Originally aired Jan. 26, 2026.
From the cotton fields of Mississippi to the highest ranks of American law enforcement, Robert Moore’s journey is a story of grit, scholarship at UIS, and transformational leadership.
Again, a Springfield resident and author of the new autobiography Off My Neck, Moore traces a remarkable five-decade career that began in 1970 as a deputy sheriff in Rockford and evolved into roles including Illinois State Police EEO director, deputy chief in Savannah, Georgia, U.S. Marshal, and chief of police in Jackson, Mississippi.
A pivotal moment came early in his career when, while studying at UIS, Moore began researching disparities in police promotions. His master’s thesis argued that performance evaluations were unfairly limiting advancement for Black officers. The result? A major policy shift from the “rule of three” to the “rule of ten,” expanding promotion opportunities statewide. Soon after, an article he wrote on increasing Black police executives was published nationwide by the FBI, becoming a model for diversifying law enforcement agencies across the country.
Moore credits UIS with sharpening his analytical and writing skills—tools that helped him influence policy at the highest levels. Throughout his career, he navigated resistance, embraced risk, and accepted high-stakes leadership roles that reshaped departments and communities.
Today, Moore continues his civil rights work with the NAACP, collaborating with Illinois police chiefs to build trust through “Ten Shared Principles” focused on valuing life and strengthening community relationships.
His story is both a personal memoir and a roadmap—that preparation, courage, and education can change institutions from the inside out.
Transcript pending.
