Candidate for 4th Vice President - Chief Derick Miller
Chief Derick Miller is a seasoned law enforcement executive currently serving as the eleventh Chief of Police for the City of Irving, Texas, a position he has held since May 31, 2022. With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Chief Miller began his law enforcement service in 1992 as a reserve police officer with the Carrollton Police Department. Through sustained commitment, operational excellence, and principled leadership, he advanced through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in November 2017.
Chief Miller has consistently emphasized education and professional development as essential components of effective leadership. He holds both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington, along with a Graduate Certificate from the University of Virginia. His executive training includes completion of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute of Policing through the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), and the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration Management College. He also holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
A strong advocate for leadership development, Chief Miller serves as an Adjunct Professor of Criminology at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he brings real-world policing and executive leadership experience into the classroom. His professional service extends across local, state, and national levels. He currently serves as a Regional Director for the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
Nationally, Chief Miller serves on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and contributes as a member of both the Patrol/Tactical Committee and the Financial Review Committee, helping advance modern policing practices and organizational stewardship. He also serves on the Executive Advisory Board of the Caruth Police Institute, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to leadership development in law enforcement.
Locally, Chief Miller remains actively engaged in the community and serves on the Board of Trustees for Medical City Las Colinas.
Committed to innovation and cultural progress in policing, Chief Miller is a founding member of “The Curve,” a collaborative group of police chiefs and sheriffs convened by Simon Sinek to challenge traditional thinking and promote leadership-driven cultural change within the profession.
Chief Miller’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, education, and continuous improvement. His balanced approach to leadership, operational accountability, and professional collaboration has earned widespread respect and continues to positively influence the future of policing.
Candidate Statement
Guided by faith, grounded in family, and committed to service, my mission is to advance principled, steadfast leadership that strengthens our profession and enhances the communities we are sworn to protect. I believe meaningful progress is achieved not through individual ambition, but through collective strength. When we invest in our people, uphold our values, and lead with integrity, we build agencies that are resilient, trusted, and prepared for the future.
At the heart of this mission is advocacy for every leader, professional staff member, and officer who serves with dedication and courage. Our profession faces complex challenges that demand clarity of purpose, moral courage, and thoughtful innovation. We must lead in a way that supports those on the front lines while reinforcing the trust placed in us by our communities. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can elevate the noble calling of policing.
A central pillar of this mission is comprehensive wellness. Policing is both demanding and deeply personal work. To serve others effectively, we must ensure our people are supported mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually. This means advancing accessible, evidence-informed wellness initiatives and fostering a culture where seeking help is viewed as strength, not weakness. By normalizing conversations around well-being and removing stigma, we protect not only our officers and staff, but also the families who stand beside them. Healthy agencies are resilient agencies.
Equally vital is strengthening community trust. Legitimacy is built through transparency, consistency, and meaningful engagement. Public safety is most effective when it is collaborative. We must continue to build authentic partnerships across diverse communities, ensuring that every voice is heard and every interaction reflects fairness and respect. Trust is not demanded it is earned through action, accountability, and service rooted in dignity. By strengthening relationships, we enhance both safety and unity.
Innovation must also define our path forward. Smarter policing requires us to leverage evidence-based strategies, emerging technologies, and data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes. Innovation is not about change for its own sake; it is about thoughtful progress that increases efficiency, enhances safety, and supports officer well-being. By embracing research and responsible technology, we position our agencies to meet evolving challenges with confidence and professionalism.
Developing the next generation of leaders is another cornerstone of this mission. Strong organizations are built on intentional leadership development and clear career pathways. We must create structured, measurable opportunities for growth that cultivate competence, character, and accountability. Leadership is not defined by rank alone. It is demonstrated through service, mentorship, and example. By investing in leadership development at every level, we ensure continuity, stability, and excellence for years to come.
Finally, mission-focused governance is essential to maintaining stability and public confidence. Operational decisions must be guided by evidence, professional standards, and long-term community safety not by shifting political pressures. At the same time, collaboration with community stakeholders remains critical. By insulating professional operations from volatility while remaining transparent and engaged, we preserve both integrity and trust. Stability enables progress.
This mission is rooted in the belief that our profession is honorable and essential. It requires resilience, humility, and unity. As an African proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Lasting progress demands collaboration, shared vision, and mutual respect.
I am committed to advancing wellness, strengthening trust, embracing innovation, cultivating leadership, and promoting mission-focused governance. Through principled leadership and collective effort, we can continue to elevate the policing profession and ensure safer communities for generations to come. Together, we will move forward with purpose, integrity, and strength.
