DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE (DCOP)

Message from the Deputy Chief

“Leadership in policing means ensuring that every officer is prepared, supported, and accountable. Our responsibility is to apply the law fairly, act decisively when required, and maintain the highest professional standards in every operation.”
— Emily R. Lawson, Deputy Chief of Police

Role & Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Police serves as the principal operational executive of the United States Police Department and acts on behalf of the Chief of Police when delegated. The position bridges strategic leadership and field-level execution, ensuring that departmental objectives are translated into effective and lawful policing operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversight of daily departmental operations and operational readiness

• Supervision and coordination of division and bureau leadership

• Implementation and enforcement of departmental policies and directives

• Command-level oversight of critical incidents and major operations

• Personnel management, training standards, and performance accountability
  
  

Operational Leadership

Deputy Chief Lawson is responsible for maintaining continuity of command and operational effectiveness across all divisions of the USPD. Through direct engagement with command staff and supervisors, she ensures consistency in decision-making, adherence to lawful authority, and disciplined execution of police duties.

Her role includes evaluating operational performance, identifying capability gaps, and ensuring that officers are properly equipped and trained to meet evolving public-safety challenges.

Leadership Philosophy

The Deputy Chief’s leadership philosophy is centered on professionalism, clarity of command, and accountability. She emphasizes decisive leadership, ethical conduct, and respect for the authority entrusted to the department, while supporting officers in the execution of their duties.

Office of the Deputy Chief of Police
United States Police Department
Operational Leadership • Integrity • Readiness