AAMU at Forefront of National Campaign to Get More Women in Policing

As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, Alabama A&M University is celebrating the women who serve on the Department of Public Safety. Their presence and leadership highlight the University’s commitment to diversity in policing and aligns with the nationwide 30X30 Initiative, which seeks to increase female representation in law enforcement to at least 30 percent by 2030. Alabama A&M has already reached this benchmark as six of the University's 22 sworn officers are women.

Officer Letrice Ragland, a native of the Birmingham, Ala., area, joined DPS in December 2024 with a mission to change the perception of law enforcement.

“It was more about my community,” said Ragland. “Growing up, we looked at police as someone we couldn’t trust, so if my community can see one of their own on the police force in an attempt to make a difference, then I want to inspire little Black girls and little Black boys in those inner cities that they can do it too.”

Ragland believes policing at a university offers a unique opportunity to shape young lives. “Being here, I see an opportunity to really make a difference,” she said. “We’ve got teenagers, young adults in higher education – it’s different. You feel like you’re making more of a difference.”

Sergeant Greshiamonic Tice of Tuscaloosa, has been with DPS since August. She served 16 years as a paramedic in Fairfield, Ala., before becoming a police officer and serving 14 years with Fairfield Police. “It was a natural progression,” she said “Same shoe, different foot.”

Tice said she came to AAMU to give back.

“I'm one of the elder police officers. I’m approaching 50, so instead of just serving the community that I live in, I wanted to see if I could give back to my own people,” said Tice. “Our kids are really in crisis right now. I wanted to get closer to our youth because we’re losing them. Anything I can do to better the perspective for a young Black female or a young Black male, I felt like I needed to be here.”

Lead Investigator Destiney Toney of Huntsville, Ala., has been with AAMU DPS for 14 years. She started as a security officer and worked her way up. “I didn’t grow up in the most protected neighborhoods, and I witnessed a lot of crime where justice wasn’t always served,” Toney shared. “I got into law enforcement to really make a difference.”

Toney, who has worked at Alabama A&M the longest, is also the proud mother of a teenage daughter. “Over the years, my daughter has grown to admire my commitment to keeping our community safe, even as she understands the risks. Though she worries at times, she knows this is my passion, and we support each other through it all.”

Toney has spearheaded community engagement events such as Slam for SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month), which allows students to express themselves through interpretive dance, poetry, music and art, while raising awareness about sexual violence. Now in its third year, Slam for SAAM 2025 is Friday, April 4 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room. Last year more than 100 students took part. DPS recently hosted its Annual Bonfire outside the Event Center, and also hosts “Dining with the Chief,” where students can meet and talk with the officers.

“The best part of my job is being able to bond with the community in that way,” said Toney. “So, the only time students see us isn’t when someone is in trouble.”

Officer Alicia Bell, who worked for 10 years at the Pulaski County Jail in Little Rock, Ark., before joining DPS, emphasized the importance of having female officers. “You never know what a female is going through, and they can vent to other females. I may have been through a situation and can relate, and maybe I can help them out.”

Officer Neyema Bey, originally from Philadelphia, has worked on campus for two years. Bey says she always saw policing as a way to connect with her community. “Growing up wasn’t easy. The system in Philly, they would give me chances. Sometimes they would take me to school,” Bey recalled. “My mom used to work in the school district as an officer as well, and I wanted to be like her growing up.”

Bey, who students affectionately call “Auntie Bey,” takes pride in the trust she has built with them. “Just having a name and knowing they can trust me when asking for an officer or even if they come to me to express what they’re dealing with – that means a lot to me.”

Sergeant Latraza Horton from Huntsville, Ala., is a former military police officer in the U.S. Army and has served with DPS for six years. Her leadership, along with that of the other female officers, is a testament to the growing presence of women in law enforcement at Alabama A&M University and nationwide.

DPS Chief Montrez Payton, who has been with the department since 2017 and became chief in 2022, has made recruiting female officers a priority. “When I first came in, we only had two, so I was very conscious of wanting to recruit more female officers,” Payton said. “We couldn’t ask for a better group. We’re excited for who they are, how they lead, and the people that they are.”

Payton also highlighted the national 30X30 Initiative, which aims to increase female representation in policing. “The national average is about 12%, but for us, we’re already at 30% and still pushing to bring more in to reflect the community that we serve.”

He emphasized the value of diversity in policing. “It’s more positive for the students and for us as a department. Sometimes, it’s better for a female officer to respond to a female complaint. They may be more open and transparent. Having that opportunity to engage with someone who can possibly relate is highly beneficial.”

AAMU’s six female officers are not just keeping the campus safe; they are role models for young women considering careers in law enforcement. Their dedication extends beyond their duties, fostering meaningful connections with students and creating a supportive campus environment.

“The best part of my job is seeing the students,” added Ragland. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, knowing that I can make a difference. I tell them all the time, ‘You guys are like my little brothers and sisters, so I want you to be safe, and I want you to succeed.’”

(Photo L-R) Officer Letrice Ragland, Sergeant Greshiamonic Tice, Lead Investigator Destiney Toney, Officer Neyema Bey, Officer Alicia Bell, Sergeant Latraza Horton