Metropolitan Police Department Cmdr. Cathy L. Lanier, a 16-year force veteran with a background in community policing and homeland security, will be elevated to police chief come Jan. 2, Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty announced Monday.
Lanier, 39, former commander of the 4th District and current commander of the Office of Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism, will replace Chief Charles Ramsey, who has led the department since 1998. With the D.C. Council’s approval, she will serve as the first permanent female police chief in the nation’s capital.
“I’m so excited to take this opportunity to continue the momentum that has been carried on for the last 8 1/2 years,” Lanier said during a news conference. “There’s so much great work that’s been done, so much excitement that’s been built and so much more that we can do.”
Lanier is “tireless, hardworking, energetic and enthusiastic,” respected among the rank-and-file and committed to community policing, Fenty said. She has helped turn a “mismanaged and dysfunctional” 3,800-officer force “into one that has nationwide credibility and is on the right track,” the mayor-elect said.
“We’re sending a signal that the best and brightest for the future of the District of Columbia are right here in the city, are right here in the Metropolitan Police Department and are right here in our agencies,” said Fenty, who as the Ward 4 Council member often complained of a lack of beat patrol officers.
Ramsey, who has another year remaining on his contract, will step down Jan. 2, and in accordance with his deal receive six months severance pay. He applauded Fenty’s choice.
“I can’t think of anyone better suited to take over the reins than Cathy,” Ramsey said. “She’s going to push things forward.”
Lanier is an Anne Arundel County resident, with intentions of moving into the District. She declined to discuss specific ideas for the department, though she talked briefly about improving officer visibility.
“Everything I hear about Cathy Lanier is positive,” said D.C. Council Member Phil Mendelson, chair of the judiciary committee. “My own interactions with her have been positive and it suggests that the mayor-elect is looking at refinements rather than revolution, and I think that’s appropriate.”
