Minneapolis Police Department Celebrates Commander Yolanda Wilks During Black History Month

Minneapolis Police Department Celebrates Commander Yolanda Wilks During Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Minneapolis Police Department has turned the spotlight on one of their own, Commander Yolanda Wilks, who has dedicated nearly two decades to law enforcement in the city. The MPD shared Wilks's journey and achievements in a recent social media post, giving voice to her experiences and motivations.

An alumna of both Metropolitan State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, and the University of St. Thomas, where she completed a master's in Public Safety and Leadership, Wilks also boasts graduation from the FBI National Academy, Class 291. Before rising to the rank of Commander, she cut her teeth as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division, in addition to teaching as a Procedural Justice Instructor and a part-time Use of Force Instructor. "I hold a master’s degree in Public Safety and Leadership from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State University. Most recently, I graduated from the FBI National Academy, Class 291," Wilks shared in the MPD post.

Wilks joined the police force out of a conviction for effecting change and standing as part of the solution rather than just a voice of discontent. Her mantra, inherited from a mentor, is a call to action for all those who seek to make a difference: "Be the change you want to see. Don’t just complain—be part of the solution," she expressed in the MPD tribute. This philosophy has propelled her through a career of service and advocacy within the complex dynamics of urban law enforcement.

Her role in the Minneapolis Police Department extends beyond that of a keeper of peace, as it underscores a familial tradition shrouded in shared service. "While I was the first in my immediate family to become a police officer, I later discovered that three of my relatives also served in similar roles," Wilks reflected on the familial connections to her career. The Commander views her profession as a platform for helping others, one with which she can't envision an equivalent alternative in terms of impact and personal fulfillment.

As Minneapolis and the nation reflect on the legacies and current contributions of Black professionals during this month, Commander Wilks stands out as a testament to the ideals of service and leadership that are hallmarks of Black History Month. With her story, MPD aims not only to honor an individual but also to inspire the community with a living example of commitment and transformative work in law enforcement.

SOURCE: hoodline