History was made recently when Regina Scott became the first Black woman to become Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to
ABC 7, her advancement is part of a concerted effort by new police chief Michel Moore to diversify the upper ranks of the force. And with her 31 years of experience on the force, it was an easily-earned promotion for Scott.
“I am both honored and humbled by this historic promotion,” Scott said last week when the news was announced. “This promotion is more than just me, it is for those who paved the road before me, and those who dare to dream big. I want to thank Chief Moore for having the courage and insight for real change and reform. I am ready to help build trust and help bridge the gap between the police and communities we serve.”
Scott, who also has the distinction of being the first Black woman to achieve the rank of commander, joined the LAPD in July 1987 and since then has held numerous positions and worked a variety of assignments across different bureaus.
She was on the force when women were never in the upper echelons.
“Not even of women of color — I didn’t think it would be possible for just any woman,” she said. “Then I started to see the women promoted to lieutenant, captain and then commander and deputy chief.”
Scott is a New Jersey native, who started her career of service in the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school. She is also a graduate of West Point Leadership School and the 216th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, according to the
Los Angeles Sentinel.
“It’s something I could never dream. Something that I never thought I would see while on the department,” she said.
