06/04/2026
Before this book was ever written, these lessons were tested in patrol cars, briefing rooms, investigations, classrooms, city halls, and real-world leadership decisions.
LEADERSHIP: LEAVE YOUR FINGERPRINT is written by retired Police Chief John Distelrath after 32 years in law enforcement and more than four decades teaching leadership, management, and organizational development.
But this isn't just a book for police officers.
If you're a: • Supervisor
• Business owner
• Coach
• Teacher
• Manager
• Team leader
• Parent
• Mentor..this book is for you.
At its core, it's about understanding people.
How trust is built.
How culture is created.
How accountability works.
How leadership is earned.
And how every decision leaves a mark on the people around you.
This isn't theory.
It's a practical guide built from successes, failures, hard conversations, and real leadership under pressure.
Because long after the title is gone, people won't remember your position.
They'll remember your fingerprint.