Delores Johnson
Trailblazer in Law Enforcement

Delores Johnson joined the New Rochelle Police Department in 1965, breaking barriers for women. In 1988, she became Westchester County’s first female police captain. As head of Community and Youth Affairs, she prioritized youth engagement, trust-building, and parental involvement, fostering inclusivity in minority communities.

NRPD’s first African American woman to rise through the ranks, Johnson faced discrimination and exclusion. These challenges fueled her advocacy for diversity, mentorship, and open communication in law enforcement, encouraging women and minorities to pursue policing careers. Early female officers were issued small purses for their guns and treated as 'clerks for detectives,' reinforcing exclusion. Retiring after 1988, Captain Johnson left a legacy of resilience and progress, inspiring greater inclusion in policing.