The Speaker

Crystal Williams-Coleman was born in Harlem, New York. Crystal has been employed with the Philadelphia Police Department for 32 years and recently retired in January of 2019. During her employment she has been assigned to the 25th District, Juvenile Aid Division (JAD), Special Victims Unit and Homicide Division until her retirement.

Crystal is a dedicated member of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers Inc (NABLEO), currently serving as National Vice Chairperson, President of the Guardian Civic League, member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Chairperson of Broad of Director’s Law Enforcement Health Benefits (LEHB). Her rare qualities, coupled with her friendly personality and quick wit, allow her to establish and maintain an atmosphere of pride and professionalism in her daily environment. Crystal is a positive motivator who displays compassion, decisiveness and determination. She has never been afraid to speak out about unfair treatment directed towards the community or law enforcement officers.

Crystal has handled many cases during her years of service. She was afforded the opportunity to appear on the Next 48, investigating the case involving The Kensington Strangler and throughout her career work with many great officers including the late Lauretha Vaird, the first African American Female Police Officer killed in the line of duty in the City of Philadelphia.

She serves as the moderator for this program.

The Workshop

Has Police Sexual Misconduct Escaped the #METOO Movement? : Thursday, September 30, 2021 01:00P

Activism in our city’s, our towns, and on our campuses and through social media has ushered in a new sense of awareness in America. Police leaders have had to review and update polices, provide training, and sharpen their awareness around the issues and behaviors driving conversations in their communities. The #MeToo movement raises awareness around the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in our society; to get women, and men, to raise their hands. In December 2017, Newsweek printed an article authored by Roger Goldman titled “WHY HAS POLICE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ESCAPED THE #METOO MOVEMENT”? http://www.newsweek.com/metoo-ignore-police-sexual-misconduct-757033. The article’s opening paragraph reads: as victims of sexual assault from the entertainment industry, Silicon Valley, the news business and even the halls of Congress have begun to confront their abusers, at least one group has remained conspicuously silent. And it’s not for lack of numbers.

What is the role of law enforcement executives who have a duty to prevent sexual victimization, to ensure it is not perpetrated by their officers, and to take every step possible to ensure the safety and dignity of everyone in the community?” This panel discussion will examine this question through the lens of several female law enforcement officers, followed by a discussion on some of the key takeaways.