Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: A Conversation with Deborah Montgomery

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker and Dawn Selle sit with trailblazing guest Deborah Montgomery, the first female police officer in St. Paul, MN, in 1975. Now retired, Montgomery reflects on her remarkable career dedicated to breaking barriers, championing civil rights, and making a lasting impact on her community. They explore critical topics surrounding policing, community justice, and fostering genuine connections within the community. Emphasizing the vital roles of empathy, communication, and resourcefulness in crisis situations, Montgomery shares invaluable insights on effecting positive change. Additionally, they explore the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful hiring process, advocating for better pay and benefits, and promoting opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance police recruitment and retention.