Six black women in North Carolina simultaneously hold the position of police chief, a first in the state’s history.
Cassandra Deck-Brown of Raleigh, CJ Davis of Durham, Patrice Andrews of Morrisville, Gina Hawkins of Fayetteville, Catrina A. Thompson of Winston-Salem, and Bernette Morris of Morehead City; will all lead their respective police departments, according to WRAL.
In an interview with the Raleigh-based television station, four of the women discussed their experiences leading up to this moment. You may view that here.
“This is what 21st century [policing] looks like. All we need is the opportunity. Some do it better than others, but we need the opportunity.” Cassandra Deck-Brown
These women also acknowledge the importance of their roles as Black women in the police force and how, in light of the police’s relationship with the Black community specifically, the divergence that exists in their roles. The police chiefs have decided to use their position of leadership to change how policing is done in their respective departments and communities.
