(MAYFIELD, Ky.) — Kentucky State Police Post 1 has welcomed Captain Joey Adams as its new commander, marking a homecoming for the 26-year law enforcement veteran.
Adams, a Carlisle County native, brings extensive experience to his new role. He joined KSP in July 1999 as part of Cadet Class 76, initially serving at Post 8 in Morehead before transferring to Post 1 in 2001. During his 17-year tenure at Post 1, Adams advanced through multiple positions, including trooper, detective, squad sergeant, and administrative sergeant. He spent 14 of those years serving as a sergeant.
In September 2018, Adams moved to the Division of Forensic Services, where he commanded all six state forensic laboratories and oversaw the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Investigative Team. He earned promotions to lieutenant in September 2019 and captain in September 2021 while in that division.
Adams’ law enforcement career began before joining KSP, with five combined years at the Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office and Paducah Police Department. He graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy with Class 250 in 1996. His educational background includes an associate degree from Paducah Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Throughout his career, Adams has earned numerous accolades, including two KSP Commissioner’s Commendation Awards. Four Rivers Behavioral Health recognized him as Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year in both 2010 and 2013, while NAMI Kentucky honored him with the same title in 2014. He also received the Four Rivers Behavioral Health Lovey Raburn Award in 2016. Additionally, Adams serves as a certified Collision Reconstructionist and Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Instructor.
The leadership transition also brings recognition for Adams’ predecessor, Major David Archer, who has been promoted after five years as Post 1 Commander. Archer will now serve as West Troop Major, overseeing operations across eight post districts in the western half of Kentucky.