Florida State University’s new police chief Terri Brown is the first woman to hold the position. She joined Florida State University’s Police Department 28 years ago as a patrol officer and worked her way to the top.
“So I was patrol officer, I was a field training officer, I was on the crisis management unit then I went into training. After there, I went to sergeant and then lieutenant and then I was a captain over support services where I did a lot of high profile cases. I supervised high profile cases. Then I was deputy chief under Chief Perry. And now, to be selected as chief, is quite the honor but I’m proud to say that I’ve came up through the ranks,” said Brown.
She hopes she can inspire other women to pursue high-ranking jobs in law enforcement. She says back when she started it was a lot different.
"When I joined in 1991 there was only a few female officers and I’m happy to say that since then a lot has changed. I understand the significance of this decision and I hope I can inspire other women or serve as a role model for other women in the field of law enforcement," explained Brown.
Brown says sexual assault awareness and prevention is something she made sure to be involved in as an officer.
“I helped bring the rape aggression defense course here to the university back in 96. It’s a course that’s taught all over the united states, its self-defense for women,” said Brown.
Brown was a former director of the state’s rape aggression defense course. She hopes that, along with being the first woman chief, will have an impact on female students' willingness to report sexual assault.
“I hope that women will feel more comfortable seeing me as a chief to come forward to report those types of incidents. We, my staff, my investigators do an incredible job when we do receive those reports. Investigating those reports, getting the services the victim may need," said Brown.
According to the American Association of University Women 1 in 5 will be sexually assaulted or experience an attempted sexual assault while in college. 95% of the time it goes unreported.