Jennifer Knight

Jennifer Knight is an innovative leader in the field of law enforcement, an advocate for women in leadership, and a committed community volunteer. 
She holds a B.A. degree in Public Administration from Capital University and a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School. 
Ms. Knight has been employed by the City of Columbus Division of Police since 2009. She completed her tenure as Deputy Chief of Police in January 2023. 
After retiring from the police force, Ms. Knight joined Front Line Advisors, LLC, a partnership of legal professionals focused on defending and supporting law enforcement professionals in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, area.
==Education==
Ms. Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Capital University while working full-time as a second-shift officer on patrol. 
While raising a family and working full-time, Ms. Knight enrolled in Capital University Law School’s evening program. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and passed the bar in 2016. 
In 2016, Jennifer Knight was awarded the National Women’s Law Association Award of Excellence.
==Career==
Jennifer Knight entered the Police Academy in November 1996. 
“I knew very soon that I had found my calling, and I had stumbled into a profession that I was truly designed for. I welcomed each new challenge, relished the variety and excitement, and was grateful for every opportunity to serve. Law enforcement was, and is, a job in communications. I thrived in an environment where I could engage the public, interact with diverse groups, solve difficult problems, and face new challenges every day. I had somehow found the career that would change my life and provide a solid future for my family. I recognize how blessed I am to have loved my job every single day for 26 years..”
Ms. Knight has been employed by the City of Columbus Division of Police since 2009, serving as Discipline-Grievance Lieutenant (2009-2012); Police Commander (2012-2019); and Deputy Chief of Police (2019-2023).
In 2023, after over 26 years in law enforcement, Ms. Knight left the field of law enforcement to pursue an opportunity with Front Line Advisors, LLC, a partnership of legal professionals focused on defending and supporting law enforcement professionals in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area.
Throughout her career, Ms. Knight has worked to improve department strategies, enhance community engagement, and support minority and women leadership in law enforcement. 
She completed research, development, and implementation of an innovative mediation program as a mechanism for resolving citizen complaints.
Ms. Knight developed and implemented the Safe Streets program in 2017, which has become a crucial part of Columbus’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy.
Ms. Knight led a team that created and implemented a Police Cadet Pilot Program with the goal of training a diverse body of qualified candidates from local high schools. This 16-week program transitions to a paid internship supported by the Division of Police.
Ms. Knight advocates for more women and minority officers in law enforcement. She has volunteered assistance to women who are interested in the promotional process and encourages mentorship. 
“...Having a mentor is one of the most important things that you can have when you’re considering moving up in law enforcement. And for those individuals that are in positions of leadership out there. I challenge you to find women that are coming up through the ranks and mentor them, actively seek them out, support them and advocate for them every single day,” said Knight..
==Community Involvement==
Jennifer Knight is actively committed to community engagement. Her involvement includes Shop With a Cop, Thanksgiving food donations, and Books and Badges, a program that brings law enforcement officers to elementary schools and promotes reading.
An avid runner and marathoner, Ms. Knight has participated in races that support charitable organizations, such as the Columbus Police Honor Guard Memorial Run. 
Ms. Knight is strongly dedicated to human trafficking prevention.
“Law enforcement should develop a comprehensive and collaborative plan that partners with nonprofits and evaluates legislative opportunities that address the demand that is driving the victimization of our most vulnerable..”
Ms. Knight helped initiate the Police and Community Together (PACT) team, which aims to address human trafficking holistically, linking potential victims with services.
Ms. Knight has drafted action-oriented legislation and has developed educational materials to promote awareness of human trafficking. She has participated in Gracehaven’s Over the Edge, a fundraising event designed to support victims of human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. As part of this event, Ms. Knight rappelled 330 feet down the Chase Tower in downtown Columbus, Ohio. 
Jennifer Knight is a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s Commission of Human Trafficking, the Ohio State Bar Association, and The Columbus Bar Association. 
==References==
==External links==
* Jennifer Knight
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* Jennifer Knight on Crunchbase
* Jennifer Knight on Medium
Category:American lawyers
Category:Capital University alumni
Category:American people