UK Police Chief Joe Monroe elected president of Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 1, 2026) — University of Kentucky Police Chief Joe Monroe has been elected president of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), one of the Commonwealth’s leading professional law enforcement organizations dedicated to advancing public safety, leadership and professionalism among police agencies across Kentucky.
Monroe’s election places him among a distinguished group of law enforcement leaders entrusted with guiding the organization’s mission to support and strengthen Kentucky’s law enforcement profession through education, collaboration, advocacy and professional standards. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman administered the oath of office to Monroe and other officers of the KACP board Aug. 13 at the KACP annual conference in Lexington.
“This is truly an honor,” Monroe said. “KACP plays a vital role in bringing law enforcement leaders together to share ideas, address challenges and advance best practices that benefit the communities we serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside chiefs and public safety professionals from across the commonwealth in this leadership role.”
Monroe’s election marks a historic milestone for the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. He previously served as KACP president in 2020 and 2021 and will become the first chief in the association’s history to serve a third term. His selection reflects the confidence Kentucky’s law enforcement leaders have placed in his leadership, experience and commitment to advancing the profession across the commonwealth.
“Advancing law enforcement in the Commonwealth means investing in our people, strengthening partnerships, embracing innovation and ensuring Kentucky’s law enforcement leaders are prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow,” Monroe said. “As president of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, my commitment is to bring our profession together, elevate the standards of leadership and service, and continue building a safer, stronger Kentucky.”
KACP serves law enforcement executives throughout the Kentucky and works to enhance public safety through professional development, leadership training, accreditation support and collaborative partnerships among agencies.
Under Monroe’s leadership, the UK Police Department (UKPD) has continued to emphasize community engagement, officer development and professional standards while providing comprehensive public safety services to the University of Kentucky community. UKPD is accredited through the KACP accreditation program, demonstrating its commitment to recognized standards of excellence in law enforcement.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.