David Brown (police officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Brown
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Brown in 2022
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| 63rd Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department | |
| In office April 15, 2020 – March 16, 2023 (acting superintendent April 15–April 22, 2020) |
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| Mayor | Lori Lightfoot |
| Preceded by | Charlie Beck (interim) |
| Succeeded by | Eric Carter (interim) |
| Chief of the Dallas Police Department | |
| In office 2010–2016 |
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| Succeeded by | Reneé Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David O'Neal Brown
September 18, 1960 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | University of Texas, Austin Dallas Baptist University (BS) Amberton University (MBA) |
David O'Neal Brown (born September 18, 1960) is an American who used to work as a leader in law enforcement. He was the 63rd superintendent of the Chicago Police Department in Illinois from 2020 to 2023. Before that, he was the chief of the Dallas Police Department in Texas from 2010 to 2016.
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Education and Training
David Brown grew up in Dallas, Texas. He went to South Oak Cliff High School. He also attended the University of Texas at Austin. Later, he joined the Dallas police academy. He had first planned to become a lawyer.
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Dallas Baptist University in 1999. He also received an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Amberton University in 2001. He completed special training at the FBI National Academy. He also attended programs for senior police leaders. He is certified as a master peace officer and police instructor in Texas.
Career in Law Enforcement
Working in Dallas
Early Years in Dallas Police
David Brown started with the Dallas Police Department in 1983. He worked in different areas, like patrol and SWAT. SWAT stands for Special Weapons and Tactics. He also worked in internal affairs, which investigates police actions. In 2005, he became the first assistant chief of police. From 2007 to 2008, he served as an assistant city manager.
Becoming Police Chief
Brown was chosen to be the police chief in April 2010. He officially started his new role on May 4, 2010.
He became known as a leader who wanted to improve things. He focused on making relationships better between the police and the community. He also worked to reduce how often police used force. He discouraged car chases and foot chases because they could be dangerous. Brown was also known for being a tough boss. He sometimes disagreed with the local police union. He wanted officers to use less confrontational methods. He also worked to make the department more open. He helped equip officers with body cameras. He also tried to change training on how police use force.
In 2016, a tragic shooting happened in Dallas. Five police officers were killed, and others were injured. Chief Brown made the difficult decision to use a robot. The robot delivered an explosive to stop the shooter. This was the first time a robot was used this way by police in the United States.
Brown received praise for his efforts to reduce violent encounters. He also worked to make the police department more accountable. However, some people, including the local police union, criticized how he put some of his new rules into practice.
On September 1, 2016, Brown announced he would retire. He left the Dallas Police Department on October 4, 2016. He had been the longest-serving police chief in Dallas in recent times.
Leading in Chicago
On April 2, 2020, David Brown was nominated for a new role. He was chosen to be the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made the nomination. He became the acting Superintendent on April 15. The Chicago City Council approved his nomination. He was officially sworn in on April 22, 2020.
Brown's time as superintendent in Chicago was sometimes controversial. After Mayor Lightfoot lost her re-election bid in 2023, Brown announced his resignation. He stepped down as superintendent on March 16, 2023. Many of Lightfoot's opponents had said they would fire Brown if they won. After leaving Chicago, Brown returned to Dallas. He took a job with a private law firm.
Personal Life
David Brown is married to Cedonia Brown. She used to be a police sergeant in Dallas. In 1988, his police academy classmate and former partner was killed while on duty. In 1991, his younger brother was also killed.
In 2010, his son, David Brown Jr., was involved in a shooting incident. His son was killed in a shootout with police officers.
Images for kids
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Brown in 2022
