Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley Honored with National Axon Visionary Leadership Award

Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley has been honored with the prestigious Axon Visionary Leadership Award, a national honor recognizing law enforcement leaders for innovative and community-focused policing.

Chief Lalley accepted the award Tuesday during Axon's national conference in Phoenix, AZ. She was selected for her transformational work in Elgin-guiding the department through unprecedented challenges while advancing public safety with compassion, transparency and forward-thinking initiatives.

Lalley, who began her 30th year with the department in March, has served as chief since 2018. She joined the Elgin Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer and steadily rose through the ranks, gaining broad experience in law enforcement operations and leadership.

"Chief Lalley embodies the leadership and character that law enforcement needs today," said City Manager Rick Kozal. "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."

In 2020, amid a period of national civil unrest, Lalley made headlines for walking alongside peaceful protestors in Elgin-an act she described as a personal and professional commitment to listening and building trust within the community.

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

"We ask ourselves, 'How can we do better?'" Lalley said. "That's the gift of this profession-every day you get to try to make a real difference for someone."

The Axon Visionary Leadership award includes $5,000 that Lalley is donating to the Elgin Police Union, PBPA Unit 54 in recognition of the Elgin police officers' exceptional work.

Reflecting on her career, Lalley said she's proud of the department's progress but knows there's more work ahead. "The Elgin Police Department is full of great people with good heads and good hearts. I'm honored to lead them, and we'll keep striving to be better-together."

The Axon Visionary Leadership Award is presented annually to a law enforcement executive who has positively impacted their agency and community through thoughtful leadership. Chief Lalley's recognition highlights the strength of the partnership between the Elgin Police Department and the city's diverse community of nearly 115,000 residents.