Paul Echols, Member
Investigations' Commander
Police Department
Carbondale, Illinois
Overview
Paul serves as the Investigations’ Commander in the Carbondale, Illinois, Police Department. He has served in that capacity since 2007. As Commander, he oversees eight detectives and one detective sergeant. His duties include coordinating the Department’s investigation into various misdemeanor and felony crimes, including juvenile crimes, drug investigations and homicides occurring in the City of Carbondale.
Career/Professional Highlights
Paul started his career in the Carbondale Police Department in 1981 and has served in a number of progressively more responsible positions including, Crime Scene Specialist, Detective Sergeant, CALEA Accreditation Manager, patrol shift supervisor and Lieutenant. In these capacities, his duties have included crime scene investigating, latent fingerprinting training, and supervision over a number of units including evidence, forensic science, and training. Paul has received numerous awards and commendations including the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Recognition Award in 2005 and the Illinois State Bar Association Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in 2007. Paul has also been recognized for solving numerous cold cases dating as far back as 1976. Paul and his wife Sheila reside near Murphysboro along with their children Jarrod and Morgan.
Education
Paul received his Bachelors Degree from the School of Technical Careers in 1981 and his Masters Degree in Public Administration in 2002, both from Southern Illinois University. Paul is also a certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and a court qualified latent fingerprint examiner. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and serves as an adjunct instructor with Shawnee Community College and Southern Illinois University. Paul also volunteers his time speaking at middle schools and high schools in the community.