Raleigh Appoints 1st African-American Woman Police Chief

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Credit www.raleighnc.gov

Cassandra Deck-Brown

City Manager J. Russell Allen announced today that he has named Cassandra Deck-Brown to be Raleigh’s new Chief of Police. Deck-Brown has been serving as Interim Police Chief for the Raleigh Police Department since October 1, 2012, when former Police Chief Harry Dolan retired. Prior to being Interim Police Chief, she was the Deputy Chief. Deck-Brown is the first African-American female to hold the position. Her promotion is effective February 1.

Allen says that after a national search, he is proud to select the next Police Chief from Raleigh’s own Police Department. “Cassandra Deck-Brown has demonstrated her professionalism, commitment and dedication to the citizens of Raleigh and the staff in the Police Department over a career of law enforcement service,” Allen said in making the announcement. “I am confident she will both continue and build upon the department’s record of public safety effectiveness and community outreach.”

A North Carolina native, Deck-Brown joined the Raleigh Police Department in 1987. She graduated from East Carolina University and received a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University. Her salary as Police Chief will be $136,891.

Allen began the national search on September 13, 2012 and received 48 applicants. Applications were reviewed and evaluated by a team assembled by Allen that included the City Manager, the City Attorney, the Fire Chief, the Human Resources Deputy Director and the Parks and Recreation Director. Deck-Brown and two other finalists participated in a public forum on January 24  in the council chamber of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex.