CHAMPAIGN — Champaign Police Chief R.T. Finney was installed recently as the president of the 1,200-member Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the first Champaign police chief to hold that post in the organization's 70-year history.

Former Rantoul police chief Eldon Quick was the only other Champaign County law enforcement officer to hold the post. He was president in 1979.

Finney has been at the helm of the city's police force since November 2003. Before that he was police chief in Carbondale for four years and before that, served 17 years on the Quincy police department.

As Champaign's chief law enforcement officer, Finney directs a force of 156 people, 121 of whom are sworn, that protects 81,055 citizens and 17 square miles on an annual budget of $15 million.

Finney talked with The News-Gazette about his new duties.

What is the purpose of the ILACP?

The association is to help the professional enhancement of Illinois police chiefs. They do a number of programs: accreditation, certification, community policing, conferences that allow us to get education hours each year. Obviously, networking is very important, knowing the best practices in use. There are about 1,200 law enforcement executives. Participation is voluntary.

How long have you been involved and why have you found it valuable?

I've been involved since 1997. I would have been in Quincy then and shortly after went to Carbondale. If you're going to be a chief, belonging is very important. That's how you make connections and get professional certifications. If you're leaving, it's the best opportunity to find out how other cities work. We also work with the Legislature to formulate and help with Senate and House bills regarding law enforcement.

What are the biggest hot button legislative issues for the association?

Concealed carry is probably the biggest, medical marijuana is a big one, and basic funding, whether we get cut or increased. We also support a lot of other organizations like mental health and after-school programs because cutting their funding causes us more work on the street.

Illinois is the only state in the country that does not have legislation allowing citizens to carry some type of concealed firearms. The police chiefs now favor it. What changed the organization's thinking?

Fifteen years ago, there wasn't a majority supporting it. The association's stance is support with stipulations. We had the opportunity to help write the qualifications and the regulations. I think (it will eventually pass). The chiefs are not together on all issues either.

What is your personal opinion about concealed carry?

My personal stance is the same (as the association's). However, I would have preferred more training built in. My opinion has changed over the years because of the example of other states. A lot of things we feared did not happen. We hope for a lot of education and regulation.

What is the organization's stance on medical marijuana?

We're pretty much overwhelmingly opposed. It's going to cause a lot of law enforcement issues. The federal government still considers it illegal and this is a drug that is legislated rather than FDA-approved. The enforcement aspect of it is going to be very difficult.

What kind of time commitment will your new role as president of the ILACP require?

There are a lot of weekend meetings, quarterly meetings. We do a lot of conference calls and work after hours. There is a staff in Springfield with an executive director. Certainly, it's additional work. I probably spend eight to 10 more hours a week on association work.

Will that have an effect on the local department?

It's fairly efficient. The advantage of being the president is you get to bring the meetings here. The one we just had was at the I-Hotel. That was the first conference in Champaign. We had a little over 100 people. My wife did a program for the wives in connection with the visitors bureau.

Of what benefit is your presidency to the citizens of Champaign?

It gives a Champaign influence to state issues concerning police chiefs, what types of issues we might support or not.

The association has a mentoring program for new chiefs. Have you been involved in that?

When I went to Carbondale, I went through the new chiefs trainings. They talk about the different types of governments like home rule or a strong city manager. They also talk about the pitfalls, that you've now transitioned to being an at-will employee.

You've been a hands-on chief, not afraid to be out in the community and on patrol. Given your direct involvement in the incident that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington in October 2009, would you advise a younger, less experienced chief to be so hands-on?

Obviously, that particular incident was just one of thousands I've been involved with. If you are just in the office, you are not going to get a good feel for how your people are trained or will respond. It's like owning a restaurant and never tasting your food. You have to get out there occasionally and find out what's going on and see and hear the needs of your line officers. Like anything, it has to be in moderation.

This post will be a powerful addition to your resume. Is your plan to retire from the Champaign police department?

That's my plan. I'm eligible for retirement now. I'm 51. My kids are 18, 23 and 25 and I have a granddaughter. They live in Champaign. I'm not using this as preparation for the next position.

Given the time commitment, would you say this post is a form of "paying it forward?"

You have to give back to your organization. I reaped a lot of rewards from it and got my first chief job from it. I'm humbled by the fact that I represent a lot of good chiefs. It's an administrative role. You have to have executive committees. Thankfully, you go through four years before you get to the presidency. The conference is like planning a wedding with a bunch of grumpy brides with egos.