Captain Monica Lisle retired from the Alexandria Police Department this week after 23½ years of service, marking the end of a groundbreaking career that saw her become the first woman to lead the department’s Criminal Investigations Section.
The retirement comes just one day after ALXnow reported that Captain Courtney Ballantine retired from APD last month after 25 years to join Georgetown University Police as deputy chief.
The Alexandria Police Department announced Lisle’s retirement on Thursday on Instagram, highlighting her historic achievements within the 150-year-old department.
Lisle began her career with APD on Jan. 14, 2002, and rose through the ranks to serve in multiple divisions, including Patrol Operations, the Community Support Section, the Tactical-Anti Crime Unit, Administrative Support Bureau, Criminal Investigations, and the Office of Professional Responsibility.
In addition to commanding the Criminal Investigations Section, Lisle was one of only five women from APD to attend the FBI National Academy, an elite training program for law enforcement leaders.
“Captain Lisle’s career has been nothing short of historic,” the department stated in its social media post.
The department praised Lisle as a mentor and role model who “inspired those around her with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.”
“When you see something special in someone or your team, let them know and instill that confidence,” Lisle said in a quote included in the department’s announcement.
The Alexandria Police Department thanked Lisle for her “outstanding contributions” and said she “paved the pathway for others” while leaving behind “a legacy of leadership, excellence, and friendship.”
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