Miami-Dade County in Florida has made history with the appointment of four Black female police chiefs, highlighting the trailblazing women leading the way in law enforcement. Chief Cherise Gause of the North Miami Police Department, Chief Harvette Smith of the North Miami Beach Police Department, and Interim Director Stephanie Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department are among these remarkable women.
Chief Cherise Gause proudly holds the title of the first Haitian American police chief in the country. Starting her career as a dispatcher in Miami, she gradually rose through the ranks to become a chief. Similarly, Chief Harvette Smith began as a secretary in the North Miami Beach Police Department and is now the department’s first Black chief.
Interim Director Stephanie Daniels, who heads the Miami-Dade Police Department, did not initially aspire to become a chief of police. Nevertheless, she worked hard to earn her position and now leads a large group of officers. Each of these women started from humble beginnings and faced numerous challenges along the way. Despite representing only 12% of law enforcement professionals nationwide and holding just 3% of leadership roles, these women have defied the odds and broken barriers.
Director Daniels recognized the need for support and established a mentoring group for women in law enforcement. This group offers a platform for women to assist and mentor each other, fostering a network of solidarity and empowerment.
The path to success required sacrifices, as these women had to navigate the demands of their careers alongside their personal lives. Chief Smith, for instance, missed out on numerous family gatherings, leading her daughter to express her absence at these events. Similarly, Director Daniels and Chief Gause had to prioritize their professional responsibilities, sometimes at the expense of family time.
Despite the challenges, these women remain committed to making a difference in their communities. Chief Smith emphasizes the importance of law enforcement’s advancement towards positive change, while Chief Gause aims to ensure that her son and brother feel safe and comfortable in their interactions with the police.
Their achievements as Black women in leadership positions serve as a source of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, anyone can pursue their dreams. They aspire to inspire future generations, particularly young Black and brown girls, to aim high and believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
In a field predominantly dominated by men, the presence of these strong, capable, and trailblazing women signifies the progress being made. Their collective accomplishments pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in law enforcement, where representation and equity are valued.
Miami-Dade County can take pride in this historic achievement, and these exceptional women serve as role models not only within their profession but also for aspiring leaders everywhere.
