Contemporary issues in policing continue to shape the challenges and opportunities before us. As we consider the major issues impacting our profession today, several rise quickly to the top of the list, each demanding thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to the core principles of policing.
First, there is a need for police leaders to use our skills to set the example for communities on the path to overcoming the divisive rhetoric and behaviors that have become too prevalent. In policing, we train in conflict resolution and hone these skills with each call handled. By the time one reaches a leadership role in policing, their abilities in this arena are generally exemplary. Now, it is time for us to use what we have mastered and lead our communities out of this darkness. Police leaders have a responsibility and a unique opportunity to model how listening, engagement, and procedural justice can lead to understanding and peace. This work begins with the top influencers in our communities—individuals that police leaders can reach and impact directly. Last year, the IACP Executive Board issued a resolution calling for an end to the incitement of violence. This year, every police leader faces a challenge of fulfilling that charge by taking action to lead our communities away from the deadly and destructive paths we are on.
The next key issue is a bit of a victory for our communities and that is another unprecedented year of decline in violent crimes, specifically homicides. All preliminary information is pointing toward another banner year in reductions. Some agencies have done well to track specifically what efforts have contributed to the declines in their areas through strong partnerships with researchers. Others have drawn on their experience to understand what is working. Regard-
less of the method, the outcome is something to celebrate. There are specific actions that can be and have been taken by the policing profession to drive the incidents down. Continuing and replicating those efforts can ensure crime continues to fall in 2026.
It is time for us to use what we have mastered and lead our communities out of this darkness.
Another area of significance, and one that has kept some of the IACP committees and sections busy is the evolving landscape of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. In the United States, the C-UAS ability has been challenging for local and state authorities. We celebrate the recent authorization, supported by the IACP, that was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the president. The IACP made C-UAS a key policy priority, advocating for expanded authority and tools to counter malicious drone activity that threatens communities, critical infrastructure, and officer safety. We worked closely with Congress, federal partners, and stakeholders to ensure public safety concerns were addressed in the final language. With major events from the World Cup soccer tournament to the Los Angeles, California, Olympics on the horizon, this U.S. legislation is timely and needed. It will also assist communities that have regular large-scale events in their communities with the ability to build capacity to enhance safety for these events.
An additional item on the list of priorities is another concern specific to the United States—the Executive Order released by the president on the rescheduling of marijuana. While the Executive Order does not actually reschedule the drug, it encourages the agencies responsible to take action to do so. The IACP has consistently opposed rescheduling marijuana due to concerns about public safety, impaired driving, and enforcement challenges. The IACP filed public comments to the 2024 notice of proposed rulemaking on this topic, and we continue to urge policymakers to carefully consider the policing and community safety implications of any changes to federal drug scheduling, stressing the need to follow proper medical research on this drug, as well as the established evidence-based protocols for scheduling the drug, calling on lawmakers to follow the science.
Finally, illegal immigration and enforcement efforts continue to raise concern. We are witnessing more challenges in this area. The IACP Board of Directors issued a resolution on this topic last year, calling for a measured and collaborative approach to removing violent offenders while condemning violence against officers engaging in these operations. This balanced approach is vital for communities. However, recent events in familiar locations have escalated the need to call attention to the resolution and to seek alignment with the sentinel points expressed. What we are witnessing is reminiscent of difficult times for the profession in our recent past. We know how to lead through this challenge, collaboratively with our communities.
These issues remind us that policing is at a pivotal moment. Yet, with each challenge comes an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, reinforce trust, and advance the safety and well-being of our communities. Although these challenges are complex, we have the capacity to meet them. Together, we can continue to guide our profession forward with integrity, courage, and purpose.d
Please cite as
David Rausch, “Leading Police Agencies and Communities Forward,” President’s Message, Police Chief 93, no. 2 (February 2026): 6–7.
