Instructor Biography

Laura King

Chief Laura L. V. King, PhD, (retired) is a senior research associate with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness group. She is a lead instructor for the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program and provides instruction on the topics of officer safety and wellness for the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program. Chief King retired from the McHenry County, Illinois, Conservation District Police Department, where she created an award-winning wellness initiative for the agency. Prior to becoming chief, she served for more than 20 years with the McHenry City Police Department, retiring as commander. During her career, she worked patrol, narcotics and investigations before becoming a supervisor. Chief King is an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice and psychology programs at McHenry County College. She is also the author of Officer Safety: Redefined, a book on the importance of mental wellness for law enforcement professionals. Chief King worked in clinical practice for 5 years, providing counseling services for police officers and their family members. In addition to providing counseling services, she also conducted psychological testing and assessments for law enforcement agencies. During her time in practice, she specialized in holistic interventions for symptom management for a wide variety of clients. Chief King earned her doctor of philosophy degree and master’s degree in psychology at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice management from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. Chief King is passionate about mental wellness and how it can be leveraged by law enforcement to improve both career performance and quality of life.