Black History and Law Enforcement (1)

William B. Lindsay – 
Lindsay is a trailblazer for law enforcement, as he was the first-known and honorable African American to troop for Illinois. In the middle of injustice and racial segregation against African Americans, he was able to accomplish this achievement in 1941. So, he is one memorable figure that have opened opportunities for inspiring African American officers and troops across the country. He was able to reach higher ranks in law enforcement till 1992, he decided to retire at the rank of Captain.

Georgia Ann Robinson –
Robinson is one of the figures for inspiring women of color, especially African American women, as she was the first African American woman to be appointed a police officer at Los Angeles Police Department. She was able to reach this goal by expressing her dedicated and caring nature, she aided in many communities especially for women and girls. Her impressive work allowed her to become a fully-fledged officer after being a volunteer for a while. Though, after she was blinded by an inmate, her career was cut short. However, she continued to help women and girls and joined the NAACP in a fight to desegregate the LA school system. Even after being blinded, she expresses no regrets. (June 10, 1919- September 21, 1961)

James A. Thomas –
Thomas worked as the first African American DOC (Department of Corrections) Warden; in result he is one honorable figure for New York City. Not only did he focus on law enforcement in his lifetime, but he served in the military as well, in the middle of WWII as a tank corps sergeant. After his contribution to law enforcement and the military, he fought for equality through civil right services. His first assignment in correction happened in the New York City Penitentiary, 21 years later he became a Warden, and eventually was honored 43 years later as that penitentiary bared his name. (1946, was promoted to that rank in 1965, to be a warden)

Samuel Jesse Battle-
Battle is the first black police officer in New York City, despite racism and ignorance from the department, Battle worked his way up the ranks of the department and successfully made a name for himself. His efforts to keep going came with discrimination and hate from the public as well, he was threatened regularly yet kept working as an officer of New York City. Battle was the first black sergeant in 1926, the first black lieutenant in 1935, and the first black parole commissioner in 1941. He kept going until 1951, he retired and is known as the highest-ranking African American on the force at the time. In 2009, a New York avenue was named after him for his achievements, a corner near this avenue was a spot where he saved a white officer’s life during a racial fight in 1919.