Chief James Walsh joined the ranks of the Norwalk Police Department on July 7, 1988, and began his career assigned to the Patrol Division. After ten years, he was promoted to Detective in 1998, Detective Sergeant in 2001, and assumed the role as Patrol Sergeant in 2003. After nine years of supervising patrol officers, Walsh was promoted to Lieutenant and would lead the Patrol Division for a year, before taking command of the Investigative Services Division. In June of 2018, Walsh was promoted to Deputy Chief and led both the Operational and Administrative branches of the Norwalk Police Department. 

Chief Walsh has had extensive training provided by various recognized local, State and National agencies including: a graduate of the 281^st session of the FBI National Academy, Senior Management training (Police Executive Research Forum), Executive Leadership, Command Leadership (FBI LEEDA), Tactical Team Management, NIMS, and Risk Management, to name a few. Chief Walsh holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. 

During his tenure as a police officer, Chief Walsh earned a number of awards and medals for his bravery, professionalism, and exemplary service:  Officer of the Month (July 2017), Officer of the Year (2005 and 2012), Police Service Cross (three times), Medal of Merit, Distinguished Service Award (seven times), Unit Citation (three times).

Chief Walsh has continuously remained involved in the development of programs within Norwalk Police Department such as the Tactical Response Team, the Peer Support Team, Norwalk Police Department’s Honor Guard and Advisory Board. 

Chief Walsh may be reached by e-mail jwalsh@norwalkct.org or by phone at (203) 854-3001.

For information about the Deputy Chiefs visit the About the Deputy Chiefs page.