Chief Cathy L. Lanier Profile

Cathy L. lanier is Chief of Police of the nation's capital city.

Cathy L. Lanier is the Chief of Police with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC). Lanier is the first woman to achieve the position. She was appointed by Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, replacing outgoing Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey in January 2007. Mayor Vincent C. Gray agreed to retain Lanier as police chief in May 2012 under a new five-year contract.

Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier’s leadership lies in her commitment to reducing violent crimes through strong relationships fostered with partners in the community as well as those within the criminal justice system. Strengthened police-community ties have opened communications, giving victims and witnesses the courage to share valuable information that helps capture criminals.