As Lieutenant Commander, Rennae Francis stands as the one lady amongst detectives within the tenth precinct’s detective squad, breaking new floor in a male-dominated discipline.
Photograph courtesy Rennae Francis
When Rennae Francis arrived in New York from Dominica at 17, she by no means envisioned climbing the ranks of the New York Metropolis Police Division. Right now, she leads because the commanding officer of the Grand Larceny Division and the Monetary Crimes Process Drive — the primary lady to carry this crucial position. Her rise marks a historic milestone, breaking limitations as a Caribbean lady in legislation enforcement.
“You don’t simply characterize your self — you characterize your individuals, you characterize your loved ones,” Francis mentioned in an unique interview with Caribbean Life.
Francis was born and raised in Dominica, the place she spent her childhood earlier than transferring to america in 2005 to pursue larger training at John Jay School of Legal Justice. She enrolled within the forensic science program, working a number of jobs to help herself whereas adjusting to life in a bustling metropolis.
“After I got here right here I lived within the Bronx and it was it was troublesome at first as a result of I got here from humble beginnings, she recalled. “I labored at Radio Shack, and I additionally had a job on the faculty. It was an enormous adjustment coming from a small island to such a big metropolis.”
Her ardour for forensic science initially guided her educational path, however an opportunity encounter with NYPD officers throughout her time as a police cadet led her to contemplate a profession in legislation enforcement. She graduated with a level in forensic science in 2009 and entered the Police Academy in 2010.
“I noticed that I might nonetheless do forensic science as a police officer, and my pay would improve after 5 years,” Francis defined. “I additionally loved working with the cops, so it felt like a pure transition.”
After finishing the academy, she was assigned to Brooklyn North, a difficult but formative expertise that helped form her policing profession. Rising by way of the ranks, she turned a sergeant and later a lieutenant, gaining recognition for her management within the NYPD’s Detective Bureau. Her dedication and onerous work led to a groundbreaking promotion as the primary lady detective squad commander in a number of precincts.
“I by no means thought of how massive of a deal it might be to be a girl on this job,” Francis mentioned. “As Caribbean individuals, we’re taught to deal with the duty at hand and never who’s doing it. However as soon as I began rising by way of the ranks, I noticed I used to be usually breaking limitations.”
In her numerous management roles, she has labored carefully with various communities. Now, as commanding officer of the Grand Larceny Division, Francis is answerable for investigating high-profile monetary crimes within the metropolis. She stays dedicated to mentorship and illustration, encouraging different girls — particularly Caribbean girls — to pursue careers in legislation enforcement.
“I’ve to verify I do the perfect job I can in order that different girls really feel snug entering into management roles as properly,” she mentioned. “The NYPD has been good to me, and I need to pay it ahead.”
Francis, a spouse and mom, has constructed an distinctive life, rising from a decided younger immigrant to a trailblazing chief within the NYPD. Her journey is a testomony to resilience, onerous work, and a deep dedication to service. As she continues to guide, Francis hopes to encourage the following era of Caribbean professionals to interrupt limitations and excel of their fields.
