Anita graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio. She went on to attend The Ohio State University and the University of Toledo where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. After pursuing her career in law enforcement, she obtained a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with emphasis on law enforcement from Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona. She spent nearly 23 years with the Toledo Police Department. The majority of her career was spent in Community Services first as a School Resource Officer (SRO) then a Community Service Officer (CSO). She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2007 and was assigned to Operations as a patrol supervisor until she was reassigned to the Internal Affairs Unit.
In 2013, she returned to Community Services as the Project Manager of a new strategy, Toledo Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (TCIRV). The strategy was being adopted across the state of Ohio. With her years of experience in community engagement along with her natural ability to communicate with others, she was able to build one of the largest collaborations between law enforcement and the community. In 2015, TCIRV was moved from Community Services to Special Operations/Gang Unit. The move brought additional experience in gang recognition and tactical operations. She served in that capacity until retiring in July of 2016.
After retirement she started ARM Consulting Services, LLC originally as a way to assist police agencies, and community organizations in establishing positive relationships through collaboration. Her consulting has expanded to include any entity seeking to engage the community. She also provides guidance as it relates to all safety and security. Her true passion has always been serving the community. Her innovative approach to community engagement is the reason she continues to serve as facilitator of the Toledo Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board. She is an Adjunct Professor at Owens Community College where she teaches criminal justice.
Anita participates in many civic organizations and serves on numerous boards including S.T.R.I.V.E Toledo Inc. an organization which focuses on positive police-youth relationships, the Toledo Branch NAACP, Zepf Center, a mental health organization, Area Office on Aging Advisory Board as well as the president of the African American Police League (AAPL) where she oversees a mentoring program of minority candidates interested in becoming police officers. She loves working in Ministry. She has two adult children and four grandchildren.
