When Leadership Fails: Why Gilberts Police Officers Have No Confidence in Their Chief

Op-ed courtesy of a concerned police officer from Gilberts, Illinois, committed to sharing insights from the front lines of law enforcement and community safety.

It is not easy for any police officer to speak out publicly against their own leadership. But there comes a time when silence becomes complicity, and we cannot stay silent any longer.

The members of the Gilberts Police Department, under the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter #423, have taken the extraordinary step of issuing a formal Vote of No Confidence against Chief Todd Block.

Every full-time union member signed this vote—not in haste, and certainly not without fear of reprisal—but with a deep and unwavering sense of duty to our community, our fellow officers, and the integrity of our department.

Our concerns are not about minor disagreements or political gamesmanship. They are about the core failures of leadership that jeopardize officer morale, public trust, operational readiness, and even the physical safety of our personnel.

A Department in Decline

What was once a hopeful and cohesive department has become unrecognizable. Morale is not just low—it is nonexistent.

Officers actively avoid interacting with Chief Block due to his frequent verbal abuse, public humiliation of supervisors, and toxic workplace demeanor.

New hires decline positions or leave soon after witnessing the culture he’s fostered.

Chief Block refers to his officers as “fucking idiots” and worse. He shows disdain for both staff and civilians alike.

One officer, simply raising a concern about a pay discrepancy, was screamed at until he left in tears—only for the Chief to later brag about the incident.

Others are written up unfairly, ignored for months, or denied critical training without reason.

Equipment and Safety Ignored

Despite the growing challenges of modern policing, Chief Block has repeatedly failed to address basic operational needs.

Body-worn cameras, mandated by law and trusted by departments nationwide, were acquired through a process that ignored officer input and resulted in an inferior, malfunctioning system. Some cameras fail mid-shift, rendering them useless and placing both officers and the public at risk.

Squad vehicles are neglected, often unsafe, and visibly deteriorated—hardly a symbol of professionalism or pride. Computers are outdated to the point of dysfunction. Basic supplies like ammunition and evidence bags are withheld, even though funding exists.

Officers are even forced to patrol in expired bulletproof vests because Chief Block “didn’t budget for them.”

Health and Working Conditions

Beyond morale and equipment, the conditions within our police station are deplorable.

Ant infestations, mold, and water damage plague the building. Officers report headaches, coughing, and respiratory issues that disappear on days off—clear indicators of environmental hazards.

One officer had to seek emergency evaluation after falling ill in the station.

An OSHA investigation confirmed significant concerns, including a mold-infested evidence room.  More on this in a second report.

Still, these dangers go unaddressed. The station remains the least secure and most poorly maintained village building, even though it houses the very people tasked with protecting the community.

A Pattern of Negligence

Critical investigations, tactical responses, and hiring practices have all suffered under Chief Block’s tenure.

Officers are released from field training too early, sometimes without proper psychological or background screening.

Officers of questionable character are hired or retained based on personal relationships—not performance.

The Chief's tactical decisions during large public events like Community Days are worryingly insufficient.

Basic safety measures, like crowd control or vehicular barricades, are disregarded. Communication is minimal and last-minute, putting officers and the public at risk.

Worse, when tragedy struck one of our own—an officer losing a spouse to suicide—Chief Block failed to provide even basic human decency. His callous remarks and lack of support in that moment made it painfully clear: he is not fit to lead.

A Call for Accountability in Gilberts

We did not come forward easily. Many of us feared retaliation. But silence was no longer an option. The cost was simply too high.

We risk our lives daily to protect Gilberts, and we serve this community with pride—even while enduring conditions that would be unacceptable in any modern workplace.

The recent Vote of No Confidence was not taken lightly. It was a last resort—a plea for accountability, for leadership, and for a department that reflects the professionalism our community deserves.

We remain committed to Gilberts. But we cannot fulfill our mission with Chief Block at the helm. His leadership has eroded trust, lowered morale, and left officers struggling to do their jobs effectively.

Yet rather than listen to those on the front lines, the Village Board dismissed our concerns. Some members openly admitted they had not even read the full eighteen-page complaint before siding with the status quo.

Village President Guy Zambetti went so far as to tell the Daily Herald on July 11, 2025, that the chief is “not going anywhere.”

The Plot Twist 

Unfortunately, this issue runs deeper than the department.

Village President Zambetti is also one of the moderators of Gilberts’ largest community Facebook page, What’s Happening in Gilberts? Instead of allowing open discussion, posts about the Vote of No Confidence have been systematically blocked or deleted.

Residents and officers alike have screenshots proving that legitimate concerns were erased within minutes.

When government officials—or those acting in their capacity as officials—control public forums and silence dissent, they cross a dangerous line. This is not just about departmental leadership anymore. It’s about whether our community values transparency, accountability, and free speech.

To make matters worse, President Zambetti has reportedly told residents that if criticism continues, he will “dig into officers’ backgrounds” and “air their dirty laundry.” Such threats not only chill speech but also undermine the very principles of integrity and service that Gilberts should stand for.

Meanwhile, questions about Zambetti’s own conduct remain unanswered. Residents recall recent incidents of public intoxication, including a crash after the Huntley Turkey Festival, with no DUI charges filed.

While ordinary citizens would face consequences, the Village President walked away unscathed.

So we must ask: Is this a department leadership issue, or is it a Village leadership issue?

In truth, it is both. But for the officers of Gilberts, the first step toward restoring trust, morale, and safety is clear: Chief Block must go.

We love this community. We serve it with honor every day. But Gilberts deserves better—from its police leadership and from its elected leaders. It is time for the Village to listen. It is time for change.