Why This Police Deputy Chief of Operations Has Continued Her Career in Law Enforcement

Sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, deputy commissioner. Monique Brown proudly served in nearly every leadership role during her 24 years with the Baltimore Police Department until this summer, when she took the next step in her community policing journey: Brown was recently named deputy chief of operations of the new Johns Hopkins Police Department.  

At Johns Hopkins, Brown’s day-to-day involves collaborating with the public safety team and university leaders to stand up a fully operational department with a small number of officers on campus in time for the start of the fall semester. Brown is integral to the formation of the JHPD, which is taking a holistic, layered approach to public safety through community partnerships and incorporating experts in behavioral health. 

In her new role, Brown is responsible for oversight and management of police services for the university's three campuses in Baltimore — her lifelong home, where she is well known for her extensive work in community engagement, youth initiatives, violence reduction, and police reform. Her decades of service as a police officer in her hometown have given her the flexibility, work-life balance, and career growth opportunities she desired.

“My experiences [have been] great,” Brown says. “I’ve enjoyed every role I served in leadership. [They’ve given] me the opportunity to mentor others and be the support and coach I needed when I was first promoted into those roles.”

Brown tells Fairygodboss that she pursued her career because she had always wanted to help people and “be a bridge between community and law enforcement to show that we’re stronger together.” While she still has challenges to overcome, such as changing a negative culture and implementing holistic approaches to policing, she has continued to work in law enforcement because it allows her to work alongside her community, build relationships, have a seat at the table, and advocate to co-produce public safety.

We caught up with Brown to learn all about her role as deputy chief of operations and the opportunities it affords her. 

How does Johns Hopkins Police support you?

We’re an agency in development, but I have a lot of support from my VP, Chief of Police, and all other members of our team. Work-life balance is a principle built into the foundation of who we will be. We will be developing mentor and wellness programs to ensure we’re taking care of officers with a holistic approach. Career growth opportunities will be encouraged for all members to take advantage of, operating within the best practice models in the nation.

How have you benefited from the skills and experience you’ve gained in your career journey?

My experiences have allowed me to become a bridge builder, a change champion, and an advocate for community and youth. I’m respected as a problem-solver, a solution-oriented collaborator, and a trusted leader in law enforcement. I lead with the humility that the community, civic leaders, and other valuable stakeholders believe in and support me to do the right thing, the right way — equitably and constitutionally.

What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your current work?

Being involved in the development and creation of a new police department, the opportunity to establish a healthy and positive police culture as the framework, and the ability to bring my expertise and passion for the community into the foundation of the department — that’s the most rewarding thing I appreciate about my new role. I’m working to ensure the JHPD will be community-centered, community-driven, and community-focused.

What are your favorite things about working for the Johns Hopkins Police Department?

I love the collaboration, support, teamwork, and connectedness of our JHPD team. Our team members value one another’s opinions, expertise, and ideas, and they work together to create the best practices, always keeping our university community at the forefront.

Looking back on your career, what has been your most valuable career mistake?

I haven’t always believed in myself and my leadership abilities, and I underestimated the value I bring to this profession. I realized that this was because I lacked a mentor to help me navigate those feelings, leadership decisions, culture, and my career journey, and I have since worked to become that kind of mentor to others.

What is your best advice for women considering making a career pivot to law enforcement?

The best advice I can give? Do it! It’s a very rewarding career, especially if you have a passion for helping others and want to develop better relationships with the community.

Use your voice and seat at the table for good. Make sure other women have a seat to join you. Lift as you rise. Speak up even if your voice shakes. Be a network of support for one another. Don’t hesitate to fix each other’s crown when it’s tilted. And pave the way for future generations of leaders. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Is there anything else that you’d like to mention? 

I was birthed with the spirit of service. Community and people are my passion and purpose. I’m a leader who leads with humility, intention, vulnerability, and compassion.

Fairygodboss is proud to partner with the Johns Hopkins Police Department. Find a job there today!