Meet the Leadership Blog Series: State and Provincial Members
The IACP Board of Directors is comprised of the IACP Executive Board as well as 33 law enforcement leaders appointed by the IACP President. The members of the Board of Directors represent agencies large and small around the globe and govern the IACP. In the IACP’s Meet the Leadership Blog Series, the IACP will feature brief profiles of the 33 appointed members of the Board of Directors.
Name: Kriste Kibbey Etue
Title: Colonel/Director
Agency: Michigan State Police
Year Joined the IACP: 2009
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: I will admit it was 100 percent my dad's influence. I grew up in a state police family. I would often hear him talk at the dinner table about the exciting parts of his day and I would listen to every single word. I loved his stories about traffic stops, helping children, working in a community, and arresting bad guys. I knew that one day, this would be the profession for me. Growing up I would always tell him, "someday I will be a trooper,” but as was common at the time, the expectation in my family was for my two older brothers to become troopers and my sister and me to be teachers or nurses.
My father joined the Michigan State Police in the early 1950s during a time when there were no female enlisted members. In fact, to be a trooper, you had to be a white male and at least 6' tall. So, my father never encouraged me nor thought it was a good idea for any female – let alone his daughter – to be a police officer. Years later, I would talk to him about his lack of support and he would clearly explain to me that he was mostly afraid I would get hurt or killed, because he knew the dangers troopers faced every day.
First Heard about IACP: The Michigan State Police has been involved with IACP for decades so it was a resource I was familiar with.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I became more involved in the IACP when President Richard Beary asked me to serve on the Board of Directors in 2015. I find the business meetings to be very relevant to my job as it is an opportunity to discuss current issues affecting the profession, as well as to network with other law enforcement leaders. The value of being part of the IACP is its ability to bring law enforcement professionals together, which is even more critical today as we work through what has been one of the most challenging times for law enforcement.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: My favorite part of being in law enforcement is having the opportunity to work with the employees of the Michigan State Police. Every day the proud men and women of my agency go to work serving our citizens in neighborhoods, forensic science laboratories, the criminal justice information center, the training academy, the state emergency operations center; providing aviation assistance; or diving into one of the many lakes and rivers in Michigan. I am amazed at their professionalism and commitment to service. Becoming their Colonel has been the greatest honor of my life.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: The greatest challenge we currently face is recruiting the next generation of state police employees. The need and demands for a highly skilled and diverse workforce has never been greater. It is essential that we actively recruit and hire quality candidates who make good decisions, solve problems, and communicate well with the citizens we serve.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: My advice to tomorrow’s leaders is to work hard, have passion, and let faith guide you. If you do this, there is absolutely nothing you cannot accomplish in this life.
Name: Vince Hawkes
Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes briefs the multi-jurisdictional security team at the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan American Games.
Title: Commissioner
Agency: Ontario Provincial Police (Canada)
Year Joined IACP: 2006
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: Parental influence was an important factor in my decision to become a police officer. Yet another was friends and colleagues in policing but, above all, it was a desire to make a difference.
First Heard About IACP: I first became aware of the IACP through the OPP’s Senior Command who were involved in the IACP and the IACP’s Division of State and Provincial Police.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I see a strong need for all police services to bring an international perspective to their own organizations. IACP provides good opportunities for all of us to learn from each other. I also know that the framework the IACP provides allows me, and the OPP, to influence and impact issues of mutual concern.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: The aspect of my work that I find to be the most rewarding involves people; people within our organization and the people we serve. In law enforcement, there is such a great potential to have a positive impact on people’s lives. You never know just how significant your actions and words may be.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: While there are many challenges in policing, I think the greatest one we face is modernization. It is imperative that we continuously improve, innovate, and find ways to keep pace with the effects of globalization, technology, and new criminal activities as we work to reduce harm and victimization.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: Be true to who you are. Lead by example and follow your heart. Do what is right, not what is expedient or politically correct. And, know your people.
Name: Matthew Langer
Title: Colonel
Agency: Minnesota State Patrol
Year Joined the IACP: 2008
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: I was drawn to the interesting and challenging nature of the work, along with the ability to make a difference. There are so many opportunities to get involved in different facets of public safety, I cannot imagine ever growing tired of the work. Every day presents a new opportunity to do something better and different than the day before. Finding people at their worst and figuring out how to make things better is something I really enjoy.
First Heard about IACP: Through research conducted while I was in graduate school and also through my work related to standardized field sobriety test instructor training that was closely tied to our Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program in Minnesota.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I believe in the mission and the delivery of service provided by the IACP. Each time I have had the opportunity to become more involved, I’m able to work side by side with amazing people who are focused on improving our profession. To be at the table during these conversations has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. I particularly enjoy translating what I learn into action within the Minnesota State Patrol. I think it makes our organization better at delivering service, effectiveness, and taking care of each other.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: The challenge. We are on the cutting edge of so many changes going on in our communities. To be a part of the change that has occurred and continues to occur is an opportunity I feel fortunate to be a part of.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: Helping people understand the dynamic and complex nature of our work. It really is a difficult job. That remains motivational for me, but we need to continue educating everyone around us about the complexities involved with providing police service with excellence every single time.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: Be positive. Negativity will not solve any problems, but it will make us unhealthy and work to demotivate those around us. A positive mindset is critical as we work through the challenges of today and navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
Name: Kriste Kibbey EtueTitle: Colonel/Director
Agency: Michigan State Police
Year Joined the IACP: 2009
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: I will admit it was 100 percent my dad's influence. I grew up in a state police family. I would often hear him talk at the dinner table about the exciting parts of his day and I would listen to every single word. I loved his stories about traffic stops, helping children, working in a community, and arresting bad guys. I knew that one day, this would be the profession for me. Growing up I would always tell him, "someday I will be a trooper,” but as was common at the time, the expectation in my family was for my two older brothers to become troopers and my sister and me to be teachers or nurses.
My father joined the Michigan State Police in the early 1950s during a time when there were no female enlisted members. In fact, to be a trooper, you had to be a white male and at least 6' tall. So, my father never encouraged me nor thought it was a good idea for any female – let alone his daughter – to be a police officer. Years later, I would talk to him about his lack of support and he would clearly explain to me that he was mostly afraid I would get hurt or killed, because he knew the dangers troopers faced every day.
First Heard about IACP: The Michigan State Police has been involved with IACP for decades so it was a resource I was familiar with.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I became more involved in the IACP when President Richard Beary asked me to serve on the Board of Directors in 2015. I find the business meetings to be very relevant to my job as it is an opportunity to discuss current issues affecting the profession, as well as to network with other law enforcement leaders. The value of being part of the IACP is its ability to bring law enforcement professionals together, which is even more critical today as we work through what has been one of the most challenging times for law enforcement.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: My favorite part of being in law enforcement is having the opportunity to work with the employees of the Michigan State Police. Every day the proud men and women of my agency go to work serving our citizens in neighborhoods, forensic science laboratories, the criminal justice information center, the training academy, the state emergency operations center; providing aviation assistance; or diving into one of the many lakes and rivers in Michigan. I am amazed at their professionalism and commitment to service. Becoming their Colonel has been the greatest honor of my life.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: The greatest challenge we currently face is recruiting the next generation of state police employees. The need and demands for a highly skilled and diverse workforce has never been greater. It is essential that we actively recruit and hire quality candidates who make good decisions, solve problems, and communicate well with the citizens we serve.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: My advice to tomorrow’s leaders is to work hard, have passion, and let faith guide you. If you do this, there is absolutely nothing you cannot accomplish in this life.
Name: Vince Hawkes
Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes briefs the multi-jurisdictional security team at the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan American Games.Title: Commissioner
Agency: Ontario Provincial Police (Canada)
Year Joined IACP: 2006
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: Parental influence was an important factor in my decision to become a police officer. Yet another was friends and colleagues in policing but, above all, it was a desire to make a difference.
First Heard About IACP: I first became aware of the IACP through the OPP’s Senior Command who were involved in the IACP and the IACP’s Division of State and Provincial Police.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I see a strong need for all police services to bring an international perspective to their own organizations. IACP provides good opportunities for all of us to learn from each other. I also know that the framework the IACP provides allows me, and the OPP, to influence and impact issues of mutual concern.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: The aspect of my work that I find to be the most rewarding involves people; people within our organization and the people we serve. In law enforcement, there is such a great potential to have a positive impact on people’s lives. You never know just how significant your actions and words may be.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: While there are many challenges in policing, I think the greatest one we face is modernization. It is imperative that we continuously improve, innovate, and find ways to keep pace with the effects of globalization, technology, and new criminal activities as we work to reduce harm and victimization.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: Be true to who you are. Lead by example and follow your heart. Do what is right, not what is expedient or politically correct. And, know your people.
Name: Matthew LangerTitle: Colonel
Agency: Minnesota State Patrol
Year Joined the IACP: 2008
Reason for Going into Law Enforcement: I was drawn to the interesting and challenging nature of the work, along with the ability to make a difference. There are so many opportunities to get involved in different facets of public safety, I cannot imagine ever growing tired of the work. Every day presents a new opportunity to do something better and different than the day before. Finding people at their worst and figuring out how to make things better is something I really enjoy.
First Heard about IACP: Through research conducted while I was in graduate school and also through my work related to standardized field sobriety test instructor training that was closely tied to our Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program in Minnesota.
Becoming More Involved in IACP: I believe in the mission and the delivery of service provided by the IACP. Each time I have had the opportunity to become more involved, I’m able to work side by side with amazing people who are focused on improving our profession. To be at the table during these conversations has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. I particularly enjoy translating what I learn into action within the Minnesota State Patrol. I think it makes our organization better at delivering service, effectiveness, and taking care of each other.
Favorite Part About Being in Law Enforcement: The challenge. We are on the cutting edge of so many changes going on in our communities. To be a part of the change that has occurred and continues to occur is an opportunity I feel fortunate to be a part of.
The Most Challenging Part of Law Enforcement: Helping people understand the dynamic and complex nature of our work. It really is a difficult job. That remains motivational for me, but we need to continue educating everyone around us about the complexities involved with providing police service with excellence every single time.
One Piece of Advice for the Leaders of Tomorrow: Be positive. Negativity will not solve any problems, but it will make us unhealthy and work to demotivate those around us. A positive mindset is critical as we work through the challenges of today and navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
