Dr. RaShall M. Brackney, a public safety executive and translational leader with more than 37 years as a devoted public servant. As an expert in procedural and restorative justice and harm reduction, Dr. Brackney’s experiences as an ethical leader has made her a public safety champion and agent for change. Dr. Brackney now serves as podcast host “Black Arm of the Law.”

Currently, Dr. Brackney is serving as a distinguished visiting professor of practice at George Mason University with joint appointments in the Africana and African American Studies and Criminology. Previously, Dr. Brackney was appointed to Carnegie-Mellon University’s Institute for Politics and Strategy to implement a curriculum designed to analyze the intersections of race, politics and policy.

Dr. Brackney served as the chief of police for Charlottesville, Virginia during the deadly “Unite the Right” rally. During this time, Dr. Brackney also served as chief of police for George Washington University overseeing the on campus safety for students. Dr. Brackney is a retired veteran of the Pittsburgh Bureau after 30 years of service where she helped reduce crime across districts and led various community driven initiatives.

Dr. RaShall M. Brackney earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Public Policy degree from Carnegie-Mellon University and holds a Ph.D. from Robert Morris University. In addition, Dr. Brackney graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection, the Senior Management Institute for Police, Redstone Arsenal “Bomb School” for managers in Huntsville, and the USC-Race and Equity Center.

Dr. Brackney is passionate about serving her community and serves on several boards such as the Homewood Children’s Village as an executive board and founding member.

Dr. Brackney lives in Fairfax, Virginia.