Cerelyn “CJ” Davis has led the Memphis Police Department since 2021, and is the City’s first female police chief. With more than 35 years of experience in the law enforcement profession, Davis has focused on holistic interagency wraparound services and transformational policing for crime reduction; the practical application of the latest tools in technology, predictive policing, leadership development, and all-important community engagement strongly influences Davis’ research-driven work.

She began her career with the City of Atlanta Police Department, where she learned the importance of forging relationships with Atlanta’s diverse community.  She was assigned various specialized assignments and quickly moved through the ranks, working as an Investigator in Licenses & Permits, a supervisor in Background & Recruitment, Special Victims, and Executive Officer to the Chief of Public Affairs, Homeland Security, & Organized Crime. After becoming Deputy Chief, she led the Strategies & Special Projects Division, overseeing the Department’s new Video Integration Center. Davis retired in June 2016 to become the  Chief of Police for the City of Durham, NC.

She serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) board of directors and was appointed to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s Racial Equity in Criminal Justice Task Force. Davis has received numerous awards and commendations throughout her career, including Atlanta Police Supervisor of the Year. She was featured in OPRAH ‘O’ Magazine as the “Women Rule” competition winner, where she was recognized for establishing a women’s mentoring initiative entitled “Sisters-In-Law.” In 2013, she was featured in Atlanta’s Women Looking Ahead Magazine as one of Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women.

Davis has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in General Administration. She has been the proud wife of a supportive husband (retired law enforcement) for almost 30 years and the mother of one daughter.