This week’s edition of “Meet the Chief” features the Chief of Police for the Stanford Police Department, Chief Dustin Carter. Chief Carter grew up around Hoopeston and Leroy and has been around law enforcement his whole life. His father was also a Chief of Police and being in a household that focused on public safety made it feel very natural for Chief Carter to pursue a career in law enforcement. Chief Carter obtained his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln College with a major in Business Management and a minor in Criminal Justice. Although Chief Carter understood that law enforcement was not for everyone, he saw it as his calling. 

Chief Carter started his career as a Reserve Deputy with the McLean County Sheriff's Office in 2001. He then started working in Lexington, Colfax, and Stanford as a part-time officer. Covering these three different towns, Chief Carter sometimes works four or five nights a week on top of his full-time position, which is in the technology department for a large insurance and financial services company. Chief Carter is also a Field Training Officer that has helped train new police officers after they graduate from the police academy. In 2017, Dustin Carter became the Chief of Police in Stanford, after being on the roster as an officer in Stanford since 2015. Chief Carter says, “While it’s a serious job, I try not to take myself so seriously, and remember the badge doesn't make me any more special than those without one, but certainly comes with great responsibility and accountability.” Chief Carter is nearing his 20-year mark in law enforcement, he says, “I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to give back to the communities I serve, helping people get through, oftentimes, sensitive and challenging periods in their lives, and most importantly, keeping people safe.” 

Outside of his professional life, Chief Carter is a big sports fan. He mostly enjoys baseball and football and has even been a sports official for the past 23 years. He has umpired high school and college baseball, officiated multiple state championships and post season tournament play. For the past five years, Chief Carter has been a Division I NCAA Football Replay Official working with the Missouri Valley, Mid-American, and Big Ten Conferences. Beyond sports, Chief Carter enjoys car shows, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering in the community.

Chief Carter fits in perfectly with the small-town crowd, he grew up in a small town himself. He always has put a strong emphasis on building relationships with residents, understanding their concerns and keeping in touch with what is on their minds, all while “doing what I can to help.” Chief Carter says he is “Really proud of the Stanford Police Department.” He has made it easy for him and his officers to connect with the community, making for a very positive relationship in Stanford.