Janell Simpson Becomes First Latina Deputy Chief for Camden County Police
Photo of Deputy Chief Janell Simpson courtesy of Camden County Government.
AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — Camden native Janell Simpson became the first Latina to be named deputy chief of the Camden County Police Department on Friday, July 15, highlighting her more than 20 years of work in law enforcement.
Simpson was sworn in by Commissioner Louis Cappelli Jr., Chief Gabe Rodriguez and Mayor Vic Carstarphen.
“In everything I have done over the last 20 years, the love for my city was always in the forefront,” Simpson said in a statement released by the Camden County officials. “I was born and raised here so to be able to serve and protect the community that made me who I am, it’s a constant motivator to continue with my career.”
Simpson joined the Camden County Police Department in 2013 and promoted to sergeant of the Special Victims Unit, where she supervised the missing persons and juvenile bureau.
In 2017, Simpson became only the second Latina to earn the rank of lieutenant in the department and in January 2021, she was named captain of the internal affairs unit. After serving as the commander for general investigations unit, Simpson was promoted to her current position of deputy chief.
“I never imagined that I would make it this far, but I am overjoyed that this is a reality,” Simpson said. “I want to thank this city, its people and the Camden County Police Department for allowing me to achieve all that I have over the years.”
Cappelli said Simpson has served in a critical position at the Camden County Police Department over the last almost 10 years with the majority of that time focused on special victims. He said her dedication, compassion, hard work and undying love for the city and its residents has allowed her to help this department create a brighter future for Camden.
“We are incredibly grateful to have her and we’re eager to see all that she will accomplish moving forward in the top command of the agency,” Cappelli said.”
Rodriguez said Simpson was his field training officer when he graduated from the academy and it was his honor to swear her in.
“I know her commitment to the community and I know she will continue to help us build a better agency as we move forward,” Rodriguez said.
Carstarphen said Simpson’s advancement was “well deserved.”
“She is an incredible person, a dedicated officer and fully committed to the Camden community,” Carstarphen said. ” As our first deputy chief, Janell is shattering glass ceilings and will inspire other young ladies who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement.”
While serving in her various roles with CCPD, Simpson has always prioritized interacting with the residents of the city to build bridges between the community and the police department, the agency said.
“Deputy Chief Simpson’s hard work and dedication to the force cannot be undermined,” the department said in a statement. “Simpson’s presence has aided in the progress this department has seen over the last nine years.
“And although she is proud of her achievements, Simpson remains humble, devoted to the residents of Camden and determined to continue to bridge the gap and build trust between the department and the community.”
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