School Resource Officer Skyy Calice-McDowell was inspired to join the profession of her father, who is a police officer. During her teenage years, she witnessed distrust for the police among her peers due to their personal or familial experiences, which often left her wondering what role she could play in bridging the gap between the community and police.
Her ideas of working with the youth to show the human side of policing came to fruition shortly after joining the Aurora Police Department in 2013. Noticing the rising crime rates among young women, one of her programs that has gained major traction within the community is Girls Run the World Aurora. Through the generous support of City officials, corporations, and community partners, Officer Calice-McDowell and her team have created an infrastructure to support, encourage, and uplift young women in their personal and professional endeavors. The grassroots fundraising efforts resulted in more than $20,000 for academic scholarships. Under Officer Calice-McDowell’s leadership, the program has grown to several campuses and is a signature program supported by the Aurora Police Department.
Not only does she instruct and mentor young women, but Officer Calice-McDowell has become a certified ALICE Active Shooter Response instructor, Axon Taser instructor, Crime Free Multi-Housing instructor, Law Enforcement Youth Academy instructor, and Suburban Law Enforcement Academy instructor. Although the countless awards and recognitions she has received showcase her professionalism and dedication, it is her unyielding dedication to the safety and welfare of others that makes her stand out.
“I aspired to be a part of a noble profession, one where you lay your life on the line for a stranger because you are called to do so.”
The 2022 IACP/T-Mobile Award honored 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify a commitment to their profession.
— International Association of Chiefs of Police