Meet Major Tomecha Brown

Canton has a new police Commander of the Southeast District, Major Tomecha Brown. We recently met her at O’Donnell Square Park to share a stroll and get to know her a little. Here’s what we learned about our new Major and her goals for the Baltimore Police Department in our community.

Can you tell us a little bit about your connection (history) with the community?

I actually grew up in the Southeast District and lived a few communities away from Canton. I remember its rich history. If you are a true Baltimorean then you would definitely know about Baltimore’s historic row homes & marble steps. I remember everyone in the community coming out & scrubbing the marble steps once a week. Canton was always a very clean community and everyone took pride in their property.

How long have you been with the SE BPD?

I have been an officer for 19 years, the last 2 being in the Southeast. I came over in 2017 as the Captain.

What is your new position with the BPD and what does it entail?

My new title is Major and I am the Commander of the Southeast District. The new job entails a great deal of responsibilities.

I work under the general direction of the Chief of Patrol. I not only follow, I promote policies and procedures of the Police Department. I also inform and advise the Chief on all issues affecting the Southeast District. I assume management responsibility for enforcement of the laws, statutes and ordinances as well as crime prevention, criminal investigation, emergency communication, and other related law enforcement activities.

I monitor a budget; I’m responsible for overtime expenditures and develop strategic crime plans. I also create goals and objectives, and establish criteria to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the Southeast patrol officers. I attend city council committee meetings and other meetings as required to present and explain issues pertaining to the community, public safety, and the department required policies and procedures.

Do you have any specific goals for the Southeast that you can share with us?

• I will strive to provide the citizens of the Canton community with the most efficient and effective police service available within the confines of existing resources.

• I will attain this goal by continuing to be an innovative, honest, and responsive leader. I will set the tone for professionalism, integrity, and hard work and be receptive to change.

• Promote police conduct that is responsive and sensitive to the community needs.

• Implement crime-fighting strategies to improve the utilization of patrol and investigative resources in the identification, arrest, and conviction of individuals committing crimes within our community.

What type of collaboration and support do you have or need from the CCA Board and our members?

Overall, I have great support from CCA. However, in order to make a difference and get a handle on crime or any other issues concerning the community I would love to see stronger police & community relations and more activities involving the police and the community (not just community meetings).

What do you like most about working in the Canton Community?

One very important element that I value is the diversity in the community. They also have pleasant and understanding people. Canton is beautiful & well maintained. There’s a sense of pride that comes with living in Canton.

Is there anything else you’d like our neighbors to know?

Yes. My biggest inspiration was my mother, who encouraged me to be a protector for the people. I graduated from Patterson High School, which is in the Southeast District. I am a native of Baltimore and I love my city.

I was recently promoted to the rank of Major and have already begun to make positive changes in the structure of the police department. I have implemented a Police Hispanic Liaison to give the Hispanic community a greater way to directly connect to the police officers in the Southeast District. I also noticed the number of complaints received about police conduct has been going down since my foot patrols have been in place. I am currently working on an outreach mission to unite the community and police officers in informal discussions in order to restore trust in law enforcement.

My goal is to ensure the safety and well being of every citizen within my district and to lend a hand whenever it's needed. I would like to foster good relationships with all the residents while working together to decrease crime and the misconceptions of crime. I am really looking forward to working with the Canton Community.

How can someone reach you?

I can be reached by email or phone; Tomecha.brown@baltimorepolice.org or 410-396-2422.