Q: Hello, Major Boyd. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what brought you to law enforcement?
Q: Please
describe your career thus far. How did you move through the ranks to become a
major?
A: It’s been
amazing, I’ve learned many things, most importantly how much I love serving
others. I began my career as a cadet, working at the “hot desk,” which is an
information hub for the police department. After completing the Police Academy,
I was assigned to the Northern District for field training. After field
training, I was assigned to the Southern District. I worked in patrol for
several years before interviewing for and then working in the Domestic Violence
(DV) Unit in the Northern District. I’ve also worked in the Police Athletic
League (PAL), assigned here in the Northwest District at the Towanda PAL
Center. When PAL was ended, I returned to the Northern District as a patrol
officer and began preparing for promotion. So, you can see I’ve worked in
basically the whole of Baltimore City. I ranked in the top 10 on a list of over
100 and was promoted to sergeant in 2010.
Q: What do you
like best about your work, and what’s your biggest challenge?
A: I enjoy being
part of positive change, encouraging people to be their best self. My biggest
challenge is not always having an answer that provides the comfort that people
want. In those cases, I do my best to connect people to other resources that
can help them.
Q: As a woman, do
you have any problems being in charge of a force composed mostly of men?
A: No because we
are G-d’s children first. I just stay focused on that.
Q: Has it been
hard gaining the respect of the men?
A: No, because I
begin by giving respect, starting all interactions in a positive manner,
actively listening, being available, talking to my team, and asking them
questions to ensure they understand the mission. And I’m always searching for
resolution.
Q: You are
commander of the Northwest District Baltimore Police Department. What’s unique
about our district?
A: The Northwest
is unique in that a large portion of community members care greatly for the
community.
Q: How would you
describe a community that cares?
A: It’s the
little things: showing up for community meetings, looking out for your
neighbors when they come home, leaving your porch lights on, surrendering
camera footage to the police when it may help solve a crime, and just generally
keeping an eye out for others.
Q: What are our
geographical boundaries?
A: The northern
boundary is Pebble Brook Road, which marries us to the county. The eastern
boundary is Pimlico at the bottom of the district and Bonnie View Dr. at the
top of the district. The southern boundary is Liberty and Gwynn Falls Pkwy. The
western boundary is Royal Oak Ave.
Q: You are a real
people person! How does that factor into your everyday work?
A: I love, love
people, which allows for an open heart and the desire and ability to serve
everyone.
Q: Being a police
officer in the U.S. in 2023 is not easy, and especially not in post-Freddie
Gray Baltimore. How do you and your force approach and deal with these issues?
A: My team is
often reminded to lead in professionalism, be alert and aware of their
surroundings, be each other’s keeper by backing one another up, and intervening
when it appears your partner needs help.
Q: What keeps you
going on particularly difficult days?
A: Prayer and
hope, which are my mainstays on all days.
Q: What do you do
for fun and relaxation?
A: I spend as
much time as possible with family and friends. I do yoga and ride my Peloton
bike. [Writer’s note: She also loves getting her nails done and always has
gorgeous nails!] I’m currently in college to complete my degree, which has
always been my goal since I don’t want to be outdone by the rest of the family
who already have theirs!
Q: What would you
say to a young man interested in a career in law enforcement?
A: This is a
career that you must bring 100% of yourself with you daily. It may start as a
job, but to be successful, you must find your passion. You must also be sure to
always stay service oriented.
Q: To a young
woman?
A: Know that you
will be faced with challenges but that you’re built for challenges. Lead with a
gentle but focused command presence. Use every gift given to you to best serve
the communities in which you work.
Major Boyd is coming
up on her first anniversary as Commander of the Northwest District (7/10/23).
When she first began with us, she said she wasn’t going anywhere. Now I’m
starting to believe her! Let’s congratulate her on her anniversary and engage
with her in any way we can to help the Northwestern District and Baltimore City
Police Department.
Sidebar
#1
Major
Boyd Answers Questions about Crime in our Community
Q:
What are the most common
crimes in our neighborhood?
A: Most common are
property crimes, specifically larceny from autos and stolen autos.
Q: How
many car thefts are there in our neighborhood on average per night?
A:
Vehicles are
not stolen in your community every night, and your neighborhood is not being
specifically targeted by car thieves. The most commonly stolen vehicles are
Hyundai and Kias, which is a national trend. The communities and neighborhoods
should protect their vehicles by putting a club on the vehicle and locking it,
regardless of brand, make, or model of the vehicle. Communities should lock
their vehicles and not leave items of value inside of the vehicle. Also, never
leave your vehicle unattended with the motor running.
Q: Are
most auto thieves caught?
A:
No, generally
the vehicles are dumped, without much evidence to identify a suspect. Police
attempt to gather evidence, such as fingerprints or other indicators left in
the vehicle.
Q: What
happens to suspects after they’re apprehended?
A:
If a person is
caught in a stolen vehicle, they are arrested and charged with the theft of the
vehicle.
Q: Are
shoplifters jailed or let go, as in some other cities?
A:
When
shoplifters are identified, the store owner is provided with the person’s name,
address, and date of birth. The store owner or representative can then respond
to the court commissioner’s office and file charges against the person. In some
cases, police will arrest a larceny suspect. When there is a larceny, we ask
that someone call the police as immediately as possible and provide the
description of the person. We further ask that, in this community, the Jewish
Liaison Unit be called [see sidebar] and a description of the person be shared,
so the patrol can look for the person while en route to the caller.
Q: What coverage does our neighborhood
have?
A:
The NW District has a Jewish Liaison
Unit, staffed with one sergeant and two officers. Sgt. Bill Currie is the
liaison from the Northwest District Baltimore Police Department to the Jewish
community. I ask that they avail themselves for community matters and community
events and holidays.
Q: What about coverage for the
upcoming High Holidays??
A:
Holidays and celebrations are
planned for well in advance. However, it’s imperative that all neighborhoods
seek the appropriate permits for special events from City Hall when needed.
This is a step that has sometimes been overlooked, resulting in the inability
to properly cover celebrations.
As for the High Holidays, Baltimore
Police Department’s Special Events Section will lead the planning. Sgt. Currie
is the point person and will keep command apprised. I will approve all plans
ahead of the event. As stated before, I ask that Sgt. Currie and his team
avail themselves for Councilmen Schleifer’s district’s holidays and events, as
they specialize in serving this community.
