WHILE many young girls were playing with dolls and planning make-believe tea parties, Makinney Walker dreamt of becoming a police officer.
“This was always my childhood dream,” she told WMN.
“Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to be there for the community and be able to relate to them, to let everybody know if they needed anything they can ask questions. I wanted to be able to ensure that every citizen is treated equally and that there was fairness among the people.”
At the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland, where she has been assigned for over three years, Walker has been attempting do just that – ensuring its citizens are exposed to opportunities regardless of their social standing.
Apart from serving and protecting Baltimore’s residents, Walker has been helping to develop the city by providing an accommodating, nurturing environment, particularly for its disadvantaged youth.
With limited resources, Walker started a book reading campaign for underprivileged children in 2021 in which she accumulated over 200 books and school supplies.
She said the ongoing initiative is also a way to help promote a greater synergy between the police and its residents.
[caption id="attachment_1017215" align="alignnone" width="768"] Makinney Walker has been assigned to the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland for over three years. -[/caption]
“My goal is to inspire creativity, develop confidence and develop a love of reading in children by providing them with books. This project is a way to give back to the community while helping me to engage with it by bridging the gap between the department and the community.”
Originally from Wall Street, Calvary Hill, Arima, Walker moved to the US in 2009 to fulfil her dream of becoming a police officer.
Over the past two years, she has been assigned to the Central District patrol B/C unit and in September 2022, received the Officer of the Month award for her commitment and dedication.
Walker, a practising Muslim, said her faith has not stymied her career but enhanced it. In fact, she is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice and a diploma in Arabic Language and conversation.
As the district’s Islamic liaison officer, Walker communicates with all of the masjids in Baltimore as well as people who may be visiting the city or new residents coming from different Arabic-speaking countries.
“As a Muslim from a young age, I bring a wealth of Islamic knowledge to the department. My knowledge of Islam is invaluable in helping other officers better understand the Muslim community by enabling them to deal with issues and situations involving Muslims.”
She said she decided to pursue a criminal justice degree to enhance her understanding of the American criminal justice system.
“I am passionate about helping others in times of need. The criminal justice system works together to protect people and prevent and control crime.”
Walker, whose husband is also a police officer, described the Baltimore Police Department as “a great department and equal opportunity em
