As I reflect on my forty plus years in police service, I realize how lucky and fortunate I have been to be a part of this noble profession. During this time, I have observed the roller coaster ride of public sentiment and political overstepping that has become part of the mainstream of policing operations, policies, and culture. To ensure that our profession remains influential and flexible to accept these changes and impacts we must continue to maintain, while developing, leaders that are able to be forward thinking with the best interests of our communities and officers a priority.

When I became a Chief in 2001, I had all the answers. I was able to operate and manage but only at a superficial level. It was not until I became a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) that I realized the impact I could have on the community I serve, the officers that worked for me and the profession that had become so important to me. As stated, I was fortunate to also be “tapped on the shoulder” to participate in this tremendous organization as a member of the Civilian Law Enforcement Military Cooperation Committee. This gesture opened my eyes and mind to the depth and influence IACP has with law enforcement throughout the world. This realization is what drove me to become more involved and strive to be one of the influencers and decision makers and more important a spokesperson for the work that to be done by the organization.

This desire led me to run and be elected the General Chair of the State Association of Chiefs of Police (SACOP). A position that gave me a seat on the Executive Board of IACP. As General Chair it allowed me to lead a group of leaders from all states that had direct influence on the mission, policies, and directions of IACP. These areas included Use of Force, Officer Wellness, Recruitment and Retention, Information Sharing and Leadership Development. In this role I had the opportunity to represent and communicate the important priorities of law enforcement agencies in the United States to ensure they were considered when policies and positions of the organization were developed and shared.

After my two-year term as General Chair ended, I felt that there was much more work to be done and I had a desire to continue to be part of the leadership of this great organization. I made the decision to run for the position of Vice President at Large with my areas of interest of prioritizing communication amongst members agencies around the world and continue to share best practice, policies, and procedures as we moved forward from what was a challenging time after George Floyd.

Immediately upon starting my term as Vice President at Large I was asked by the President to lead a task force charged with addressing a subject that at times can be sensitive and controversial. The leadership of IACP wanted to look at diversifying the elected positions of IACP. There was a recognition that the leaders that many see on stage at the annual conference were not representative of the membership. The charge given to the task force was to determine what were the barriers and roadblocks that existed in the current system that prevented members from pursuing leadership positions on the IACP Executive Board. During this three-year project the task force, with the support of three IACP presidents, was allowed to ask the tough questions and have very honest discussions. Many practices, procedures and historical norms were identified by the work of the task force as barrier. Several recommendations were delivered to the Executive Board and Board of Directors and there is a commitment to bring many of these forward. As my term as Vice President at Large ended, I was very encouraged and proud of the work that had been done but there was still a fire in my soul to keep the momentum going and see this work through. It was this reason that I chose to run for the position of Vice President Treasurer.

The position of Vice President Treasurer will allow me to remain on the Executive Board. It will give me an opportunity to encourage and promote participation in the leadership and policy development for this organization. Although I am running unopposed, I do not take for granted the responsibilities and expectations that this leadership position must embrace and honor. I encourage you to hold the leadership accountable to you as members, but I also ask you to consider becoming a leader and by getting involved. Seek out and ask how you can be an integral part of the operations. Diversity of ideas and thoughts is what makes the organization great.