Kristopher Ahler

"Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight" - Psalm 144:1

• Research Interests
  My areas of research interest encompass public opinions on law enforcement duties, officer well-being and resilience, as well as methodologies and theories related to evidence-based policing.
• Teaching & Education

  Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
  University of Phoenix
  Phoenix, Arizona
  2008

  Master of Business Administration
  North Greenville University
  Tigerville, South Carolina
  2013

  Executive Certificate in Criminal Justice
  Liberty University
  Lynchburg, Virginia
  2022

• Professional Experience

  The values initially instilled in me during my service in the 75th Ranger Regiment have greatly impacted my professional journey and my commitment to safeguarding the rights and liberties that make the United States exceptional. During my military service, I had the privilege of personally observing the vast disparities between various cultures and forms of governance in other nations. These experiences reinforced my appreciation for the excellence of the U.S. Constitution and the society it supports. The recognition of the distinct freedoms and rights that we, as Americans, possess has motivated me to further serve my country by pursuing a career in law enforcement. In my roles as Chief of Police, Police Sergeant, Deputy Sheriff, and Police Corporal, I gained extensive experience leading K-9 Units, supervising patrol teams, and training new officers as a Field Training Officer. My career also included command and supervision on a SWAT unit, where I managed high-risk operations, as well as experience as a narcotics detective, tackling some of the most challenging aspects of law enforcement. Additionally, my 13 years as a firearm instructor, teaching various systems of defensive tactics, further enhanced my ability to prepare officers for the complexity of their roles, while ensuring they remain committed to protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens. My field experience is complemented by my formal academic education in criminal justice. This union of practical expertise and academic rigor allows me to bring a comprehensive and deeply informed perspective into the classroom. As a professor, I draw on both my real-world experiences in SWAT command, narcotics investigations, and tactical training, as well as my academic knowledge, to provide students with a well-rounded education.

• Selected Awards Received
  • Medal of Valor Issued by South Carolina Chief’s of Police Assoc.
  • 2008 Officer of the Year Issued by Greer City Police Department
  • 2002 Officer of the Year Issued by V.F.W. Palmetto, Florida
  • 2002 Officer of the Year Issued by City of Palmetto
  • Belgian Armed Forces Airborne Wings Issued by Belgian Armed Forces
  • British Armed Forces Airborne Wings Issued by British Armed Forces
• My Story

  I fully embraced my Christianity in 2012, being saved and embracing Christ as my Lord and Savior. North Greenville University was a part of my salvation story, as my master’s education, personal experiences, and professional experiences at the time all showed the hand of God guiding my life and calling me to him. Having completed my time in law enforcement, I have the opportunity to help prepare Christ-centered practitioners for service in the criminal justice system.