According to her email to the department, Lanier, who makes close to $300,000 as the chief of police, will head to the National Football League to serve as head of security.
Advertisement
“After 26 years with MPD, the last 10 as Chief of Police, Cathy Lanier announces her retirement effective next month”, the Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on Twitter.
Lanier clashed periodically with the city’s police union, particularly over a wave of retirements that some officers said left the department dangerously understaffed. She served as chief for nine-and-a-half years, under three mayoral administrations, overseeing reductions in crime as the nation’s capital experienced an influx of wealth that transformed once-troubled neighborhoods.
“Cathy joins us with a well-deserved reputation of being a tremendous communicator, innovator and relationship builder”, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
“She’s built a fantastic force, professionalized the force, built a force that the community trusts which is going to be a lasting legacy”, the mayor said, according to the Post.
Lanier began her career as a patrol officer in 1990. Her rise through the ranks became an inspiration to many.
There have also been recent concerns about the size of the police force, with officers retiring faster than the department could hire new ones. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. As for permanent replacement, Bowser said she doesn’t think the department will need the services of a search firm, but that they will work to recruit the right person.
Advertisement
Gregg Pemberton, treasurer of the union representing the city’s police officers, called the announcement the “greatest day in my career and so many other of the 3500 cops in this city”.
