Lieutenant Knowland was born and raised in Los Angeles County. Lieutenant Knowland attended the 30th Regional Police Academy in 1995 and began his career with the Oceanside Police Department in 1996.

Lieutenant Knowland is currently assigned to the Field Operations Division as a Watch Commander for day watch. In addition to patrol, Lieutenant Knowland also oversees both the Harbor unit and Resource Team.
 
Lieutenant Knowland has held a variety of assignments throughout his career, including NETWork, Field Training Officer, and SWAT. In 2002, he was selected as a Gang Detective in the Special Enforcement Section. In 2004, he was assigned to the North County Gang Task Force where he remained until his promotion to Sergeant in 2008. In 2009, Lieutenant Knowland returned to the Special Enforcement Section as the gang unit supervisor until October 2011 when he was promoted to Lieutenant.