Joe Mokwa

Joseph "Joe" Mokwa was appointed St. Louis' 32nd Chief of Police. was an officer for 37 years and Chief for 7½ years in the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis. Mokwa retired amidst controversy in late July 2008.

Mokwa joined the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis on February 8, 1971. He was promoted to Chief of Police on May 11, 2001. He was the city’s 32nd Chief of Police.

During his 34-year career Mokwa served in almost every unit of the Department. His first assignment as a patrol officer was in the Sixth District. He worked in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth Districts as an officer and as a supervisor. As an investigator he worked in the District Detective Bureau as well as the Intelligence Unit and the Internal Affairs Division. Prior to being promoted to Chief of Police, he served as the Assistant Chief of Police, responsible for the Bureau of Professional Standards, which includes the Internal Affairs, Police Academy, Information Services (Technology) and Special Services Divisions.

Mokwa holds a Master of Arts in Security Management and Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Webster University in St. Louis.