First woman lieutenant on Elgin police force

Ana Lalley started taking criminal justice classes at the College of DuPage thinking she would eventually end up in law school.

Once she graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and got hired right away by the Elgin Police Department, Lalley knew her plans would change.

“I figured out right away that I really enjoyed it,” Lalley said. “If I was going to do a law degree, I’d probably be stuck in an office somewhere. I really didn’t want to do that.”

After 15 years moving up the ranks — most recently to lieutenant — Lalley said she still loves what she does. That’s why she decided to share her knowledge and experiences with the next generation of law enforcement.

Lalley started teaching at Elgin Community College three years ago. She also teaches classes at Phoenix University in Chicago. For her dedication at ECC, Lalley was recognized with the Service to Students award at the college’s annual ceremony.

“I enjoy passing on my knowledge to students and just paying it forward,” Lalley said. “Some of these kids are going to get hired at the police department. Some of them might be at Elgin.”

As the first woman to earn the rank of lieutenant in Elgin’s police department, Lalley can offer a special type of role model. She said being a woman in a male-dominated career has never been something she has paid much attention to, but it’s a reality nonetheless.

When Lalley started there were no woman bosses in the department. Now there are two female sergeants and she is the only lieutenant since being promoted in September 2010.

But being a woman hasn’t affected Lalley’s plans.

“I’ve never really focused on that as something that’s going to benefit me or deter me from doing something,” Lalley said. “I’ve always just thought of myself as a police officer.”

That’s a message Lalley said is good for all of her students, regardless of their gender. She tells them it’s really about professionalism, education and most of all, work ethic.

“That’s what gets you to be successful in life,” Lalley said.

Lalley and fellow Elgin police officer and ECC instructor Todd Ramljak started a criminal justice club at the college this year. Already they won best new club and attracted more than 60 members.

The group gives criminal justice majors a chance to learn about work as an officer. There are mock interviews, physical tests and guest speakers from canine investigations to traffic officers. Lalley said the guest speakers have been able to show students there are people who have been working in the field for decades and still have a passion for the job.

Thinking back to her own education, dominated by instructors who focused more on theory than practical application, Lalley thinks these students are getting an important perspective.

“It’s a great benefit to have someone that is out practicing in the field,” Lalley said.

Next year Lalley hopes the club can be even bigger and better. She said it’s a lot of work but she’s glad to do it.