Spotlight of the Week: 1st Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts – Leading with Dedication and Service
This week, we proudly feature 1st Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts, a trailblazer in law enforcement and a dedicated advocate for child protection and community safety. Chief Potts has made significant strides in addressing issues of gun violence and ensuring a safer environment for the children of Columbus.
As one of the first outside-hired police executives in the history of the Columbus Police Department (CPD), alongside Chief Elaine R. Bryant, Chief Potts has been instrumental in fostering change since her appointment on June 21, 2021 by Mayor Ginther. She brought with her over 24 years of law enforcement experience from the Detroit Police Department, where her career began in 1997, shortly after high school.
Since joining CPD, Chief Potts has led efforts to reduce violence, especially gun violence, that affects children. Under her leadership, the number of homicides has decreased, but Chief Potts remains committed to further reducing the tragic loss of young lives. “Sixty-nine homicides are sixty-nine too many,” she says, but she also notes that Columbus is moving in the right direction. Her goal is to continue lowering the number of children affected by gun violence, a crisis she passionately addresses.
Chief Potts’ approach focuses not only on law enforcement but on community engagement. She works closely with organizations like Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children and the city’s Office of Violence Prevention to ensure that parents, guardians, and the broader community are part of the solution.
A significant part of her message is the need for adults to be aware of where their children are, while addressing the broader issue of easy access to firearms and the lack of de-escalation skills among young people. “This is a gun problem,” she says, emphasizing that while officers work diligently, it is essential to tackle the root causes of violence.
In her role as 1st Assistant Chief, Potts oversees several critical bureaus and units, including Support Operations, Special Operations, Public Accountability, Recruiting, Cadets, and the Public Corruption Task Force. She has been a strong advocate for recruiting officers committed to serving with integrity and community focus, ensuring that future generations of law enforcement are equipped to protect and serve the public, especially children.
Chief Potts has consistently demonstrated a hands-on approach, spearheading citywide initiatives that build trust and transparency between the police and the community. Her leadership has made her a well-respected figure, both within law enforcement and among civilians, particularly families who look to her for ensuring their children’s safety.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Chief Potts has received numerous awards for her work in rebuilding community relations, particularly in areas involving children and youth safety. She is a driving force in public accountability, making sure that children in Columbus are not just protected, but that they grow up in communities where trust between law enforcement and families is prioritized.
Chief Potts’ compassion, leadership, and tireless work in ensuring a safer Columbus for our children make her an exemplary figure in law enforcement. Her commitment to reducing violence and building stronger communities will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, not only on the city of Columbus but on the many children whose lives she continues to touch and protect.
