duty, along with a desire to protect people and stand up during crises, drew me to a career in policing. It was never just about enforcing laws; it was about making a difference in people's lives."
Those values form the basis of three leadership lessons he often shares with peers and rising officers: leadership is about relationships, accountability builds trust, and the badge does not make you bulletproof.
No. 1 - Leadership Is About Relationships
"I would tell my younger self to listen more and speak less," he said. "The badge gives you authority, but character gives you influence."
That approach has shaped how he mentors rising officers and how he defines success. For him, it is not about statistics but about the growth of people and the health of the community.
"True success is when the people you lead become leaders themselves, and when the community feels safer because of how we serve," he said.
He has recommended several officers for merit promotions, each of whom has gone on to lead with distinction. "That's what legacy looks like," he said. "It's about paying it forward."
No. 2 - Accountability Builds Trust
For Wallace, accountability is more than a policy. It is the foundation of every interaction within a department and with the public.
"I lead with three core values: accountability, integrity, and trust," he said. "Accountability means holding myself and my team to the highest standards, even when it's uncomfortable. Integrity means doing the right thing when no one is watching. And trust is something you earn every single day."
He credits mentors like retired Chief of Patrol Fred Waller for shaping that mindset. "Chief Waller taught me that real leadership means anticipating needs and creating the right conditions for others to succeed," Wallace said. "He stayed calm under pressure and showed that when you take care of your people, they take care of the mission."
From assisting in large-scale events such as the 2024 Democratic National Convention to leading organized crime operations, Wallace's steady presence has earned him respect at every level of law enforcement. "Good leaders prepare people for challenges before they happen," he said.
No. 3 - The Badge Doesn't Make You Bulletproof
Wallace's third lesson focuses on wellness and the human side of policing, a message he now amplifies through his podcast, "The Badge Doesn't Make You Bulletproof."
The podcast opens conversations about leadership, family, and mental health - subjects often overlooked in law enforcement culture. Through personal stories and expert interviews, Wallace brings attention to the emotional toll officers face and the importance of acknowledging that weight.
"I started this because I've lived it," he said. "There were times early in my career when I sat in my car after a difficult incident, unable to shake what I'd seen. We need to stop pretending that trauma doesn't exist."
He teaches three steps for healing: acknowledge the pain, give yourself permission to process it, and connect with others through peer support or professional help. "Talking about it doesn't make us weak," Wallace said. "It makes us stronger and more resilient."
Episodes like "Family on the Frontline Too" and "Leadership That Listens" highlight his belief that leadership extends beyond rank; it means caring for the person behind the badge.
Building A Career Of Impact
Throughout his career, Wallace has combined operational excellence with an emphasis on innovation and officer development. He embraced and took full advantage of Chicago's Strategic Decision Support Centers, and was part of the working group from the department's official drone program, and strengthened intelligence-sharing partnerships across jurisdictions. His leadership has contributed to more efficient crime prevention and stronger coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
"Technology is important, but it's the people who make the difference," Wallace said. "The goal is to use innovation to support officers and communities, not to replace relationships."
Beyond operations, Wallace has also been intentional about mentoring others. "One of the most rewarding moments of my career was recommending four different officers for merit promotions," he said. "Each one of them has become an outstanding leader in their own right. It's proof that when you invest in people, you strengthen the department for years to come."
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Wallace admits the demands of policing can take a toll, but he emphasizes balance and self-awareness. "I've learned that leadership and longevity require deliberate habits," he said. "I focus on fitness, make time for my family, and use creative outlets like music to reset. You can't pour from an empty cup."
To him, success is not measured by accolades or rank, but by the impact made on others.
"Success is when the community trusts us enough to call for help, when officers feel supported, and when leaders are developing other leaders," Wallace said. "That's what lasting progress looks like."
Wallace: 'It All Comes Back to People'
As Commander of the Criminal Network Group, Wallace continues to mentor officers, foster collaboration across agencies, and strengthen relationships with the communities he serves.
His leadership is marked by humility, focus, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
"Law enforcement has to evolve with society," he said. "That starts with leaders who are willing to be human, to listen, and to lead by example."
For Wallace, the future of policing depends on those three lessons that have shaped his career: building relationships, maintaining accountability, and recognizing that strength begins with self-awareness.
"It all comes back to people," he said. "If we build stronger leaders, we'll build stronger communities. That is how we create lasting change."
