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Leadership Q&A Series: Kurt Frisz, Chief of Police, St. Charles County Police Department

In our Leadership Q&A series, we spotlight leaders who inspire others through their experiences, vision, and leadership approach. Today, we speak with Kurt Frisz, Chief of Police at St. Charles County Police Department. With nearly four decades of experience in law enforcement, Kurt shares insights into his career, leadership philosophy, and what excites him about the future of the industry.



Can you highlight your career journey?

I started my policing career in 1985 in my hometown, Terre Haute, IN. Later, I was hired by the St. Louis County Police Department and relocated at 22 years old. I served in the North County Precinct as a patrol officer. In 1988, I tried out for the SWAT team and was fortunate enough to make the team. St. Louis County SWAT is a full-time assignment, and I stayed in SWAT for the next 10 years, serving as a sniper, entry team member, and team leader.


As a hobby, I earned my fixed-wing pilot's license, unaware of how it would impact my career. In 1990, the SWAT team merged with the Flight Operations Unit, and I was selected to train as a helicopter pilot for the department. For the next eight years, I served as both a SWAT officer and a pilot. In 1998, I was promoted to sergeant and assigned to supervise the Vice Unit in the Drug Unit. Three years later, I became a lieutenant and was later promoted to captain, eventually commanding the SWAT and Air Unit.


In 2004, I helped create the Metro Air Support Unit, which brought in St. Louis City Police and St. Charles County Police to form a regional air support unit. After various leadership roles, I retired from St. Louis County in 2015 and became the Chief of Police in Wentzville. In 2020, I was selected as Chief of Police in St. Charles County, where I currently serve.



How would you describe your leadership style?

I’m a “democratic” leader. I value input from my staff and seek out their opinions whenever possible. However, in critical situations, I don’t hesitate to make immediate command decisions when needed. My leadership style has developed through observing other leaders I've worked with—both good and bad. I’ve learned a lot from great leaders, but I’ve also taken note of what not to do from those who didn’t handle leadership well.


Who has inspired your leadership approach?

Several people have inspired me, but the most influential was Gene Dorough, a St. Louis County officer who took me under his wing when I joined the SWAT team. He was our team crisis negotiator and always the voice of reason. Even though Gene has long retired, I still call him for advice. One key trait all my mentors had was a positive attitude and strong communication skills.


How do you apply lessons from your mentors?

By staying calm in high-pressure situations and using whatever discretionary time I have to make well-informed decisions. I’ve found that making rushed decisions without all the facts often leads to mistakes, so I prioritize gathering information and staying composed.



What pivotal experience shaped your leadership?

Serving as a SWAT Team Leader was a defining experience. I quickly learned that staying calm in critical situations resonates with the rest of the team. Being clear-headed under stress allows me to make better decisions and support my team more effectively.


What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Personnel issues are the biggest challenges I face as a police chief. I overcome them by avoiding knee-jerk decisions and instead using the time I have to gather all available information before making a fully informed decision.


How do the department’s values align with your leadership?

I have a great deal of support from both County Government and the community. Personally, I believe in maintaining high professional standards, and our department’s values align with that belief. I make sure that our team shares that commitment to excellence.


The culture of our department starts with me. Maintaining a positive workplace culture is one of my top priorities, and I ensure my commanders share that same philosophy. It’s something that’s working well for us.




How do you invest in growth, and what advice would you give aspiring leaders?

We have a generous training budget, and it’s important to get our officers into both skill development and leadership training programs. I always tell young officers that if they invest in this department by working hard, we will invest in them. And I make sure that happens.


What initiatives support leadership development?

I ensure we participate in both regional and national-level training programs. Many of these programs work toward earning a master’s degree. Succession planning is a priority for me, so I focus on identifying future leaders and investing in their development.


What excites you about the future of the industry?

I’m excited about the continuous opportunities for leadership development within our department. Succession planning is crucial, and I always remind my command staff that we should be training our replacements. By investing in our officers and their growth, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders.



Kurt Frisz’s journey from patrol officer to Chief of Police exemplifies the power of adaptability, mentorship, and leading by example. His commitment to professional development and fostering a positive workplace culture highlights the importance of leadership that listens, invests in others, and remains calm under pressure. His approach to leadership serves as a guiding example for aspiring leaders in law enforcement and beyond.

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