After her boss put her life in danger with zero accountability, why has this Black female police officer been fighting for a decade? Part 1

Boston police officer Brenda James began her career in the male-dominated, dangerous field in 1994. Her district was changing, becoming more inclusive and diverse. The police department adopted a different model of policing — “community policing” — developing partnerships and relationships with community members. Officer James was assigned to help carry out that mission. She was recognized for the work she did as a community service officer and then became a juvenile officer, a liaison between the police department and community – school officials, clergy, business-owners, social service agencies, and programs. She was involved in roundtable discussions, interventions, mediation, individual educational plans for students at risk, court advocacy for juvenile delinquents, and relationship-building with probation. She became certified to mediate and earned a masters degree in criminal justice from Boston University. But all that work went down the drain when a higher-up targeted Brenda in 2011 and escalated the abuse to a traumatic event on June 8, 2012. Learn more: https://www.dignitytogether.org/blog/police-officer-endured-series-of-abuses-for-eight-years-after-management-error If you've been abused at work related to your race, gender, disability, age, or other demographic and would like to share your story anonymously, email [email protected]. If you feel like you need more help, I have a free guide to recovery steps at dignitytogether.org/targets and a signup for daily boosts through your inbox at the same place. Facebook: @HierarchyPodcast Twitter: @ScrewHierarchy