A teen mom, dropout turned D.C. police chief (2007)
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/07/nation/na-chief7WASHINGTON — She grew up in a single-parent home in the working-class suburb of Tuxedo, Md. She got pregnant at age 14, dropped out of high school, and at 15 married the father. By 18 she was divorced and working two jobs -- secretary by day, waitress at night.
Now 39, Cathy L. Lanier began her new job last week as acting police chief of Washington, one of a handful of women to head large-city departments in the U.S. and one of only a few white officers to lead forces in largely black cities. She is awaiting confirmation from the City Council.
Lanier's appointment was a bombshell from Washington's new mayor, Adrian Fenty, a 36-year-old African American with a devotion to jogging -- his parents run a well-known running store in the district -- and to his BlackBerry.
He offered the post to Lanier, a 16-year career officer, three days after he was elected, consulting only his city administrator -- and ruffling a few feathers in the process. Many senior officers were passed over, and some threatened to leave.
Fenty said he was looking for new ideas and youthful energy. A councilman since 2001, he had had the opportunity to watch Lanier in action as head of special operations and later as head of homeland security.
Something stinks inside the Washington DC police dept. -
Would love to interview a few of those disgruntled, senior officers who were overlooked...
