Mayor D'Arcy Announces New Police Chief: 'I Am Proud To See Him Take This Next Step'

JOLIET, IL —The City of Joliet issued a news release on Friday afternoon announcing the appointment of Robert Brown as the city’s next Chief of Police, marking a new chapter in a 29-year career in law enforcement, with 26 of those years dedicated to serving Joliet.

Brown has served as interim chief since the retirement of former Chief of Police Bill Evans in May. Before stepping into that role, Brown served as deputy chief and second-in-command of the Joliet Police Department, working closely with department leadership on its day-to-day operations and direction.

“Chief Brown knows this department, he knows our community, and he understands what it means to serve Joliet,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “Over 26 years, he has earned the respect and trust that come from showing up every day, doing the work, and leading by example. We have seen his leadership throughout his career and during his time as Interim Chief, and I am proud to see him take this next step as Joliet’s Chief of Police.”

Brown joined the Joliet Police Department in 2000 and has built his career within the department, advancing into senior leadership and ultimately serving as deputy chief. His years
in leadership have given him firsthand experience with the department’s operations, personnel, and the evolving public safety needs of a growing city.

"This department has been my professional home for 26 years, and being entrusted to lead it is an incredible honor,” said Brown. “I know firsthand the dedication our officers and staff bring to serving Joliet every day, and I am proud to now have the opportunity to lead them. As Chief, my focus will be on supporting the men and women of this department, maintaining the high standards our community expects, and continuing to strengthen the relationships and trust we
have built with the people of Joliet.”

A U.S. Army veteran, Brown brings a longstanding commitment to public service to his new role as Chief. He earned a master’s degree in public safety administration from Lewis University in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University in 1998. He is
also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Northwestern University Executive Management Program, and the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University.