Diane Groomes, who began her career with the Metropolitan Police Department in 1990, was recently promoted from First District commander to assistant chief of police for the new Patrol Services and School Security Division, for which she oversees all 2,000 patrol officers.
What made you want to become a police officer?
WhenI was growing up, I planned and went to college to become a high school math teacher. Unfortunately I didn’t do well in math. I don’t like to fail, so I changed my major to criminology and ended up being a police officer, a job that I love and recommend.
How’s the new job going? What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge has been time management, fitting in all meetings, responding to crimes, handling personnel issues, paperwork and also long-term planning on crime reduction. Another big challenge is to have our officers “interact” with the community, not just when they are on call for service. We also have to change the perception that this city is so violent when in reality violent crime is down except for homicides. Our biggest accomplishment has been the Full Stride program, where we put over 150 officers out on foot. I’m getting great feedback from citizens and officers alike.
You have a reputation for working around the clock and for responding to all questions from residents and reporters. I’ve seen e-mail and community Listserv responses from you at all hours. Do you ever sleep?
Sleep? What’s that?
I understand you just returned from a trip to Africa. Can you tell us about it?
It was a trip of a lifetime. I went on a safari and visited Capetown. It was very relaxing and also gave me an appreciation of nature and also a deeper appreciation of what is available to us in America. We take much for granted and are somewhat spoiled.
