Yale Police Hosts Swearing-in Ceremony and Promotes First Female Assistant Chief

On Jan. 12, the Yale University Police Department swore in Rose Dell ’97, formerly a captain with the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), as assistant chief of patrol operations, making her the first woman to hold the position in the department’s long history.

The department also promoted Yale Police Officers Gregg Curran and Raymond DeJesus to the rank of detective and Officer Gabrielle Cotto to the rank of sergeant. Former NHPD Captain John Healy was sworn in as captain of patrol.

Chief Anthony Campbell ’95, ’09 M.Div said the swearing-in ceremony was a significant occasion because it not only marked one of the largest promotions in the police department’s history but also historic because the department promoted its first female to the rank of assistant chief.

Dell said she is excited to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of Yale University. She is honored to have the opportunity to serve and protect the esteemed institution and its diverse community.

“I am honored to be a trailblazer, showing the world that women can excel in any field and that their voices and perspectives are invaluable,” said Dell.

Dell worked for the NHPD for 15 years and achieved the rank of captain before joining Yale. She is a trained fatal accident reconstructionist and has investigated nearly 200 fatal and serious injury crashes. She rose through the ranks and was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Dell handled cases of officer misconduct and officer-involved shootings and assisted in developing more than 80 policies and procedures for the department. She spearheaded the implementation of a body-worn camera program for sworn officers and oversaw various departments.

Dell is responsible for the Patrol Operations Division at Yale.