As I reflect on my tenure thus far as president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), I am filled with pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. With more than 35,000 members in 178 countries, we have reached a record-breaking level of membership that significantly amplifies our advocacy voice and our ability to shape the future of policing. This milestone is not just a checkpoint—it’s a testament to the strength, unity, and global reach of our association.

Advocacy and Policy: A Stronger Voice in Washington and Beyond

Our advocacy efforts have never been more vital—or more effective. We continue to work closely with the new administration and key officials across the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and public safety agencies across the U.S. government to ensure that the needs and perspectives of law enforcement are heard and addressed.

One of the most exciting developments has been the formation of our AI Working Group, which convened for the first time during the IACP Policy Council Midyear Meeting in April. With more than 70 participants, this group—led by our Technology Policy Council—is developing guidelines and best practices for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in policing.

We’ve also expanded our library of policy resources now covering more than 150 topics, with recent additions including

• Missing Children
• Off-Duty Enforcement
• Duty to Intervene
• Pregnancy
• Cannabis Legalization

These resources are designed to help agencies navigate complex and evolving issues with clarity and confidence.

Our advocacy on Capitol Hill remains robust. Earlier this year, we released our Policy Priorities document, a vital tool for members engaging with elected officials on key criminal justice issues. In addition, to keep our members informed and engaged, we’ve launched a Legislative Update series and released several policy fact sheets, including

• Immigration Policy and Addendum
• Executive Order Fact Sheets
• Legislative Priorities Overview

These resources ensure that our members are equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively in their own communities.

In addition, in the first half of 2025, IACP has endorsed numerous pieces of legislation covering a wide array of topics ranging from officer safety and wellness to combating narcotics trafficking. In addition, IACP’s Second Vice President, Chief Will Johnson, recently testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the growing threat of cargo theft and its impact on the U.S. supply chain.

Global Engagement: Strengthening International Partnerships

Our global footprint continues to grow. In February, we celebrated the opening of the IACP Training Center at the Toronto Police College in Ontario, Canada, a major step forward in our mission to provide world-class training and professional development opportunities to law enforcement leaders around the globe.

In March, I had the honor of meeting with the Colombian National Police in Bogotá, where we discussed shared priorities and future collaboration. This meeting led to an invitation for IACP to participate in the upcoming AMERIPOL Conference, further strengthening our ties in the Western Hemisphere.

IACP also recently signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Global Law Enforcement & Public Health Association (GLEPHA) and the University of León in Spain, reinforcing our commitment to interdisciplinary and international cooperation.

Building Trust: A Campaign for the Future

Trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve remains at the heart of our mission. Our Trust Building Campaign continues to grow, with new tools and resources released regularly.

I am excited to announce the launch of the new Trust Building Campaign Toolkit, which includes a resource titled Navigating the Path to Public Trust, that was developed in a joint effort between the Community Policing and Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committees.

The toolkit includes three additional new publications, including a new first-of-its-kind resource, Measuring Community Trust, which provides a framework for police leaders to measure the level of trust in police held by the community. The Enhancing Community Trust One Interaction at a Time resource highlights how day-to-day interactions between officers and community members can impact trust in policing and outlines the ways frontline officers can seek to build trust with community members at the individual level. Using Data and Transparency to Increase Community Trust outlines information and strategies that police agencies can use to increase data transparency efforts with the goal of increasing trust with the communities they serve.

Furthermore, we are very excited to announce the launch of the Community Trust Hub, a component of the Trust Building Campaign that provides robust educational content and practical tools and resources. This new feature on the IACP website serves as a comprehensive source of information and resources for agencies and police professionals on how to build, repair, evaluate, and sustain community trust. The Trust Building Campaign Toolkit and the Community Trust Hub will continue to evolve as future resources related to trust building are added to further support pledged agencies but also support the policing profession more broadly.

Together, we are shaping the future of policing—one policy, one partnership, and one community at a time.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the final quarter of this presidential year, I remain committed to advancing the priorities of our members, strengthening our global partnerships, and ensuring that the IACP remains a valuable resource to the policing profession.

Thank you for your continued support, your service, and your dedication to our shared mission. Together, we are shaping the future of policing—one policy, one partnership, and one community at a time.d

Please cite as:

Ken A. Walker, “Forward Progress,” President’s Message, Police Chief 92, no. 6 (June 2025): 6–7.