Her Story
About Lillie
I served 27 years with the Des Moines Police Department, beginning as a police officer in 1999 and working my way through the ranks to become Police Major in 2022 - making history as the first and only Black officer to reach that level in the department. Throughout most of my career, I was the only Black female police officer with the city, which was isolating at times but also groundbreaking. My journey included promotions to sergeant in 2009, lieutenant around 2014-2015, and captain in 2020. It was no easy climb - I was met with a lot of obstacles and differences in getting to where I was. I worked in various divisions including the chief's office, professional standards office (internal affairs), patrol, and eventually led the Executive Projects Division where I focused on policy development, strategic planning, site assessments, and community engagement. I also supervised school resource officers and was known for my leadership approach that empowered my team without micromanaging. I applied to be police chief but God had other plans for my life. I am proud that during my time at the major level, I was able to see good people get promoted for their merit and work, and witness officers who really care about the community. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives was instrumental in helping me navigate the isolation and systemic challenges, giving me a network of people who understood law enforcement culture. I hold a Master's degree in Public Administration from Drake University and am currently all but dissertation away from my doctorate in Criminal Justice, with my first draft submitted and hoping to complete it by the end of 2026. Even in retirement, I remain active with speaking engagements at schools and continue my community engagement work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lillie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and being blessed. I believe that when you do right by people and do the right things, God will bless you. Favor is not fair, but you do the right things, you treat people right, and good things happen. I was told early on in my career by mentors in law enforcement that what we did was about people first, people second, and people third. If you remember that, and remember to treat people the way that you would want to be treated, and remember that every problem, whether it's big or small to you, is probably big to the person that has the problem - that's been a guiding beacon for me throughout my career. Listening and being intentional with what you do has really guided me through everything I've accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was from mentors early on in my law enforcement career who explained to me that what we did was about people first, people second, and people third. They taught me that if you remember people, and remember to treat people the way that you would want to be treated, and understand that every problem, whether it's big or small to you, is probably big to the person that has the problem, that will guide you. Listening and being intentional with what you do - that advice has been a guiding light and guiding beacon for me throughout my entire career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Head up, shoulders back. Know that you are there, and that you are there with purpose, and that your purpose will bring power. Navigate through that system with your head up and your shoulders back, because you are going to meet adversity. Just stay focused on the goal, and know that you are there for a reason. It's an extremely difficult or hard position or career path for a female, because it's predominantly male, and there are males that don't believe that females should be in that career choice. But you're there for a purpose, and often just know that your purpose brings power.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Character and integrity are huge for me. Transparency is big. Faith is also huge - I have a strong faith that guides me. I believe you say what you say, and you mean what you say, and you do so with integrity. Being humble is important - not boasting. I think those are the traits that have helped me through life and that I live by. I also believe in treating people the way you want to be treated and being intentional in everything you do.
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