Mike Moulton is the Chief of the El Cajon Police Department and has been with the department for over 29 years. He has served in all divisions of the department, working in Investigations, Special Enforcement, Inspections Training and Personnel, Patrol, and Internal Affairs. Chief Moulton served with the Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 15 years. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007, Lieutenant in 2012, Captain in 2015, and Chief of Police in 2019. During his career, he has been awarded five Meritorious Unit Citations and the Medal of Valor.
Chief Moulton holds a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of California POST’s Command College and the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
To connect with and motivate those that are thinking of entering the program but may need guidance or have questions that are preventing them form doing so.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
The University of San Diego is a highly respected university and the LEPSL program is consistently ranked as one of the top advanced criminal justice degree programs in the country.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
My biggest concern was “bandwidth.” Did I have the time available in my busy LE schedule to successfully complete the program? The answer is yes, the program is built to work around our busy schedules.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
It was a personal goal of mine to complete an advanced degree.
What advice would you give to someone to be a more effective leader?
To be an effective leader you have to realize that the journey is never complete, you can never stop learning.
What was the most unexpected part of the LEPSL program?
The most unexpected part of the program has been the personal growth I’ve obtained through interacting with my colleagues in the discussion boards. I learn so much every week from so many different professionals from all over the country.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I was balancing being a Police Chief of a “mid-size” agency, being a husband, and being a father to two teenagers. I’m not going to say it was easy, most things in life that have value or are important aren’t easy, but its certainly manageable.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Accomplishing the original goal I had set for myself of obtaining a Master’s Degree.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2024