Commander Joshua Wallace stands behind his desk at the Chicago PD’s Counterterrorism Bureau, sifting through intel reports that’ll guide the city’s fight against some seriously tangled criminal networks. With over 25 years on the force, his calloused hands flip through the pages with a kind of muscle memory, each document a piece of the puzzle he’s spent decades solving to keep Chicago’s neighborhoods safe.
"I was motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to serve others and be part of something bigger than myself," Wallace says, reflecting on what drew him to policing. "Growing up, I saw firsthand how strong leadership and community trust could improve neighborhoods."
The philosophy has helped Wallace navigate his career to his current office as the head of the Criminal Networks Group, where he leads top-level investigations as well as liaises with the federal, state and local partners. The office walls display the certificates of FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute of Police, which testify to his commitment to developing professionally in the constantly changing field.
The path to leadership wasn't always smooth. Wallace recalls a particularly challenging period when he commanded the 002nd District during a summer when crime was rising and community tensions ran high. Rather than relying solely on enforcement tactics, he chose a different approach.
"I quickly realized that the way forward wasn't just about enforcement but also about relationships," Wallace says. "By building stronger partnerships with community stakeholders and empowering my officers to engage differently, we restored a sense of balance."
That experience crystallized his understanding of modern policing. He learned that leadership is not about power but about developing influence through trust and cooperation. It is one of those lessons that has influenced every choice since, whether it comes to how he handles big operations or his take on the development of officers.
The career path of Wallace is indicative of the evolving nature of law enforcement itself. He has led drug investigations, overseen tactical operations and mentored up-and-coming officers within the department. Every position has provided him with a perspective on what effective policing entails in the 21st century.
His fame spreads across Chicago's borders. Wallace is a finalist in several chief of police positions throughout the country, which is an indicator of his leadership skills and willingness to serve a wide range of communities. The cross-departmental consideration is proof of a career that is founded on steady performance and innovative thinking.
"I lead with three core values: accountability, integrity and trust," Wallace says, outlining the principles that have guided his quarter-century in law enforcement. "Accountability means holding myself and my team to the highest standards, even when it is uncomfortable."
The walls of Wallace's office tell the story of a career dedicated to developing others. Among the commendations and certificates, photos capture moments with officers he has mentored throughout his tenure with the Chicago Police Department.
Wallace takes particular pride in having recommended four officers for merit promotions into supervisory roles. Each has gone on to become an outstanding leader in their own right, creating a ripple effect of leadership development that extends far beyond his direct influence.
"For me, it was more than just recognizing talent," Wallace says. "It was about investing in people and giving them the opportunity to step into leadership roles where they could influence others and shape the department's culture."
These promotions are important beyond stocking the organizational charts. Wallace himself, early in his career, was given a merit promotion, something that he attributes to jump-starting his leadership career. The experience gave him the lesson on how an act of confidence by a superior can change the path of a person so significantly.
His method of mentorship is based on the lessons he received from his previous Chief of Patrol, Fred Waller, who, according to Wallace, was one of his most valuable mentors. "What made his mentorship especially impactful was his dedication to people," Wallace says. "He always seized opportunities to nurture the future generation of leaders."
That dedication to people-first leadership has become central to Wallace's philosophy. In his opinion, when leaders invest in staff and have character and integrity at all times, the outcome will be not only a more robust department, but also community bonds.
Commander Joshua Wallace has led major changes in technology and operations during his period in the leadership of the police in Chicago. The fact that he has been instrumental in the expansion of Strategic Decision Support Centers is an indication that policing is moving towards a data-driven model, which aids officers in making informed decisions in real-time scenarios.
During his tenure, the department has also introduced a Drones as First Responders program, which makes Chicago one of the visionary law enforcement agencies that have adopted unmanned aerial technology to benefit the citizens. The innovations reflect Wallace’s belief that contemporary policing needs to adopt new tools without losing sight of essential community relationships.
Wallace has led mass operations such as security of the Democratic National Convention, which involves the coordination of various agencies and accurate execution under the scrutiny of the masses. These high-profile jobs have put him to the test in terms of being able to handle complex logistics without losing the community trust that is a crucial component in good policing.
"Crime reduction numbers don't just measure success," Wallace says. "It's in whether the community trusts us enough to call us when they need help and whether our officers go home each day knowing their efforts made a difference."
This philosophy informs his strategy with the Criminal Networks Group, where cases may take months or years to build. The job requires patience and perseverance, which Wallace has acquired in his diverse assignments in the Chicago Police Department in different units.
The responsibilities of law enforcement are way beyond the usual working hours and Wallace has mastered juggling the high pressure that comes with being in charge of the safety of the people in one of the largest cities in America.
"I've learned that balance comes from deliberate habits," Wallace says about managing stress in high-pressure situations. "I focus on physical fitness, make time for family and engage in creative outlets like music that help me reset."
His approach to leadership includes building strong teams that can share the burden of command. Commander Joshua Wallace believes that effective delegation and empowering others create healthier organizations that can respond more effectively to community needs.
"Leaders don't bear the burden alone," he says, "and delegating while empowering others fosters healthier organizations."
This perspective on shared leadership reflects lessons learned throughout his career about the sustainability of public service. Wallace has observed that burnout among law enforcement personnel can compromise public safety, making officer wellness a strategic priority rather than just a personal concern.
When asked about advice for his younger self, Wallace emphasizes the importance of listening and building relationships. "I would tell my younger self to listen more and speak less in the early stages," he says. "Policing is about people first, and leadership is about relationships."
The wisdom gained through 25 years of service has taught him that lasting change in communities comes through consistent engagement rather than dramatic interventions. Trust, he has learned, must be earned daily through transparency, fairness and service.
The career of Commander Joshua Wallace with the Chicago Police Department is more than a personal success story; it is a vision of policing that places an emphasis on building a connection with the community and developing officers, while also reducing crime and safeguarding the community.
"For me, success is when the people I lead develop into leaders themselves and when the communities I serve feel safer and more connected because of our work," Wallace says, defining success in terms that extend beyond traditional metrics.
Wallace's influence on the Chicago Police Department will likely be measured not only in operational successes but in the leaders he has developed along the way. The four officers he recommended for merit promotions represent a multiplication of his leadership philosophy, creating a legacy that will continue long after his retirement.
"That's a legacy I'm proud to be part of," Wallace says, referring to his role in developing the next generation of police leaders. It's a fitting capstone to a career defined by service to others and dedication to the principle that effective policing begins with strong relationships between officers and the communities they serve.
Through technological innovation, strategic thinking and steadfast dedication to his core values, Commander Joshua Wallace has helped shape modern policing in Chicago while preparing others to carry forward his vision of accountable, community-focused law enforcement.
