New Deputy Chief Appointed for Knoxville Police Department

Knoxville police officers engaging with community members

News Summary

Joe McHale has been announced as the new Deputy Chief of the Knoxville Police Department, taking over from retiring Tony Willis. With nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement, including a notable tenure in the Kansas City Police Department and a role as Chief of Police in Marion, Iowa, McHale aims to enhance community relations and public safety in Knoxville. Despite facing a lawsuit from his previous position, he is focused on positive change and fostering strong connections within the community.

Exciting Changes for Knoxville Police Department as New Deputy Chief Joins Team

This week, the city of K Knoxville is buzzing with excitement over the recent announcement of Joe McHale as the new Deputy Chief of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD). With a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public safety, McHale is stepping into a pivotal role to help ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

The news came directly from KPD Chief Paul Noel, who shared this significant development on Monday. McHale will be filling the shoes of retiring Deputy Chief Tony Willis. After nearly three decades with the KPD, Willis is set to retire on June 1, 2025, marking the end of an era. During his impressive tenure, he held important roles, including East District Commander and Captain in the Investigations Bureau, making substantial contributions to public safety efforts across Knoxville.

A Stellar Track Record

Joe McHale has a remarkable background in law enforcement. Before joining KPD, McHale served as a Major in the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, where he had an extensive and impactful 25-year career. One of his notable achievements includes leading a successful initiative that helped reduce homicides through targeted violence reduction strategies back in 2014.

After retiring from Kansas City, he took on the challenge of becoming the Chief of Police in Marion, Iowa. McHale led the department from 2016 to 2019 before transitioning into a role as a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR). In this position, he dedicated himself to developing violence reduction approaches and strategies for law enforcement agencies across the nation. His commendable efforts were recognized when he received the Chairman of the Board’s Award for Excellence in November 2024, acknowledging him as an outstanding employee at IIR.

Connecting with the Community

As he prepares to take the stage as Deputy Chief, McHale has expressed his excitement for his new role and his eagerness to engage with the community. He believes it is essential to foster relationships with citizens and civic leaders to understand their priorities regarding public safety. His work will focus on enhancing the KPD’s already stellar reputation while overseeing the Investigations Bureau and ensuring all investigative functions are up to par.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding McHale’s appointment, it is necessary to acknowledge that he comes into this role after being named in a sexual harassment lawsuit from his time in Marion, Iowa. The lawsuit focuses on his handling of a harassment claim made by a former employee against another officer. Even though the allegations have been denied by McHale and the city of Marion, the KPD Chief has reassured the public that the vetting process was thorough and that they were fully aware of the ongoing litigation when considering his appointment.

Looking Forward

With a start date tentatively scheduled for late April, the Knoxville community is looking forward to welcoming McHale and witnessing the positive changes he aims to introduce. Chief Noel emphasized that McHale’s exceptional background and expertise played a significant role in the decision to bring him on board as Deputy Chief, especially among a pool of qualified internal candidates.

As he embarks on this new journey, McHale is determined to focus on enhancing safety measures and building strong relationships within the Knoxville community—a goal that resonates deeply with both residents and local leaders. With his extensive experience and passion for public safety, there is great anticipation for the impact that McHale will have on the KPD and the citizens of Knoxville.