Riverside, CA
Captain Townsend has over 24 years of experience and currently serves as the Field Operations Division (patrol, traffic, K-9 and FTO Program) Commander for the Riverside (CA) Police Department. As a captain, he has been the Commander of the Investigations Division and the Special Operations Division (SWAT, aviation, probation/parole team, homeless issues, community outreach, school resource officers, crime analysis, etc.). Captain Townsend has worked a variety of operational and administrative assignments throughout his career.
Captain Townsend is a graduate of California’s Supervisory Leadership Institute, the LAPD Leadership program, and attended Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). He is also a graduate of Leadership Riverside. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree. Captain Townsend recently completed a doctoral program and earned a Doctor of Public Administration degree. His dissertation used a mixed-method approach and focused on organizational change in American law enforcement.
Captain Townsend is interested in organizational change, leadership, crime reduction, officer safety and wellness, use of force, employee discipline, law enforcement legitimacy, community relations, and evidence-based practices.