Bishop Robinson (police officer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bishop L. Robinson
Born	January 16, 1927 Baltimore, Maryland
Died	January 6, 2014(2014-01-06) (aged 86) Towson, Maryland
Police career
Department	Baltimore Police Department
Country	United States
Years of service	1952–1987
Rank	Sworn in as an Officer – 1952 – Sergeant – 1964 – Lieutenant – 1969 – Captain – 1971 – Major – 1973 – Lieutenant Colonel – 1974 – Colonel – 1975 – Deputy Commissioner – 1978 – Commissioner – 1984

Bishop Lee Robinson (January 16, 1927 – January 6, 2014) was a very important police officer. He made history as the first African American to become the top police chief, called a Commissioner, for the Baltimore Police Department. He led the police force from 1984 to 1987.

Early Life and Police Career

The Bishop L. Robinson, Sr. Police Administration Building in Baltimore.

Bishop L. Robinson went to Douglass High School. He also studied at Coppin State University and the University of Baltimore law school. In 1952, he joined the Baltimore Police Department.

He worked his way up through many ranks in the police force. He became a sergeant in 1964 and a lieutenant in 1969. By 1971, he was a captain, and in 1973, he became a major. He continued to rise, becoming a lieutenant colonel in 1974 and a colonel in 1975. In 1978, he was named Deputy Commissioner of Operations. Finally, in 1984, he became the Commissioner.

Robinson also helped start an important group called NOBLE in 1976. This is a national organization for African American police officers from different cities across America.

Facing Challenges and Leading Change

For his first 14 years in the police department, until 1966, African American officers faced many challenges. They were not allowed to patrol in certain neighborhoods. They also could not use squad cars. This was during a time when the Civil Rights Movement was happening, working for equal rights for all people.

Bishop Robinson became the Commissioner of the police department at a time when Baltimore City had a majority of African American residents. His leadership was important for the department.

Later Public Service

After serving as the Baltimore Police Commissioner, Bishop Robinson continued to work in public service. From 1987 to 1997, he was the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He worked for Governors William Donald Schaefer and Parris Glendening.

Later, from 2000 to 2003, he served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice. He worked in this role under Governor Glendenning.

Death

Bishop L. Robinson passed away on January 6, 2014, at the age of 86. He had been ill with Alzheimer's.