Each month, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office honors a deserving officer that has gone above and beyond the call of duty. This month, we recognize Detective Joshua Coleman as our June Officer of the Month. Detective Coleman began his career with the Mobile Police Department in 2011, and is currently a detective within the Homicide Unit and is assigned to the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. He has always wanted to be in law enforcement, and he works hard every day to ensure the safety of our community. We asked Detective Coleman a few questions to get a better look into why being an officer is so important to him.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I am able to obtain justice for my victims. I have had unique opportunities with the police department in that I have investigated a multitude of different crimes, but the one thing that stays the same is that there is a victim attached to that crime. So when I am able, through my investigation, to hold someone accountable and receive justice for the victim, it makes all the long hours and hard work worthwhile.
Has there been a moment that has defined your career?
I am blessed to work for a department that has taken chances on me and given me the opportunities that I have been given. One of the most defining moments in my career was when my Captain in 2nd Precinct, now Major Tims, took a chance on me and moved me to Investigations. One of my proudest moments was in 2018 responding off-duty to a call of a guy threatening to jump from the I-65 overpass. 3rd Precinct officers arrived, along with myself, and we were able to distract him long enough for me to pull him off the ledge. I hope that night we saved the life of that young man and inspired him to pursue God’s plan for his life.
What is your advice to someone seeking employment in the law enforcement field?
Some advice for anyone looking is to make sure you are joining for the right reasons. We need good men and women in this profession who are looking to make a difference and protect the community from those that seek to do harm. You have to have a genuine passion for this profession and it isn’t for everyone. For those seriously thinking about it do a ride-along and get to know some officers. Find out as much about the actual job minus what you see on TV and in movies.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your job?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and especially my wife and kids. I enjoy coaching sports and doing anything outdoors.
Who inspires you?
My family inspires the most. They are my driving force in this world. Without them in my corner and holding me down I would not be where I am today. My kids motivate me in my job. I work hard every day to try and ensure that I can provide a safer community for my kids to live and grow up in.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
With the scrutiny placed on Law Enforcement in today’s society, I just want to remind people that we are not all bad. Outside of this uniform, we are all humans with the same struggles as everyone else. We stand with the majority of society in wanting to ensure that everyone is treated fairly no matter who they may be. If you call for us we will come even no matter the danger or circumstances we are here to serve our community and will do so to the best of our ability until we are no longer able to.