Richard Sanders

Title:  Chief

Career Highlights

  • 2019 - Present:  Chief, Jeffersontown Police Department
  • 2016-2019:  Commissioner, Kentucky State Police
  • 2007-2016:  Chief, Jeffersontown Police Department
  • 1983-2007:  Special Agent, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • 1973-1983:  Police Officer, Jefferson County Police Department
Chief Sanders

About 

Chief Sanders has over 40 years of distinguished service in law enforcement.  He began his career with the Jefferson County Police Department (JCPD) in Louisville, KY in 1973.  While a member of the JCPD he served as a patrol officer, homicide detective and helicopter pilot.

In 1983 Chief Sanders pursued his lifelong goal to become a federal agent joining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  As a DEA Special Agent, Chief Sanders was stationed in the Louisville, Miami, Dallas, Indianapolis, Chicago and Washington D.C. offices.  An accomplished airplane and helicopter pilot, Chief Sanders provided air support for DEA enforcement operations in the United States, Caribbean and South America from 1988-1996.

In 2002, Chief Sanders was promoted to Senior Executive Service by Attorney General John Ashcroft and was named Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division.  Chief Sanders provided direction and leadership for all DEA operations conducted throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

In 2006, Chief Sanders was promoted to Chief of Operational Support (Assistant Administrator) at DEA Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he was responsible for investigative technology, forensic sciences and research and development for DEA’s worldwide operations.

Following retirement from DEA in 2007 Chief Sanders was appointed Chief of the Jeffersontown Police Department.

On April 1, 2016 Chief Sanders was appointed Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police where he was responsible for the leadership of KSP Headquarters, 16 KSP Post and 6 Forensic Labs.

In November 2019, Chief Sanders returned as Chief of the Jeffersontown Police Department.

Chief Sanders earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville.