Danielle Outlaw: Philadelphia’s Police Commissioner Is A Black Woman For The First Time

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced on Monday that Danielle Outlaw was elected Philadelphia's new police chief. She is the first Black woman to play this role in the history of the Police, reports Philadelphia Inquirer.

Outlaw, 43, worked for two years as Chief of Police in Portland, Oregon, where she was the first Black woman to hold the position, Philadelphia. On Friday, she resigned from that position and issued the following statement.

Danielle Outlaw, via Fox 43

“For police chiefs, I don’t think there is ever an ideal time to transition on to our next role in life,” Outlaw stated. “… And while there will always be work to be done toward improvement, that does not take away from the fact that the members of the Bureau are not only extremely talented, compassionate and professional, they are also resilient and accountable to themselves, each other, and to the community.”

Outlaw will take over a department that has been tainted by sexual harassment and racial discrimination. Richard Ross Jr. resigned as police commissioner for Philadelphia last year, having reportedly dismissed sexual harassment complaints because he had an affair with one of the plaintiffs.

Outlaw with Mayor Kenney, via The Philadelphia Citizen

Mayor Kenney said Outlaw is going to address the issues that plague the department with the utmost “conviction.”

Before becoming Chief of Police in Portland, Outlaw worked in the Oakland Police Department for almost 20 years, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Police. Outlaw has frequently advocated her idea of humanity in authority. In 2018, she addressed the issues in TEDxPortland's lecture, "Policing in America: The Path to Reconciliation."

She also spoke at a variety of events on building community ties following controversy, as well as on topics such as the use of force, race and police, and women in law enforcement.

Outlaw is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human and Civil Rights Committee and of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers.

She is expected to begin her new role with the Philadelphia Police Department at the beginning of February.

cover image via ABC News