2026 ILACP Vice Presidential Election

This year the 3rd Vice President, Vice President At Large for Region 1, and Vice President At Large for Region 3 positions will be up for election. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) is now accepting letters of intent from those interested in serving as 3rd Vice President, Vice President At Large for Region 1, or Vice President At Large for Region 3. If you have any questions about running for the position, feel free to reach out to Executive Director Kenny Winslow or any of the current board members.

Here is a description of the three regions in ILACP and here is a map of the three regions. 

How to Become a Candidate for Vice President: Send a letter to the Executive Director announcing your intention to run, and for which office. Provide an explanation of why you want to run and a little information about your background. Most of these letters are one page long. Send letters and a photo of yourself to Executive Director Kenny Winslow, [email protected] and CC Deputy Director AJ Bailey, [email protected]. 

Deadline to Submit Letter of Intent: The deadline for nominations for the 2026 election is 60 days before the start of the Annual Training Conference, which is being held April 29-May 1, 2026. That means the deadline is February 28, 2026.

Coming Soon... Election Procedures

ILACP Bylaws

3rd Vice President Candidates

Chief Darren Gault, Moline Police Department

Click here to read Chief Gault's letter of intent.

Candidate questionnaire can be found here and below.

• How long have you been in law enforcement? How long have you served as a Chief of Police?

I began my law enforcement career with the East Moline Police Department in 1998 and am now in my 28th year of service. I have had the honor of serving as Chief of Police in Moline since 2019, leading a mid-size agency in Northwest Illinois. 

 What position are you running for and why?

I have declared my candidacy for 3rd Vice President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP).

I currently serve as the Vice President at Large for Region #2, now in my second term, where I have been honored to represent and advocate for the chiefs and communities of Northwest and Central Illinois. In that role, I have worked on numerous projects, legislative initiatives, and policy issues that support our members and advance our profession.

Over the last four years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and impact of our Executive Committee, and I understand how vital ILACP’s work is to the success and professionalism of law enforcement in our state. As many of you know, I ran for IACP office in 2025. Although that campaign was not successful, I was deeply humbled by the outpouring of support from ILACP members across Illinois. That experience reinforced my sense of duty to continue serving our Association and gave me a renewed commitment to stay engaged and make a difference here at home. Your encouragement and trust inspired me to seek the role of 3rd Vice President so I can continue to give back to ILACP and to the profession that has given me so much.

How have you benefited from being an ILACP member?

Membership in ILACP has provided tremendous value through leadership training, legislative advocacy, and a statewide network of professional support. The collaborative environment within ILACP has allowed me to exchange ideas, implement innovative programs, and strengthen the professionalism of my department. The mentorship, education, and shared commitment to ethical leadership have been instrumental in shaping my growth as a police executive. Serving on the Executive Committee has been the single greatest factor in my success as a police chief. Through this experience, I have gained a deep understanding of legislation, public policy, and organizational leadership, while being mentored by incredible, experienced police chiefs who have made me a better leader, a better chief, and a better friend.

If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities for ILACP?

Advocacy - We must reshape the narrative surrounding policing and public service. Now more than ever, it is crucial for law enforcement leaders to step forward as strong advocates for public safety

Technology - computing power doubles every two years and artificial intelligence doubles every six months. This has created a steep learning curve for police agencies. We need to help agencies navigate these questions, ensuring every department, no matter its size or resources, is equipped to succeed in the future

Growth - In order for our Association to be effective, we must grow both our membership and our revenue streams. We must position the Association not only to be the voice for law enforcement in Illinois, but financially stable enough to provide quality enrichment and advocacy for our members.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the ILACP?

Revenue will continue to be a challenge for ILACP. With the current environment of questionable federal funding, diminished state funding, and an economy that strains both private and corporate donations and sponsorships, we must continue to be mindful of fiscally responsible operations and diversified income for long-term success.

What unique perspective or contribution would you bring to the board that sets you apart?

My experience as a two-term Vice President at Large for Region #2 has given me a broad perspective on the diverse needs and challenges of agencies across Illinois. I’ve worked on legislative issues, professional standards, and policy initiatives that reflect the realities faced by departments of all sizes.

Additionally, I serve as the Illinois Representative to IACP on the State Association of Chiefs of Police and on the IACP Community Policing Committee and am a Past President of the FBINA Illinois Railsplitters Division. My involvement at both the regional and national levels has strengthened my ability to connect people, ideas, and solutions that advance our shared goals.

Anything else you’d like members to know about you?

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Organizational Leadership degree. I am a graduate of the FBINA #269, and I am an ILACP Certified Police Chief.  Moline achieved ILEAP Tier 2 Accreditation and is one of ten agencies to achieve the IACP Trust Building Campaign.