Violet Hill Whyte

Violet Hill Whyte
Born Violet Hill
(1897-11-18)November 18, 1897
Washington, D.C., United States
Died 1980 (aged 82–83)
Nationality American
Occupation Police officer
Known for First black officer to be appointed to the Baltimore Police Department

Violet Hill Whyte (November 18, 1897 – 1980) was the first black officer to be appointed to the Baltimore Police Department.[1] She was appointed in December 1937 by William P. Lawson, the city's police commissioner at the time.[2][3]

Biography

Whyte was born in Washington D.C. on November 18, 1897. Her parents were Daniel G. Hill and Margaret Peck Hill, and she had nine younger siblings. She graduated from Douglass High School and Coppin State College. She married George Sumner Whyte and was the mother of four children. Before becoming a police officer, Whyte was a teacher.[4] Whyte died in 1980.[2][5] She is the Aunt of Daniel G. Hill III

Career as police officer

"I'm not afraid of hard work." - Violet Hill White[5]

Whyte was appointed to the northwest district at Pennsylvania Avenue and Dolphin Street by Commissioner William Lawson. She was not given a gun. Her duties included patrolling the streets, homicide investigations, narcotics cases, assaults, cases of sexual abuse, and robberies. She was known to work undercover. Youth who lived in her district shared that she would often intervene when she saw students skipping school. Her efforts earned her the nickname "lady law." Juvenile Court Judge Charles E. Moylan Jr. described her as "a one-woman police force and a one-woman social worker combined".[6] In 1955, she was promoted to sergeant and oversaw policewomen. She ended her career in the Western District. Before her retirement in 1967, she was promoted to lieutenant.[5]

Over the course of her career, she earned six commendations and numerous awards. She also served on the following Boards and Commissions: The Governor's Commission to Study Problems of Illegitimacy; Called to Testify on National Television on "Kefauver Congressional Committee on U. S. Narcotic Violations"; Secretary to the Board of Directors of Provident Hospital; Secretary to the Board of Managers of Boys' Village of Maryland; Member of the Speakers Bureau of the National Women's Christian Temperance Union; Governor's Commission - A Study "Juvenile Delinquency and Adult Penal Conditions"; Board Member - Maryland Safety Council; Organizer and Chairperson - Holiday Institutional Committee.[4]

Community Work

In addition to her police work, Whyte collected clothing for prison inmates and made holiday baskets for the needy. She planned a Christmas party for 4,000 children at the Royal Theatre.[6] She also lectured in the community about child abuse. Her lecture included a six-point child's bill of rights. After retiring, she worked with Planned Parenthood as a field-supervisor.[5] She also worked with the Neighborhood Family Planning Center.[4]

Awards

  • 1956 - In Recognition of her services to the city of Baltmore by F. E. W. Harper Temple No. 429 I. B. P. O. E. W.
  • 1963 - Distinguished Citizen Award - Sophists Club Houston-Woods Junior High School
  • 1963 - Sigma Wives - Congratulations for Service Rendered and Promotion to Sergeant
  • 1964 - Certificate of Appreciation - Guest Speaker Reisterstown Junior Chamber of Commerce
  • 1967 - Afro-American for "Superior Public Service Without Thought of Gain"
  • 1968 - Democratic Ladies Guild - Community Achievement Award
  • 1968 - Mayor Thomas J. D'Alesandro III - City of Baltmore - Outstanding Citizen Award - Thirty Years of Faithful, Exemplary Service to the City of Baltimore
  • 1968 - Woman of Conscience Award - National Council of Women of the United States.
  • 1971 - Baltmore Safety Council - School and Child Division - Vice President 1971 - 72, Humanitarium [sic] Services to Baltimore Community in Field of Drug Education and Safety
  • 1971 - Frederick Douglass High School Hall of Fame
  • 1971 - District Police Community Relations Council Award for Meritorious Service
  • 1971 - Loyalty, Dedication, Courtesy, Hospitality and Sheer Joy of Knowing that You Passed Our Way .. Zeta-Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
  • 1974 - Outreach Award - Imperial Court of Daughters of Isis P. H. A. - "In recognition of the strength you have exhibited and the hardships you have endured, in your crusade to elevate the status of Black Women"
  • 1978 - Freedom House Inc. "In recognition of your outstanding contribution to the community through dedicated service demonstrating integrity and professional performance of police duties, meriting our trust and respect"[4]

References

  1. ↑ Skotnes, Andor (2012-12-14). A New Deal for All?: Race and Class Struggles in Depression-Era Baltimore. Duke University Press. pp. 263, 277. ISBN 0822353598.
  2. 1 2 Robinson, Lisa (February 8, 1997). "Remembering BPD's first African-American officer". WBAL-TV. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  3. ↑ Dulaney, W. Marvin (1996). Black Police in America. Indiana University Press. pp. 34, 111–112. ISBN 0253210402.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Funeral program for Lieutenant Violet Hill Whyte, who died July 17, 1980 :: African American Funeral Programs - Enoch Pratt Free Library". Digital Maryland. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Rasmussen, Fred (February 2, 1997). "'Lady Law' did more than just her duty Officer: The first African-American on the city's police force, appointed in 1937, Violet Hill Whyte went beyond her official role, with aid to the needy and counseling for the young". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  6. 1 2 Dunn, Linda (December 7, 1967). "'Lady Law' Leaves The Force After 30 Years: But Only Formally; As Volunteer She Still Helps All". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
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