Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department has announced that Lieutenant Joe Shaw has graduated from the prestigious National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA), an intensive eight-week executive training program designed to equip law enforcement and corrections leaders with modern, forward-thinking leadership strategies.
Lieutenant Shaw, a 23-year veteran of CPD, currently serves as the department’s Director of Community Development and Recruitment. His participation in the NIA marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting both his leadership and CPD’s dedication to professional development within its ranks.
The NIA program, led by nationally recognized subject matter experts, emphasizes preparing leaders for both current and emerging challenges in public safety. Topics covered include predictive analytics, trauma-informed leadership, mental health awareness, and innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
“To me, Lieutenant Joe Shaw was an obvious candidate to represent CPD at this select executive-level academy,” said Chief of Police John Chambers. “He has proven himself to be a capable leader, has earned the respect of his peers, and continually prioritizes professional development to better support the officers he supervises and the Chattanooga community.”
Shaw is the second CPD officer to complete the NIA program, following Lieutenant Justin Kilgore’s graduation in 2024. He was one of just 24 participants selected nationwide for the academy’s fifth cohort.
In reflecting on the experience, Shaw emphasized the importance of long-term leadership development in public safety. “As CPD’s Director of Community Development and Recruitment, I see firsthand the importance of developing strong, forward-looking leaders,” he said. “The NIA gave me new perspectives to help develop the next generation of officers and build a department better prepared for the future.”
Lieutenant Shaw’s graduation underscores the department’s broader commitment to growth, innovation, and readiness as it adapts to the evolving needs of both the community and the criminal justice landscape.