WASHINGTON (AP) – Washington police chief Cathy Lanier, the first woman to lead the department and one of the nation’s longest-serving and most popular big-city police chiefs, announced Tuesday that she is stepping down to become head of security for the National Football League.
Lanier, 49, started her career with the Metropolitan Police Department as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks. She served as chief for nine-and-a-half years, under three mayoral administrations, overseeing reductions in crime as the nation’s capital experienced an influx of wealth that transformed once-troubled neighborhoods.
“It is an honor for me to move to the next stage of my career knowing that I can use the experience and education that I have gained over the past 26 years to protect and serve all of the NFL, its fans, players and employees,” Lanier said in a letter to the department’s 3,700 officers.
In her new job, Lanier will oversee the security of all 32 NFL teams and their venues, working with federal, state and local law enforcement and handling security for the Super Bowl.
“We are excited to welcome to our team an individual of Cathy’s talent and extensive record of accomplishments,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Cathy joins us with a well-deserved reputation of being a tremendous communicator, innovator and relationship builder.”