The Joplin Police Department has a new chief, as Dr. Richard Pearson was sworn in yesterday.

 Pearson recently served as Captain of the Jefferson County Public School System Police Department in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as serving 22 years in the Louisville Metro Police Department. He taught in the Criminal Justice Department of Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg, Indiana.

 He holds a Master of Science and a bachelor’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville. He graduated from the FBI’s National Police Academy in Quantico, VA, and the Southern Police Institute in Louisville. He recently received his Doctorate in Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida.

 Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards says Pearson's knowledge and issue management provides a solid foundation to address issues in the community while also improving the police department’s delivery of services.

 Pearson says he is looking forward to getting acquainted with Joplin citizens and the community.

 He replaces Sloan Rowland, who retired in June.