Morristown Police Department (MPD) sworn and non-sworn female supervisors attended Calibre Press’ “Women in Command, Excelling as Female Leaders.”  Deputy Chief Michelle Jones, Detective Captain Christian Newman, Sergeant Diana Morgan, Detective Corporal Jackie Hickey and Records Supervisor Natalie Cole attended the two-day training course at Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in Bristol, Va.

The course discussed the challenges that law enforcement leaders face today; however, the focus of the course was mostly on the unique challenges that female leadership face.  In a predominantly male profession, female leadership brings a different perspective.  The course was designed to teach attendees how to use those unique ideas, insights, and solutions to make them invaluable and to help their organizations serve their community better.  Throughout the training, a retired female police major, shared experiences from her law enforcement career that allowed for discussion and building on ideas.

Females make up approximately 15% of the MPD Command Staff.  In total, females make up 16% of our department; both sworn and non-sworn personnel.  Our female personnel serve in various divisions; we have several on patrol, in support services, investigations, narcotics, records and administration.   MPD Chief Roger Overholt stated, “The MPD is fortunate to have female supervisors who educate and train to serve at the top of their profession.  Many of them serve on local boards and committees which work to advance law enforcement throughout our state.  I am proud we have this quality of female supervisors working with the MPD to serve our community.”

MPD Personnel Pictured Left to Right: Natalie Cole, Detective Corporal Jackie Hickey, Deputy Chief Michelle Jones, Detective Captain Christian Newman, Sergeant Diana Morgan