Sonia (pronounced so-NEE-ah) Russell, Commander of Crime Control Strategies for the Detroit Police Department
Sonia J. Russell was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is the youngest sibling of four. She attended Southfield-Lathrup high school, Michigan State University (Bachelor's in Criminal Justice), Central Michigan University (Masters’ of Science in Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership), and Wayne State University (Graduate Certificate in Business Administration). She has also attended Michigan’s Chiefs of Police School, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Women’s Leadership Institute.
At a young age, Sonia grew up in the foster care system and was later raised by her Aunt, who provided support and encouragement for her to graduate from high school and attend college.
She has been employed with the Detroit Police Department for approximately 23.5 years, where she is currently the Commander of Crime Control Strategies, which includes Communications, Telephone Crime Reporting Unit, Informatics, Crime Control Strategies, CJIS, Crime Intelligence Unit, Project Greenlight Detroit, Audio Video Evidence Response Team (AVERT), Special Projects, and Real-Time Crime Center. Throughout her career, she has served as a change agent for the department, always building processes and making recommendations for the efficient flow of the department’s operations. She began her career on patrol at the Twelfth Precinct and Ninth Precinct. She then began to climb the ladder where she was elevated and has received several promotions.
Her hobbies include exercising, cooking, and arts & crafts. She is a member of the following organizations: National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), and International Association of Women Police (IAWP). She is dedicated and committed to serving as a member of Noble's National Board as the Conference Committee Chair and is honored to be a member of this group.
She enjoys serving the Community and has hosted several programs within the city of Detroit. Some of her community programs include: Back to School and back pack giveaways, Halloween Nights for Children, Thanksgiving Clothes and Food Giveaway for the community, Toy Joy that is a Community Christmas giveaway. Furthermore, for the last three years she raised funding for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence victims by designing and wrapping patrol vehicles, each year she raised approximately $15,000 dollars and donated it to organizations in need. She established the Homicide Victim’s Family Luncheon, which is an intimate luncheon for families to receive follow-up on their homicide cases, provide support and break bread with families who have lost their loved ones. She has hosted Homeless Initiatives with by giving out food and clothing and served as a volunteer for Forgotten Harvest. Every March, she coordinates Women’s month for the department and mentorship for other women within the police ranks. She has also served as a spokesperson at Vista Maria for young girls to provide leadership, guidance, and support. She looks forward to engaging the community and strives for excellence.
