Joplin names new police chief

The city of Joplin has named the police department’s new chief. Read the full press release below:

Interim City Manager Dan Pekarek is pleased to announce that Joplin’s Assistant Chief of Police Sloan Rowland will be promoted to the position of Chief of Police beginning January 3, 2020. Current Police Chief Matt Stewart recently announced his retirement after 20 years of service to the community.

Major Rowland has more than 31 years of experience in law enforcement. He’s served with the Joplin Police Department for 16 years. During his tenure with JPD, Sloan has served as a Warrants Officer, Patrol Corporal, and Sergeant in Internal Affairs, Patrol, Training and Investigations. He spent 12 years on the department’s SWAT Team as a Team Leader, Tactical Supervisor, and Team Commander. In 2012 Rowland was promoted to Lieutenant and then moved up to Captain, serving as the commander of the Patrol Division. Major Rowland has received over 30 awards and commendations while serving with the Joplin Police Department. Prior to joining the Joplin force, he previously served 15 years for departments in Kansas.

Major Rowland has an associate and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Currently he is working on dual master’s degrees in criminal justice and Homeland Security. He is a graduate of the Missouri Police Chiefs Command College, FBI LEEDS, and the FBI National Academy. Major. Rowland served in the United States Army and the U.S. Naval Reserve with a combined 28 years of service. He served on numerous deployments stateside and overseas while assigned to the Naval Criminal Investigation Service.
“Rowland brings a great deal of experience to this position,” said Pekarek. “He has strong leadership and demonstrates excellent customer service skills needed for this top level of law enforcement. He’s worked in all divisions of the department, utilizing his expertise and specialty training received through the years. He’ll be a great asset to Joplin in this role and will be a strong resource within the City’s management team.”

Major Rowland is a native of southeast Kansas and currently lives in Joplin. He has two grown children and one grandson.