Instructor Biography

Laura King (retired)

Chief Laura L. V. King (retired) is a senior research associate with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness (LESW) 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 McHenry County, Illinois, Conservation District Police Department (MCCDPD), which received the 2023 national Destination Zero Officer Wellness Award. Prior to becoming chief, she served more than 20 years at the McHenry Police Department as well as several years as the chief investigator for the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. During her career, Chief King has worked in a variety of assignments including patrol, investigations, undercover narcotics, and administration. Chief King is an adjunct instructor and content developer at several colleges and universities and has worked as a psychologist serving first responders and their families. She is also the author of Officer Safety: Redefined. Chief King earned her doctor of philosophy 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.