Officer Keiaire Brown
METRO Police Department
Houston, Texas
Why did you become a police officer?
Honestly, becoming a police officer wasn’t something I set out to do. Growing up, all I ever wanted was to be a homicide detective. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that you can’t just walk into a police department and apply for a job as a “homicide detective.” I had no idea how much groundwork was required or that you had to put in a certain number of years on patrol before even being considered for the role.
What motivates you to succed?
What drives me every day, and pushes me to succeed and stay resilient in law enforcement, is my love for what I do. This isn’t just a job—I truly feel like I’m walking in my purpose, and that God is pleased with how I’ve protected and served my community.
What is your most memorable moment on the job?
One of the most unforgettable moments of my career was when I assisted SWAT and the FBI in capturing a suspect who had shot and killed his supervisor on the 10th floor of the Greenway Plaza building, also known as Cedar Gates Technologies, in Houston, Texas.
What challenges have you faced?
It’s no secret that policing is a male-dominated world. Throughout my career, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is feeling like I’ve had to work harder than some of my male coworkers. Not only am I the only woman on my team, but I’m also small in stature, so I often feel like I have to act twice as tough—even compared to guys who are my size.
What advice do you have for women considering a profession in policing?
For any woman aspiring to become a police officer, my advice is simple: “Go for it!” It doesn’t matter how big, tall, short, or small you are. In the words of Nike, “Just do it!”
How we’re changing policing
The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations committed to advancing and supporting the representation, experiences, and well-being of women at all levels of law enforcement, both in the U.S. and beyond.
Research shows that women play a crucial role in building community trust, de-escalating conflict, and improving public safety outcomes, with evidence linked to reduced use of force and enhanced relationships with the communities they serve. However, women represent less than 14% of sworn officers and 20% of recruits in state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, about 40% of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have no full-time women officers (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics).
We are collaborating with hundreds of agencies to make law enforcement a profession where qualified women who are drawn to it feel welcomed and supported while ensuring agencies address their unique needs and foster their success.