Police Officer
Open To Work
Joseph Meister
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
Lincoln,IL
7
Certifications
23
Years of experience
Experienced law enforcement leader with a record of directing patrol operations, emergency response, and major investigations. Skilled in staff supervision, policy compliance, and interagency coordination. Known for improving departmental efficiency, developing officers, and delivering results that support safer communities and stronger accountability.
Work History
Capitol Police Investigator
1 Year- Conducted interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects to support case development.
- Investigated criminal and traffic offenses, gathering evidence, statements, and case documentation.
- Prepared detailed reports, affidavits, and investigative records for prosecutorial review.
- Coordinated with Illinois Secretary of State Police personnel and external agencies on complex investigations.
Assistant Chief of Police
2 Years 9 Months- Managed emergency response planning, improving readiness for critical incidents and community threats.
- Supervised officers, providing guidance on investigations, discipline, and performance standards.
- Reviewed reports, arrest records, and use-of-force documentation to maintain legal and procedural compliance.
- Collaborated with city leaders and community partners to address public safety concerns.
- Coordinated internal investigations, evidence handling, and case review processes for accuracy and accountability.
- Directed daily patrol operations, ensuring policy compliance and consistent service delivery.
- Oversaw staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to support efficient police department operations.
- Conducted internal investigations to maintain the highest ethical standards within the department.
Chief of Police
3 Years 10 Months- Directed daily police operations, ensuring consistent enforcement of departmental policies and public safety priorities.
- Managed officer scheduling, assignments, and supervision to maintain effective shift coverage.
- Evaluated complaints and internal issues, applying corrective action and policy compliance standards.
- Collaborated with city leaders, schools, and community groups to address local safety concerns.
- Prepared operational reports, briefing leadership on crime trends, staffing needs, and departmental activity.
- Strengthened community policing efforts through visible presence, outreach, and responsive problem-solving.
- Implemented community-oriented policing initiatives, strengthening trust between officers and citizens.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar budget, consistently delivering services within fiscal constraints while maximizing available resources for crime prevention efforts.
- Increased staff retention by providing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and career advancement within the department.
- Enhanced departmental efficiency with streamlined processes and updated technology systems.
- Promoted transparency and accountability with the implementation of body-worn cameras and regular reporting to the public.
- Oversaw major investigations including homicides, drug trafficking operations, and financial crimes leading to significant arrests and convictions.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with media outlets, ensuring accurate and transparent coverage of departmental activities at all times.
- Improved community safety by implementing proactive policing strategies and fostering strong relationships with local organizations.
Deputy Chief of Police
1 Year 2 Months- Supervised sworn personnel, reinforcing policy compliance, professionalism, and accountability across shifts.
- Directed patrol operations and aligned daily deployment with department priorities and community safety goals.
- Coordinated emergency response activities with dispatch, command staff, and partner agencies.
- Reviewed incident reports, investigations, and use-of-force documentation for accuracy and procedural consistency.
- Implemented training initiatives covering tactical response, de-escalation, and officer safety standards.
- Managed internal operations, including scheduling, equipment readiness, and administrative oversight.
- Evaluated performance issues and guided corrective action to improve conduct and service delivery.
- Streamlined department operations by evaluating and revising policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with best practices.
- Rewrote and updated comprehensive department policies and procedures.
- Oversaw complex criminal investigations by providing guidance and support to detectives, ensuring thorough case analysis and resolution.
- Organized, reviewed and evaluated work of 28 sworn and non-sworn staff members.
- Developed strategic plans for crime prevention initiatives, analyzing data trends, and setting achievable goals.
- Successfully managed high-profile events, coordinating security details and collaborating with external agencies for seamless operations.
- Coordinated emergency management efforts during natural disasters or critical incidents, prioritizing public safety and swift recovery operations.
- Facilitated open communication between command staff members by holding regular meetings to address concerns and develop solutions collaboratively.
Police Sergeant
8 Months- Directed incident response, coordinated field units, and maintained scene safety during critical calls.
- Supervised patrol operations, assigned priorities, and ensured policy compliance across shift personnel.
- Coached officers on tactical decision-making, de-escalation, and department standards.
- Reviewed reports, arrests, and case documentation for accuracy, completeness, and procedural compliance.
- Monitored use-of-force incidents, evaluated response tactics, and reinforced lawful application of procedures.
- Led shift briefings, communicated operational updates, and adjusted staffing to address emerging demands.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Provided critical incident command during emergency situations, directing response efforts to protect public safety swiftly.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Oversaw evidence collection and management to maintain proper chain of custody in criminal cases.
- Designed and executed training simulations, preparing officers for a wide range of real-world scenarios.
- Conducted thorough investigations into serious crimes, resulting in significant case closures and community safety improvements.
- Effectively led investigations, ensured safety protocols were followed, and handled high-pressure situations.
Narcotics Detective
5 Years 8 Months- Investigated narcotics trafficking cases using surveillance, informants, and intelligence analysis.
- Collaborated with task forces, prosecutors, and patrol units on complex investigations.
- Maintained confidential source relationships and handled sensitive information securely.
- Testified in court regarding investigative findings, evidence handling, and case procedures.
- Led undercover operations and enforced controlled substance laws with sound tactical judgment.
- Worked undercover operations as a buyer or dealer to uncover criminal activities and gather evidence for cases.
- Conducted financial investigations to trace assets derived from illicit drug proceeds, resulting in asset forfeiture actions against criminal enterprises.
- Testified in court as an expert witness for narcotics cases, providing credible evidence to secure convictions.
- Assisted other detectives with non-narcotic related cases when necessary, leveraging skills developed while working on narcotic cases for increased departmental efficiency.
- Utilized advanced technology tools such as GPS tracking devices and covert video equipment to gather crucial evidence during complex narcotics investigations.
- Testified in court about drug activity and related crimes such as murder and robbery.
- Coordinated responses with local drug task forces and state and federal agents to take down large numbers of individuals at once.
- Secured numerous informants providing information about drug activities in urban, rural and suburban areas.
- Planned high-risk raids on homes and businesses identified as being involved in criminal enterprises.
- Appeared in court and testified under oath in State and Federal cases.
Patrol Officer
2 Years 11 Months- Patrolled assigned areas to deter crime and maintain public safety.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided scene security during incidents.
- Enforced traffic laws, investigated crashes, and completed violation reports.
- Documented arrests, citations, and incident reports with accurate detail.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence for follow-up investigations.
- Coordinated with dispatch, supervisors, and partner agencies during critical events.
- Assisted community members with service calls, concerns, and crisis situations.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting daily patrols, incidents encountered, and actions taken during shifts.
- Arrested suspects with appropriate use of force, following departmental guidelines and legal procedures.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
- Handled crisis situations effectively by utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and sound judgment under pressure.
- Conducted traffic stops, issuing citations or warnings when necessary to maintain order on the roads.
- Testified in court cases as needed, providing clear and concise accounts of events witnessed or investigated.
- Assisted in accident investigations, providing support to those involved and ensuring accurate documentation of events.
- Conducted thorough searches of individuals or vehicles when required by departmental policies or legal procedures, preserving evidence for potential prosecution purposes.
- Served as a field training officer for new recruits – sharing knowledge gained from experience on patrol-helping them excel in their roles.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
- Conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
Patrol Officer
3 Years 3 Months- Enhanced public safety by patrolling assigned areas and responding to emergency situations promptly.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Provided assistance to citizens in need, including medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns, demonstrating compassion and professionalism at all times.
- Maintained readiness of patrol vehicle, equipment, and issued gear.
- Assisted in emergency situations, providing first aid and support until medical teams arrived.
- Enforced legal statutes, contributing to maintenance of public order.
- Responded to emergency calls, providing timely assistance and reducing incident escalation.
- Provided testimony in court cases, ensuring successful prosecution of offenders.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Corrections Officer
2 Years 6 Months- Supervised inmate movement, maintaining safety and order throughout housing units and secure areas.
- Monitored security systems and controlled access points to protect staff, inmates, and visitors.
- Enforced facility rules, documenting violations and initiating appropriate disciplinary procedures.
- Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and common areas to prevent contraband entry and circulation.
- Responded to emergencies using approved restraint, de-escalation, and emergency procedures.
Skills
Law enforcement operations
Tactical operations
Crime scene management
Emergency management
Courtroom testimony
Prosecution support
Community engagement
Media relations
Strategic leadership
Internal affairs
Labor relations
Substance abuse prevention
Accomplishments
2026 - Developed, led and launched a community based deflection initiative to address homelessness, substance use and mental illness named BRIDGE; Building Recovery, Inclusion, and Diversity through Growth and Empowerment.
2019- Illinois MEG & TF Commanders Association Commendation for methamphetamine trafficking investigations.
2017- Illinois MEG & TF Commanders Association Commendation for drug induced homicide investigations.
2016- Illinois MEG & TF Commanders Association Commendation for methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy investigations.
2015- Lincoln Police Department lifesaving award.
2015- Illinois Fraternal Order of Police award for outstanding bravery in the line of duty.
2014-Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor recipient.
2014- Lincoln Police Department Medal of Valor recipient.
2014- Lincoln Police Department Officer of the Year recipient.
2013- Lincoln Police Department Officer of the Year recipient.
2006- University of Illinois, Police Training Institute award for outstanding scholastic achievement.
Certification
- ILETSB Certified Illinois Police Officer
- Certified Medical First Responder
- Certified Lead Homicide Investigator
- Certified Sexual Assualt Investigator
- Certified Narcotics Investigator
- Certified Instructor in CQB/SWAT, high risk warrant service, high risk vehicle stops and firearms.
- Certified Field Training Officer
Timeline
Chief of Police
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
Deputy Chief of Police
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
11.2021 - 01.2023Read More
Police Sergeant
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
03.2021 - 11.2021Read More
Narcotics Detective
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
07.2015 - 03.2021Read More
Patrol Officer
Lincoln, Illinois Police Department
08.2012 - 07.2015Read More
Capitol Police Investigator
Illinois Secretary of State Police
08.2011 - 08.2012Read More
Assistant Chief of Police
Petersburg, Illinois Police Department
11.2009 - 08.2012Read More
Patrol Officer
Petersburg, Illinois Police Department
08.2006 - 11.2009Read More
Corrections Officer
Menard County Sheriff's Office
02.2004 - 08.2006Read More