Centurions for Justice
“Working together to Empower the “Community” for Greatness”.
Mission:
The Centurions for Justice (HCPD’s Minority Officers Association), would like to take this opportunity to familiarize you with the rich history of this organization, its purpose, its commitment to community outreach. The organization was founded in 1976 by five minority officers, Herman Charity, Robert Jones, Frank Dawson, Richard Hall, and Gregg Scott, who recognized a collaborative effort as the most effective strategy to address top concerns.
The purpose of the organization is to raise questions about relevant issues such as fairness in the administration of justice, police and community relations, and the hiring and promotion of minority police officers. We serve as an advocate to identify or resolve issues that may result in inequities among employees or in the community we serve. We recommend executing polices, processes and procedures that pursue goals common to all segments of the community and law enforcement, with a focus on accountability and uncompromising integrity.
We will continue to promote and encourage attitudes and characteristics that permit adaptability to the changing demands placed on law enforcement. We are currently 31 members strong, comprised of several different minority ethic groups.
2009 - 2011 Board of Directors:
President Pfc. Stephanie Wall 410-313-3700
swall@howardcountymd.gov
Vice-Pres. Pfc. Allsion Timmons 410-313-3700
ATTimmons@howardcountymd.gov
Treasurer Sgt. Karen Burnett 410-313-3700
kaburnett@howardcountymd.gov
Secretary PO. Terrenace Benn 410-313-3700
tbenn@howardcountymd.gov
P.O. Box 1423
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043-1423
In recognition of "Black History" month, the Centurions for Justice would like to personally applaud the following "PIONEERS": February 22, 2008
Mrs. Emma (Mott) Young, the first African American hired by the Police Dept. in 1965. She currently works as a contingent in the warrants section at Southern District.
Lieutenant (retired) Herman Charity, first African American Cadet (1967) and Police Officer (1970) in HCPD. He retired as a Lieutenant and is currently working for the State's Attorneys Office.
Ms. Joan Cook, hired in 1968, has worked for nine (9) of the 10 Chiefs and is the longest tenured African American working for HCPD. She is currently working for the current Chief as the Administrative Assist.
Sergeant Karen Burnett, is the first African American Female Police Officer hired by HCPD in 1984. She is currently the Sergeant of Computer Operations. (Promoted to Lieutenant in 2009)
The late, Captain Richard Hall, was the first African American promoted to the rank of Captain in 1991, in HCPD.
Captain Tara Nelson, the first African American Female promoted in the HCPD to the rank of Captain in 2004. She is currently the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Major Kevin Burnett, the first African American promoted to the rank of Major in 2007. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Administration. (Retired in July 2008)
