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 police officer. He served as the top police officer, called the Superintendent, in Chicago from 2020 to 2023. Before that, he was the chief of the Dallas Police Department 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 originally planned to become a lawyer who presents cases in court, known as a prosecutor.
Brown continued his education while working. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Dallas Baptist University in 1999. In 2001, he received an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Amberton University. He also completed special training programs. These included the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. He also attended the Senior Management Institute for Police. He studied counter-terrorism in Tel Aviv and dignitary protection with the United States Secret Service. In Texas, he is certified as a master peace officer and a police instructor.
Dallas Police Department Service
Starting His Career
David Brown joined the Dallas Police Department in 1983. He worked in different areas of the department. These included patrol divisions, the SWAT team, and internal affairs. Internal affairs investigates complaints about police officers. In 2005, he became the first assistant chief of police. From 2007 to 2008, he also served as an assistant city manager. This role helps manage city services.
Becoming Police Chief
David Brown was chosen to be the police chief in April 2010. He officially started his new role on May 4, 2010.
During his time as chief, Brown became known as a leader who wanted to make things better. He focused on improving relationships between the police and the community. He especially wanted to build trust with minority residents. He believed in using less force when possible. He also discouraged car chases and foot chases. These types of chases can sometimes lead to accidents or injuries.
Brown also worked to make the police department more open. He helped equip officers with body cameras. These cameras record what happens during police interactions. He also tried to change how officers were trained to use force. Some people saw him as a "tough boss." He sometimes disagreed with the local police union. This was often because he wanted to use less confrontational methods. He was also willing to remove officers from their jobs if they did not follow rules.
In 2016, a tragic event happened in Dallas. Five police officers were killed and many others were injured. This happened during a protest. Chief Brown made a difficult decision during this event. He used a robot with an explosive to stop the shooter. The shooter was heavily armed and in a strong position. This was the first time a robot was used by police in the United States to stop a suspect with lethal force.
Brown received praise for his efforts to reduce violent situations. He also made the department more accountable and transparent. However, some police union members criticized his methods. They did not always agree with how he put new policies into action.
On September 1, 2016, Brown announced he would retire. His last day was October 4, 2016. He had been the longest-serving police chief in Dallas in recent history. After retiring, he wrote a book about his life. It is called Called To Rise: A Life in Faithful Service to the Community That Made Me. It was published in 2017.
Chicago Police Department Service
On April 2, 2020, David Brown was nominated for a new role. He was chosen to be the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. This is the top police officer position in Chicago. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot nominated him. He became the acting Superintendent on April 15, 2020. This happened after the previous interim superintendent, Charlie Beck, stepped down. The Chicago City Council approved his nomination. He was officially sworn in on April 22.
Brown's time as superintendent in Chicago was sometimes debated. He announced his resignation on March 16, 2023. This was one day after Mayor Lightfoot lost her re-election bid. Many of the candidates running against Lightfoot had said they would replace Brown if they won. After leaving Chicago, Brown planned to return to Dallas. He took a job with a private law firm there.
Personal Life
David Brown is married to Cedonia Brown. She was also a Dallas police sergeant.
