When Rennae Francis arrived in New York from Dominica at 17, she never envisioned climbing the ranks of the New York City Police Department. Today, she leads as the commanding officer of the Grand Larceny Division and the Financial Crimes Task Force — the first woman to hold this critical role. Her rise marks a historic milestone, breaking barriers as a Caribbean woman in law enforcement.
“You don’t just represent yourself — you represent your people, you represent your family,” Francis said in an exclusive interview with Caribbean Life.
Francis was born and raised in Dominica, where she spent her formative years before moving to the United States in 2005 to pursue higher education at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She enrolled in the forensic science program, working multiple jobs to support herself while adjusting to life in a bustling metropolis.
“When I came here I lived in the Bronx and it was it was difficult at first because I came from humble beginnings, she recalled. “I worked at Radio Shack, and I also had a job at the college. It was a huge adjustment coming from a small island to such a large city.”
Her passion for forensic science initially guided her academic path, but a chance encounter with NYPD officers during her time as a police cadet led her to consider a career in law enforcement. She graduated with a degree in forensic science in 2009 and entered the Police Academy in 2010.
“I realized that I could still do forensic science as a police officer, and my pay would increase after five years,” Francis explained. “I also enjoyed working with the police officers, so it felt like a natural transition.”
After completing the academy, she was assigned to Brooklyn North, a challenging yet formative experience that helped shape her policing career. Rising through the ranks, she became a sergeant and later a lieutenant, gaining recognition for her leadership in the NYPD’s Detective Bureau. Her dedication and hard work led to a groundbreaking promotion as the first woman detective squad commander in several precincts.
“I never thought about how big of a deal it would be to be a woman in this job,” Francis said. “As Caribbean people, we’re taught to focus on the task at hand and not who is doing it. But once I started rising through the ranks, I realized I was often breaking barriers.”
In her various leadership roles, she has worked closely with diverse communities. Now, as commanding officer of the Grand Larceny Division, Francis is responsible for investigating high-profile financial crimes in the city. She remains committed to mentorship and representation, encouraging other women — especially Caribbean women — to pursue careers in law enforcement.
“I have to make sure I do the best job I can so that other women feel comfortable stepping into leadership roles as well,” she said. “The NYPD has been good to me, and I want to pay it forward.”
Francis, a wife and mother, has built an exceptional life, rising from a determined young immigrant to a trailblazing leader in the NYPD. Her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to service. As she continues to lead, Francis hopes to inspire the next generation of Caribbean professionals to break barriers and excel in their fields.
