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Jon Gaskins, Retired - Interim Chief of Police on Notable Men

FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE

Jon Gaskins

Retired - Interim Chief of Police, Georgetown Police Department

“I attribute my success to the strong foundation I developed growing up around the Virginia State Police. Being exposed to law enforcement at an early age, along with having my father and the troopers in his assigned county as role models, inspired my interest in the profession and gave me a clear sense of purpose. Those experiences motivated me to pursue a career in law enforcement and to continually develop my education, skills, and knowledge. I have always been committed to making a positive difference and performing my responsibilities to the best of my ability, and that commitment to continuous growth has been an important part of my success.”

BASED IN
Georgetown, CO 80444
INDUSTRY
Law Enforcement

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About

Jon Gaskins is a retired interim chief of police and accomplished law enforcement professional with 25 years of experience spanning municipal, federal, and prosecutorial environments. He began his career in Durango, Colorado, and subsequently spent approximately 10 years in federal government law enforcement before serving as a sergeant and later interim chief with the Georgetown Police Department. He also worked with the District Attorney’s Office in Clear Creek County. Throughout his career, Gaskins developed extensive expertise in criminal investigations, public safety, firearms, driving, field training, and law enforcement operations. He currently serves as a District Attorney Investigator with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 5th Judicial District, conducting criminal investigations and supporting complex cases.
A significant part of Gaskins’ career has been devoted to training, instruction, and curriculum development. He has provided instruction to federal recruits, law enforcement officers, agents, and military personnel and served as a law enforcement driving instructor with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 10 years. He is also a subject matter expert in driving for the Colorado POST Board. His professional education includes a Police Academy Certificate from Pueblo Community College, a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Police Science from Colorado Technical University, and a master’s degree in Information System Security from Colorado Technical University. He completed the FBI Rocky Mountain Command College and numerous additional training programs and certifications, including coursework related to linguistic analyst profiling. His distinguished career has earned him multiple Superior Service Awards, the Deputy of the Year Award in 2003, Officer of the Year nominations from 2016 through 2022, and the Medal of Valor.
Gaskins attributes his success to his early exposure to law enforcement through his father’s career with the Virginia State Police, as well as the positive role models who influenced him growing up. Those experiences inspired his commitment to public service and motivated him to continually expand his education, skills, and knowledge. He places strong importance on leadership, ethics, self-awareness, and being a role model, striving to reflect the same principles in his personal life as he does while serving in uniform. In retirement, Gaskins continues to contribute to the field through writing and professional education. He has published articles on law enforcement topics and authored With Full Intent, a historical crime-fiction novel inspired by a 1933 quadruple murder in rural Virginia. Outside of his professional pursuits, he has been a private pilot since 2008 and enjoys flying, fishing, and hiking.

Key Areas Of Focus

  • 01. Training
  • 02. Curriculum Development
  • 03. Driving Instruction

IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Q and A

  1. 01

    What do you attribute your success to?

    I attribute my success to the strong foundation I developed growing up around the Virginia State Police. Being exposed to law enforcement at an early age, along with having my father and the troopers in his assigned county as role models, inspired my interest in the profession and gave me a clear sense of purpose. Those experiences motivated me to pursue a career in law enforcement and to continually develop my education, skills, and knowledge. I have always been committed to making a positive difference and performing my responsibilities to the best of my ability, and that commitment to continuous growth has been an important part of my success.

  2. 02

    What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

    My advice to young men entering the law enforcement profession is to develop a strong understanding of leadership, beginning with knowing yourself. Self-awareness is essential, particularly when it comes to recognizing your own weaknesses and potential flaws. I often draw on Aristotle’s concept of the good person who still has flaws to emphasize that no one is perfect, but we must understand the characteristics that could undermine us. Throughout your career, learn to manage and, when possible, overcome those weaknesses so they do not surface in high-pressure situations and negatively affect your judgment, reputation, or career. Strong ethics, self-discipline, and a commitment to continuous personal growth are essential to becoming an effective and respected leader.

  3. 03

    What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

    The values that are most important to me are integrity, consistency, and leading by example. I strive to be a positive role model for the people around me, both professionally and personally. I believe the values I demonstrate while wearing the uniform should be the same values I live by in my everyday life. Maintaining that consistency helps me build trust, demonstrate accountability, and set a standard for others through my actions.

PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives by Jon Gaskins

Original insights, ideas, and viewpoints shaped by real-world experience.

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Knowledge, Leadership and the Decision-Making Process
Leadership

Knowledge, Leadership and the Decision-Making Process

An exploration of how philosophical principles, ethical training, and reflective decision-making can bridge the gap between leader…

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