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Women’s Leadership Section within the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association (ILACP)
Executive Summary
We are pleased to announce the creation of a Women’s Leadership Section within the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association (ILACP) aimed at advancing women in law enforcement. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in law enforcement, particularly in leadership roles, and often face unique challenges in recruitment, career advancement, and professional growth. The establishment of this new section will provide a dedicated, inclusive network to support and empower women officers and leaders, helping to bridge these gaps and foster an environment where all members can thrive.
The formation of the Women’s Leadership Section is a vital step toward a more inclusive and dynamic law enforcement community. By providing professional development, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and recruitment opportunities, the Women’s Leadership Section will strengthen the ILACP, advance representation of women in leadership roles, and contribute to the overall effectiveness and diversity of law enforcement in Illinois. We seek your support for this important initiative, which promises to drive meaningful, lasting change within ILACP and across the broader law enforcement community.
The purpose of the Women Leadership Section is to provide the law enforcement profession and, more specifically, the professionals in this section with information, training, and a forum for discussion of topics related and unique to women in the law enforcement profession. The Section shall actively promote through education and training an increased understanding of women in the law enforcement community. The training and education shall be for the members of the section and for all members of the association whenever possible and helpful. The Section shall assist ILACP and its membership in coordinating efforts to implement mutual objectives of enhancing women leadership in law enforcement.
Women’s Leadership Section Executive Committee:
Chair: Heather Lencioni, Elgin Police Department
Vice Chair: Tara Anderson, Buffalo Grove Police Department
Vice Chair: Karen McCartney, Schaumburg Police Department
Section Executive Committee Member: Deputy Chief Kimberly Covelli, Lincolnshire Police Department
Section Executive Committee Member: Christy Lindhurst, Schaumburg Police Department
Key Objectives of the Women’s Leadership Section:
- Professional Development
This initiative will offer specialized training and leadership development programs to empower women at all career stages, from entry-level officers to executive leaders. With women currently holding only 3% of executive leadership positions and about 12% of sworn officers nationwide, these programs will focus on preparing more women for leadership roles and helping them navigate the challenges they face in law enforcement.
- Mentorship and Peer Support
A mentorship program will be established to connect experienced women leaders with newer officers. This will provide guidance on overcoming challenges such as work-life balance, navigating a male-dominated profession, and addressing biases. The section aims to build a strong support network that fosters skill development, career advancement, and retention, while preparing women for leadership positions.
- Networking and Collaboration
The Women’s Section will facilitate networking opportunities, workshops, and forums that encourage collaboration among female officers and administrators. These events will allow members to share experiences, strategies, and best practices, creating a stronger, more cohesive network of women within the Illinois law enforcement community.
- Advocacy and Representation
The section will advocate for policies that support work-life balance, workplace safety, and equal opportunities within law enforcement agencies. By ensuring women’s perspectives are reflected in ILACP’s initiatives, the section will foster a more inclusive environment. Furthermore, female leaders will be encouraged to participate in ILACP’s assessment center panels, enhancing the selection process with diverse insights and broader representation.
- Inspiration and Recruitment
The Women’s Leadership Section will also serve as a tool for recruiting more women into law enforcement by showcasing the success stories of female leaders and highlighting the opportunities available in the profession. By creating a visible and supportive space, the section will inspire the next generation of women to pursue and excel in law enforcement careers.
Membership Criteria
Eligibility
Current bylaws allow for an individual to be a member of a section without being a ILACP member and allows for a reduced membership rate with applied exclusions to that of an individual with a full membership. The fee associated with someone only choosing to be part of the Women Leadership Section would be decided by the Board of Officers.
- Section member only or a member of ILACP
- Open to both supervisory and non-supervisory staff
- Open to sworn and non-sworn personnel with a legitimate special interest in law enforcement activity compatible with the goals of ILACP
- Must uphold ILACP code of ethics and be in good standing with current agency or retired agency
Application Process
- Complete application with review by chairs for approval
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