Cathy Lanier Shatters Brass Ceiling in DC

DC Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty announced today that Cathy Lanier will take over as Chief of Police in the nations capital. Pending approval by the D.C. Council, Lanier is poised to make history as the city's first permanent female police chief, succeeding Charles Ramsey. Since April, Lanier has been the head of homeland security and counterterrorism for the department.

The Washington Post reports:

Fenty picked Lanier for her inclusive management style and tireless work ethic -- she sometimes stays in the office until 1:30 a.m. Her style is to listen, build consensus and create specialized teams around her. Lanier's priorities include making police more visible on the street, improving the efficiency of the department and lifting morale by empowering officers and supervisors.

"There is nothing more satisfying than seeing results," said Lanier, who added that she is "addicted" to her job.

Lanier is aware she could face some uphill battles as a white woman in a majority-black city.

"If people get to know you, I think it's not a big deal," she said of her race. "If I treat everybody the way a chief should treat them, there won't be a problem."

According to Police Chief Magazine: Women in policing now make up approximately 13-14 percent of all employees, and the women who pioneered this entry into a male-dominated profession faced many obstacles, but also experienced many rewards. Women have brought about changes in policing.

Policewomen are much less likely to use excessive violence or police brutality while satisfactorily performing their jobs.

Lanier joins an elite group. Five of the 50 largest departments --Detroit, Boston, San Francisco, Milwaukee and Portland --are headed by women. All five women became chief since 2003. Lanier brings that number to six.

For more information on women and policing visit National Center for Women and Policing.