Cynthia A. McAlister

Major Cynthia Ann "Cindy" McAlister is the commander of Division II of the Fairfax County Police Department's Patrol Bureau.

Early life and education

Cynthia A. Carroll grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School in Verona 1977. She took her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from George Mason University in 1996.

Career

McAlister joined the Fairfax County Police Department in March 1982, graduating from the police academy in June.[1] She began her career at the Chantilly Station and worked as a patrol officer for two years before transferring to the McLean District Station in January 1985.[1]

Officer McAlister became the coordinator of the department's Crime Solvers program in December 1989.[1][2]

In August of 1994, McAlister was one of three female police officers, along with Elizabeth Dohm and Andrea Moss, that sued the department over sexual harassment by Lieutenant Larry Jackson.[3]

The next month, in September 1994, McAlister joined the Criminal Investigations Bureau, working in Child Services.[1]

Promoted to lieutenant in April 2004, McAlister served as acting director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter until December.[1] Following her departure, civilian director Karen Diviney took over the running of the shelter. [4]

McAlister later served as assistant commander of the Sully District Station, joining the command on May 8, 2006, the same day as the attack on the station by Michael W. Kennedy that resulted in the fatal shooting of Detective Vicky O. Armel and Master Police officer Michael Gabarino.[1]

Promoted to Captain in July of 2007, McAlister next served as commander of the Sully station, replacing Captain Susan Culin.[1][5]

From December 2009 to March 2013, Major McAlister was the director of the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.

Major McAlister next served as commander of the department's Resources Management bureau.

She was formerly commander of Division III of the Patrol Bureau before switching to Division II.

Personal

She married fellow police officer Michael A. McAlister and the couple had two children, Andrew and Danielle.[1][6].

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Hobbs, Bonnie. "McAlister Is at Sully Police Station's Helm." Connection Newspapers. Connection Newspapers, 11 Oct. 2007. Web. 19 June 2014.
  2. ↑ Davis, Patricia. "Looking for Crooks? Check Out the 'Wanted Ads'." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): 2. Jun 25 1992. ProQuest. Web. 19 June 2014.
  3. ↑ Miller, Bill. "4 Female Workers Sue Fairfax Police." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): 1. Aug 11 1994. ProQuest. Web. 19 June 2014.
  4. ↑ Mattingly, Diane. "Shelter Gets Civilian Director; Police Department Hopes to Improve Running of Facility." The Washington Post: 0. Feb 03 2005. ProQuest. Web. 19 June 2014 .
  5. ↑ "Crosswalk Safety Is Stressed." Connection Newspapers. Connection Newspapers, 7 Nov. 2007. Web. 19 June 2014.
  6. ↑ "Shift in Job Hours." Washington Times. The Washington Times, 17 Feb. 2002. Web. 19 June 2014.