Ed Murray
Sheilah Coley, soon to be sworn in as Newark's new Chief of Police
Today, Sheila Coley was formally introduced as Newark, New Jersey's chief of police. She will be the first woman to hold the position in the 175 year history of the Newark police force.
“What makes her so extraordinary as a leader is not her gender or her race but her competency and her proven contributions to the city police department” said Newark Mayor, Cory Booker.
When Coley first joined the police force 22 years ago, she was one of just 15 women officers.
Currently across the country, only 13% of police officers are women, according to the National Center for Women & Policing, a division of the Feminist Majority Foundation.
Newark has come a long way since 1996 when it was named the most dangerous city in the country, but Coley will still have a tough crime city (and controversial police practices) to manage once she is sworn in as chief.
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Chief Coley will have a tough job in Newark. I hope she is up for the challenge.
And to the extent that her gender and race are not extraordinary, that is extraordinary and very, very welcome.
Competency, rigour and vision the qualities that you Rachael bring to broadcasting,
will enable Chief Coley to achieve the unthinkable.best wishes to her.
Wishing her the very best.