Todd Walls Fighting Street Crimes

Growing up in Jefferson County, Kentucky, Todd Walls was always to be found outdoors. An avid baseball and basketball enthusiast, Todd first went to Western Kentucky University for about a year, and then he attended the University of Louisville, where he received his bachelors in police administration in 1992.

Upon graduation, Todd Walls went into policing and got hired on with the Louisville Police Department where he was tasked with patrolling the east and west ends of the town, as well as working with the street crimes unit. The next stop in his career landed him with the Louisville International Airport Police and then onto a stint with the Hollowcreek Police. Continuously moving up the ranks, Walls became a sergeant for the West Buechel Police Department where he played a pivotal role in the development of a field training program and oversaw the confiscation of significant amounts of drug money.

Then in 2007, Todd Walls spearheaded the undercover drug unit for the Taylorsville Police Department where he was paramount in the conviction of a number of high-level dealers.

Walls returned to work for West Buechel Police Department in 2015, eventually becoming their Police Chief. He won approval for the federal E-share program to share forfeiture money from federal agencies.

During his free time, Walls enjoys running, weightlifting, playing softball, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Tell us a bit about what you do in your field?

As police chief, a lot of what I do is helping to portray my department in a positive image. That’s the way I always looked at it. I’m always available to citizens whether I’m on or off duty. And I put a high priority on keeping drugs off the streets.

What gave you the idea for a career in Law Enforcement? How did it start?

I always had an interest in it while growing up, so when I was going through the majors pick for college, it jumped out at me as a major. I wanted my degree to be in policing so I got it. From there, I just went for it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of policing?

Being able to make a difference in people’s lives has been very rewarding. You get a lot of calls from people wanting help, and mainly it was people with their addictions. In one aspect, we were trying to put them away just to get them off the street. Sometimes it involved jail time, but sometimes it’s just getting them help.

What keys to being productive can you share with our readers?

You need to have the heart and the drive to do this kind of work. Also, staying healthy and getting a good night’s rest will make a huge difference.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

One of my long-term goals is to be remembered as somebody that genuinely cared, and someone who made a lasting impact on people’s lives.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

I’ve learned that trust is very important.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

This kind of career is stressful. So you have to be sure that this is what you want to do. You have to be willing to work weekends, holidays, and long hours. Just make sure this is what you want to do. It will be rewarding in the end.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I like to go running, do some weightlifting, play softball, go hunting, and fishing.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families by Kevin M. Gilmartin
A Look at Life from a Deer Stand: Hunting for the Meaning of Life by Steve Chapman

What career advice would you give to 20-year-old you?

I’d tell my younger self to treat people like you would want to be treated and to be careful of whom you trust.

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