Justice, Peace, and the Future of the Police
Monica Alexander
I am an African American woman, a veteran of the Washington State Patrol, and the Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. I probably look very good on paper. The irony is that for the same reasons I look good on paper I am discounted in real life.
No one in the Washington State Patrol believed that Monica Alexander (née Hunter), an African American single mother, would be a state trooper for long. She proved them wrong, using their doubt as fuel and knowing that one day she would share her story, a tale of truth and change in law enforcement—and life.
In Justice, Peace, and the Future of the Police, Monica reflects on her journey and reveals what it means—and takes—to overcome obstacles. You’ll learn about trust, how it starts within, and why tenacity, discipline, and empathy are vital. Whether you’re a leader in law enforcement, an officer focused on the future, or a mother making dreams come true for yourself and your children, this is the invaluable story of how to build bridges that seem impossible and become the mentor someone may not know they need.
Press & Praise
As a broadcast journalist covering crime and justice in Washington state, I watched with admiration as trooper Monica Alexander rose through the ranks of the Washington State Patrol, accomplishing what few women, and no African American woman, had ever done in its century of existence: becoming a captain. She didn't get the job because she was black; she got it because she worked hard, worked smart, treated people fairly, fought for what's right, led with integrity, and was open to learning from mistakes—hers and the system's. Monica is tough and sensitive, vocal and receptive. The lessons she's learned in life and law enforcement helped her achieve success and peace—and might help you reach your personal best as well.
I am honored and humbled beyond words to have worked alongside Monica throughout my career as a sergeant with the Washington State Patrol and more recently at the state legislature. Monica is a dedicated, intelligent, and charismatic leader; I have always been proud to have her as a friend.
Monica saw a broken system that had failed survivors and, being a courageous change agent, she was committed to fixing it. Her dedication was evident in the way she led her work, with clarity, embracing best practices, vision, and heart. She navigated the complex lab system and figured out what needed to change to reach a point where every sexual assault kit could be tested within forty-five days, as required by the legislation we had passed. Facing a journey sure to be filled with hurdles, she worked with the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, legislators, sexual assault survivors, and community members to make this endeavor possible. Monica was a key partner in making systemic changes to be responsive to survivors and provide them a path to seek justice. Our success is due in large part to her contributions. We could not have accomplished this critical work without her leadership.
