After serving with the New Haven (Connecticut) Police Department for 15 years, Rose J. Dell became the assistant chief of the Yale University Police Department several months ago.

After graduating from Yale, Dell stayed home for several years to raise her children. As a single mother to children ages 5, 3, and 18 months, circumstances caused her to change course and find a way to support her family.

She noticed an advertisement promoting open police positions at the New Haven Police Department. The department promoted a specific emphasis on welcoming and supporting single parents. So, she applied.

“Growing up in a family deeply rooted in public service, with my father and his brothers serving in the NYPD and NYFD, the values of serving and safeguarding others were deeply ingrained in me,” says Dell.

The assistant chief says the greatest challenge she faced was balancing the family responsibilities of raising children and the demanding work and lengthy shifts as a police officer.

“Despite the difficulties, I found that time seemed to pass quickly because I was genuinely enjoying some of the most fulfilling days of my life. I was continuously learning how to investigate cases and build meaningful connections with the wonderfully diverse communities in New Haven,” she explains.

One of her most meaningful assignments was as a fatal accident reconstructionist in the early years of her career. She became part of a team investigating serious and fatal collisions—a role Dell held throughout her time at the New Haven Police Department.

“Working closely with the families of the deceased, I found it deeply rewarding to contribute to bringing closure to them during such difficult times,” she recalls.

Also at New Haven, she was tasked with overhauling the Internal Affairs Unit and spearheaded more than 100 new policies.

She said her goal as assistant chief is to reclaim the image of policing as a noble profession, advance women in law enforcement through the 30X30 initiative , strengthen community policing efforts, invest in officer training and development, and embrace innovative strategies and technology.