Elgin police chief honored nationally for leadership through progressive policing

Citing her innovate approach and dedication to progressive policing, Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley was honored with a national law enforcement leadership award this week.

The Axon Visionary Leadership Award is presented annually to a public safety leader who affects their agency and community through thoughtful leadership.

She received the award Tuesday at a conference in Phoenix.

“Chief Lalley embodies the leadership and character that law enforcement needs today,” City Manager Rick Kozal said in a press release. “She is deeply committed to both her officers and the community. She has the courage and wisdom to navigate the difficult conversations and necessary reforms that define modern policing.”

Lalley was selected for what Axon said was “her purpose-driven leadership that has redefined the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves.”

They specifically noted the periods following the officer-involved shooting of Decynthia Clements in 2018 and during the protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

“In a time of deep challenge, Chief Lalley chose transparency, innovation and community partnership,” Axon founder and CEO Rick Smith said in the release. “Her work in Elgin is not only transforming the department — it’s setting a powerful standard for what policing can and should be.”

Axon commended Lalley for her department becoming a national model for progressive policing, citing the launch of their public transparency portal, youth empowerment initiatives and work with the Civilian Review Board.

“We ask ourselves, ‘How can we do better?’” Lalley said in the release. “That’s the gift of this profession — every day you get to try to make a real difference for someone.”

Lalley joined the force as a patrol officer in 1996, rising through the ranks in various leadership roles before being named chief in 2018.

The award includes $5,000 that Lalley is donating to the Elgin police union.