Joseph Mabin turns his head and talks for a little longer than before.
Serving as interim chief of police from April to December 2022, Mabin has taken over the department, putting himself in the public eye. This experience opened up new relationships and partnerships for him on behalf of KCPD.
“I got the opportunity to understand how the department works in all bureaus,” Mabin said. “I was able to forge new relationships with community members and all of that gave me a better perspective and made me more versatile.”
Mabin is now the new Deputy Chief of the Patrol Bureau, appointed by the new Chief of Police, Stacey Graves. Patrol is the largest bureau in the KCPD, giving Mabin a chance to have a wide impact on the people he now heads.
“I am focused on supporting the men and women of the patrol unit to make them the most professional and well-trained officers in the region,” Mabin explained. “I want to encourage and support them in working with the community to reduce gun crime, juvenile delinquency and reduce the quality of life.”
“Deputy Chief Mabin will now head the largest bureau of all uniformed officers,” said Chief Graves. “Mabin is a compassionate and tactical decision maker and has an infectious confidence that radiates throughout the police department.”
Mabin had been with the KCPD for 22 years, and although he had risen through the ranks, he had nearly landed somewhere else. The Kansas City native received a full scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, graduating with a degree in business administration. Mabin thought about joining the family construction business.
He also thought about working for the FBI. But first, police work was at his heart, and shortly after joining the KCPD, Mabin realized that he was at home.
Today, Mabin’s home life is centered on the family, accompanied by exercise and literature. Mabin used to compete in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). He is currently running. “It’s a stress reliever,” Mabin said. “If you are a police officer, you must be ready to intervene. The exercises also help to improve the officer’s mental state.”
Police work can be challenging. That’s why the books complement Mabin’s exercises, helping him stay focused and healthy. Not too long ago, Mabin read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, a story about Frankl’s time in a Nazi concentration camp. Frankl’s book is well known for helping find purpose in times of adversity.
As the head of the department, and now the patrol bureau, Mabin knows his destiny. He gives himself to make life in Kansas City safer and better.
