Brian A. Kinnaird, PhD | Faculty

Education

• Ph.D., Human Services/Criminal Justice, Capella University

• M.L.S., Criminal Justice Administration, Fort Hays State University

• B.A., Sociology/Criminal Justice, Fort Hays State University

About

Dr. Brian A. Kinnaird began his professional career in 1995 with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office in Hays, KS. He is a graduate of the 143rd Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and, for over a decade, served in uniform for the reserve, jail, and patrol divisions. During his tenure in patrol, he was assigned to additional posts as a tactical team operator (SWAT), shift supervisor, field training officer, and lead defensive tactics instructor. Dr. Kinnaird was a full-time student throughout his police career and, upon completion of his master’s degree, was offered the opportunity to teach a night class in criminal justice at his alma mater. It was here that he “caught the teaching bug” and forged an unexpected career path. As a seasoned educator, Dr. Kinnaird has served appointments as a police academy instructor, college professor, and in-service training provider. He has also held leadership roles as a program director and department chair of criminal justice at several institutions, including Fort Hays State University, University of the Incarnate Word, and Bethany College. As a researcher, Dr. Kinnaird specializes in police social systems and organizational culture and is widely published in a variety of peer-reviewed and trade outlets. He is the author of four books and three book chapters, and he is a resident columnist for the Law and Crime section of Psychology Today.