Her Story
About Deanna
Deanna Chemelli serves as Major of the Technical Services Division for the Baltimore County Police Department in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 32 years in law enforcement, she oversees the Forensic Services section, Technology section, and Materials and Facilities sections. Prior to her current role, she oversaw the Eastern Patrol Division. Chemelli earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Columbia Southern University in March 2025 and is completing her master's degree in public safety through the University of Virginia. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. She has received Critical Incidence Awards and Silver Star Awards and is involved with the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement. Chemelli attributes her success to hard work, pushing herself outside her comfort zone, the support of her family, and mentors who believed in her. She advises believing in oneself and not letting others' opinions define potential, and she values leading with kindness, compassion, and empathy while building meaningful relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I've always been willing to work hard and pushed myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. Most importantly is the love and support of my family who have always encouraged me and allowed me to do things that I've wanted to do to better myself and to be better at my profession. I've been very fortunate to have mentors who believed in me and challenged me and opened doors.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice that I ever received, it's pretty simple. I would say to believe in yourself and don't let someone else's opinion define your potential. You'll hear no many times throughout your career, but don't mistake that for the final answer and just stay focused, keep working hard, and let your actions speak louder than anyone's doubts.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice that I could give is just to believe in yourself. And don't let other people's opinions define your potential. Just believe in yourself, and always stay focused, keep working hard, and let your actions speak louder than words.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Law enforcement is facing a lot of real challenges whether it's staffing shortages, the increased public scrutiny, and just the changing expectations of our professions. But I also think it's a very exciting time to be in policing because we are embracing new technology. We're placing a greater emphasis on officer wellness, which is great, and we're having important conversations about leadership, transparency, and community trust. Those challenges are really pushing us to become a stronger profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The relationships that I've built throughout my life they mean more to me than any title or any type of accomplishment. I always try to lead with kindness and compassion and empathy. Because you never know what someone else is going through. I believe in treating everyone with respect, listening before judging, and always looking for ways to lift other people up. Whether I'm at work or home, I hope people will remember me for how I made them feel, and the positive difference that I made in their lives.
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