Joshua Hunt, First Deputy Chief Administrator

Joshua T. Hunt brings more than 23 years of experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, and police oversight, with specialized expertise in officer-involved shootings, homicide investigations, death investigations, and organizational accountability. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for progressive leadership, investigative excellence, and a commitment to transparency and public trust.

Mr. Hunt began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department in Georgia, where he later served as a homicide detective. During his tenure, he achieved a 100 percent clearance rate on assigned homicide investigations, including several high-profile cold cases, earning a reputation for persistence, innovation, and dedication to victims and their families.

In addition to his local law enforcement service, Mr. Hunt served as a Reserve Special Agent with the Coast Guard Investigative Service, participating in complex national investigations involving homicides, sexual assaults, and other serious criminal matters.

After relocating to Chicago, Mr. Hunt held several leadership positions within the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), including Deputy Chief Administrator. In that role, he led initiatives to strengthen investigative practices, improve organizational effectiveness, and advance transparency and accountability in police oversight.

Mr. Hunt subsequently served as Chief of the Investigations Bureau at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, overseeing complex criminal investigations and fostering collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to support successful prosecutorial outcomes. Most recently, he served as Director of Intelligence and Investigations for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where he directed investigative operations involving use-of-force incidents, death investigations, narcotics-related cases, and other high-profile matters.

Beyond his investigative and executive leadership responsibilities, Mr. Hunt has developed and delivered training programs for law enforcement agencies on crisis management, incident command, and best practices for investigating officer-involved deaths and other critical incidents.

Mr. Hunt is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, where he received the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award. He also holds Police Chief Certification through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. His career reflects a sustained commitment to professional excellence, principled leadership, and strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system.