Eugene Ware
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Accomplished law enforcement executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, currently serving as Deputy Chief. Demonstrates expertise in driving organizational transformation, implementing state-mandated reforms, and utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance public safety outcomes. Possesses a robust background in operations command, investigations oversight, policy development, labor relations, and community engagement. Renowned for cultivating high-performing teams, fostering community trust, and aligning departmental practices with evolving legal and societal expectations to uphold excellence in law enforcement leadership.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Chief of Police
Park Ridge Police Department
11.2023 - Current
- Direct departmental operations, overseeing personnel, policy implementation, and strategic initiatives
- Serve as principal advisor to the Chief on organizational leadership, policy development, and long-term planning
- Lead implementation of statewide criminal justice reforms, ensuring compliance and operational readiness
- Oversee budget development and fiscal management, including asset forfeiture funds and departmental expenditures
- Guide hiring, promotions, discipline, and performance management processes
- Analyze crime trends and deploy data-driven enforcement and prevention strategies
- Strengthen community partnerships through transparent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Coordinate interagency collaboration with local, county, and state partners
Patrol Commander
Park Ridge Police Department
03.2021 - 01.2022
- Commanded patrol operations, supervising sergeants and officers across multiple shifts
- Implemented a newly promoted sergeant training program to enhance supervisory effectiveness
- Directed daily deployment strategies to address crime trends and service demands
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies, accreditation standards, and legal requirements
Sergeant of Investigations / Patrol Sergeant
Park Ridge Police Department
06.2019 - 03.2021
- Supervised investigative personnel and major case management
- Coordinated complex criminal investigations and interagency task force operations
- Managed patrol operations, ensuring effective response to critical incidents
- Mentored officers and developed future leaders within the organization
Police Detective
Park Ridge Police Department
08.2018 - 06.2020
- Conducted felony investigations, including interviews, evidence collection, and case preparation
- Collaborated with prosecutors to support successful case outcomes
- Specialized in complex and sensitive investigations
Patrol Officer / School Resource Officer
Park Ridge Police Department
08.2000 - 08.2018
- Enforced state and local laws while maintaining public safety and order
- Served as School Resource Officer, building relationships with students, staff, and community stakeholders
- Developed mentoring programs for at-risk youth at Maine East High School
- Led peer mediation initiatives and conducted staff development training for school personnel
- Managed traffic enforcement, investigations, and court proceedings
Education
Master of Science -
Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command
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FBI National Academy
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Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification
Skills
- Policy formulation and compliance
- Budget management
- Data-driven policing
- Public relations strategy
- Internal audit and standards enforcement
- Program implementation proficiency
Accomplishments
- Led department-wide implementation of the SAFE-T Act and Pre-Trial Fairness Act, ensuring full compliance with Illinois legislative mandates
- Directed deployment of Flock ALPR technology, enhancing investigative capabilities and crime prevention efforts
- Secured grant funding to improve departmental operations, technology, and community-based initiatives
- Developed and implemented officer wellness and peer support programs to enhance morale and retention
- Strengthened intergovernmental partnerships and community relations through proactive engagement strategies
- Played a key leadership role in collective bargaining processes and labor-management relations
Affiliations
- Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Certification
- CFR - Certified First Responder
- Juvenile Officer
- Crisis Intervention
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Directed organizational policy development and reform initiatives
- Led training and professional development programs across ranks
- Managed labor relations, including collective bargaining support
- Oversaw crisis response and critical incident management
- Championed community policing strategies to build trust and transparency
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Police
Park Ridge Police Department
11.2023 - Current
Patrol Commander
Park Ridge Police Department
03.2021 - 01.2022
Sergeant of Investigations / Patrol Sergeant
Park Ridge Police Department
06.2019 - 03.2021
Police Detective
Park Ridge Police Department
08.2018 - 06.2020
Patrol Officer / School Resource Officer
Park Ridge Police Department
08.2000 - 08.2018
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FBI National Academy
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Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification
Master of Science -
Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command