When I was a young scribe the PD was quite a different place ethnically, racially, professionally. That would change over time in the early 1980s by the federal courts that ruled the city’s civil service testing system was loaded with racially discriminatory questions.
The Bridgeport Guardians, led by Officer Ted Meekins, prevailed upon federal court intervention. A special master was also assigned to place an equitable check on hiring, promotions and assignments.
Hired in 1970, Bernice certainly navigated the transformation of the police department.
From PD Facebook page:
In honor of Black History Month, the Bridgeport Police Department proudly recognizes a true trailblazer—retired Police Officer Bernice Roundtree.
Hired on February 25, 1970, Officer Roundtree made history as the first African American female police officer in the Bridgeport Police Department. She continued to break barriers as our department’s first female Traffic Officer and served our city with distinction until her retirement on June 16, 2001.
Her strength, service, and commitment paved the way for generations of officers and helped shape a more inclusive future in law enforcement. Today, we honor her legacy and the path she forged for those who followed.
Thank you, Officer Roundtree, for your courage, leadership, and lasting impact.
Thank you, officer Roundtree.