Vision & Priorities

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has long advanced the policing profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration, with a vision of creating safer communities through effective leadership. My priorities build directly on that vision; listening to our members, representing their needs authentically, and ensuring every voice helps shape the IACP’s direction. By focusing on empowerment, transparency, innovation, and unity, we can continue strengthening the IACP for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. 

My Priorities Are Shaped by Listening and Learning  

My priorities come directly by conversations with law enforcement executives, command-level leaders, and public safety professionals across the country. They reflect what I have heard, what’s working, what needs to be improved, and where you want the IACP to go.

1. Keep the IACP Member-Driven, Inclusive, and Innovative

The IACP’s greatest strength is its membership. Our direction, priorities, and advocacy must reflect the diverse needs of our profession not only the largest agencies, but the 90% of departments that serve communities with fewer than 50 officers. Every member deserves a voice in the future of the IACP and in the profession it represents.

• Listen to members and anticipate both current and future needs.
• Keep the focus on what helps agencies succeed not outside pressures or politics.
• Ensure the IACP remains grounded in real-world challenges and advocates for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
• Promote our members and their accomplishments so the profession sees itself in the IACP.
• Ensure that research is operationalized through collaborative efforts to improve agencies of all sizes.

I will listen to you, learn from you and advocate for your needs. I will ensure your voice drives our vision and mission.

“When we empower our members, we strengthen the profession.”
— Chief Robert Bage

2. Tell Our Story — Because Public Perception Shapes Everything

Public confidence affects recruitment, retention, policy, and officer wellness. When others tell our story for us, they often get it wrong. We must elevate the true narrative of policing: service, compassion, courage, and professionalism.

• Highlight the daily heroism of our officers and the partnerships that keep communities strong. 
• Align our brand and marketing to highlight the values and mission of the IACP. 
• Support messaging and communications that reflect the professionalism of modern policing.
• Ensure that chiefs and leaders have tools to communicate effectively with their communities, legislators, and the media.

I will tell our story and celebrate the work being done across every region and every corner of the IACP.

“If we don’t tell our story, someone else will  and they won’t tell it right.”
— Chief Robert Bage

3. Harness Technology Responsibly to Enhance Our Profession

Artificial intelligence, digital evidence, and advanced data tools can reshape policing but only if used ethically, safely, and equitably. Technology must enhance our people, not overshadow or replace them.

• Promote responsible integration of technology and AI to enhance decision-making and officer safety.
• Support research-based policing practices that deliver measurable results.
• Ensure innovation and technology are scalable and accessible so agencies of every size can benefit.
• Encourage open discussion and transparency so innovation always aligns with ethics and public trust.

I will work to ensure every agency has access to tools, training, and technology that improve safety, transparency, and trust.

“Technology should serve people, not replace them.”
— Chief Robert Bage

4. Strengthen the Intersection of Public Safety & Public Health

Substance use, mental health, overdose response, and community wellness cannot be solved by policing alone. Our future requires deeper collaboration with health systems, behavioral health, social services, and community partners.

• Support responder-based deflection programs and co-response models that connect people to services.
• Build partnerships that address the root causes of harm not just the symptoms.
• Promote strategies that reduce repeat crises and improve long-term outcomes for individuals and communities.

Through countywide deflection initiatives and interdisciplinary partnerships, I have seen firsthand that public safety and public health are strongest when they move together.

“We may have saved your life, now we want to help save your future.”
— Chief Robert Bage

5. Elevate Local Expertise to Drive Global Leadership

Innovation does not belong to the few. Rural, suburban, tribal, university, and agencies of every size bring creative, effective solutions to our field. Local expertise must inform global policing standards, so innovation is scalable, practical, and inclusive.

• Strengthen collaboration between IACP’s international divisions and U.S. membership across all sections and committees.
• Build partnerships through professional networks like FBINA, NOBLE, NAWLEE, State Associations, and others.
• Highlight success stories that demonstrate innovation and leadership across the IACP.
• Ensure that collaboration benefits every member, regardless of geography or size.

I will ensure that no agency regardless of size or locality is left behind or left without a voice.

“Local experience shapes global leadership.”
— Chief Robert Bage

Looking Ahead

Leadership is not about changing courses; it is about strengthening momentum and staying true to principles while integrating innovation. These priorities reflect my commitment to advancing the IACP’s mission through empowerment, collaboration, and unity; ensuring that our collective experience continues to guide the policing profession toward safer communities worldwide.