Kane County Reporter

Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley has received the Axon Visionary Leadership Award, a national recognition for law enforcement leaders who excel in innovative and community-focused policing. Chief Lalley accepted the honor at Axon’s national conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

The award highlights her work in directing the Elgin Police Department through numerous challenges, working to improve public safety with compassion, transparency, and forward-looking initiatives. Lalley began her 30th year in the department in March and has been chief since 2018 after joining the department in 1996 as a patrol officer.

“Chief Lalley embodies the leadership and character that law enforcement needs today,” remarked 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, Lalley gained attention by participating in a peaceful protest in Elgin, which she termed as a commitment to listening and building trust within the community.

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

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

The award includes a $5,000 prize, which Lalley is donating to the Elgin Police Union, PBPA Unit 54, in recognition of the Elgin officers’ exceptional work. Reflecting on her career, she expressed pride in the department’s progress and a commitment to continued improvement. "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 leadership. Chief Lalley’s recognition underscores the partnership between the Elgin Police Department and its diverse community of nearly 115,000 residents.