Announced on Wednesday, the Maui Police Department is promoting Joy Medeiros to the rank of assistant chief. Maui Police Department Courtesy photo

The Maui Police Department is promoting Joy Medeiros to the rank of assistant chief, marking the first time in department history that a woman has held the role.

According to the department, the groundbreaking achievement not only sets a precedent for future female leadership within the department, but it also serves to inspire organizational transformation as Medeiros becomes the highest-ranking woman ever at MPD.

Policework is a male-dominated profession. The number of female police officers continues to grow across the U.S., but it still remains under 12% of the total force, according to the National Policing Institute.

Additionally, the number of women in leadership positions is even smaller with research showing that just 3% of executive-level positions in law enforcement are held by women.

Officials at MPD say that by elevating diversity in leadership roles within the department, Medeiros’ appointment has the potential to influence recruitment, enhance workplace culture and pave the way for greater inclusivity in future promotions.

“Assistant Chief Medeiros exemplifies the values of service, integrity and leadership that define our department,” Maui Chief of Police John Pelletier said in a statement. “From day one, I’ve said that I would promote individuals based on the content of their character and the strength of their work ethic. Assistant Chief Medeiros embodies both. Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to our officers and our community make her an exceptional leader. This historic promotion reflects not only her individual achievements but also our collective progress as an organization.”

According to MPD, Medeiros’ promotion will take effect Friday, and she will assume command of the Uniformed Services Bureau on Oct. 16.

Medeiros joined MPD in 2005, beginning her career as a police officer in the Wailuku Patrol District. She was honored as Maui County’s Officer of the Year by the Hawaii State Law Enforcement Officers Association in 2010 and recognized as the department’s Woman of Excellence in 2018.

Throughout her 20 years of service, Medeiros’ assignments have included the Hana Patrol District, Lahaina Patrol District and Lanai Patrol District. After her promotion to captain in 2023, she led the Quality Assurance and Plans & Training Sections.

Medeiros has also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is pursuing a master’s degree in justice administration.

Medeiros holds several certifications, including Police Kinesiology Specialist, Arrest Defense Tactics Instructor, Cooper Law Enforcement Fitness Instructor, Public Safety Wellness Fitness Instructor, Master Taser Instructor, ALERRT Active Shooter Instructor and FBI Law Enforcement Instructor.

MPD added that Medeiros has started and led several new programs at the department, such as EPIC, Program INSPIRE and the Mobile Medical Educational Unit. Her most recent project, Project Live In Your Truth, began in 2023 to support youth who are unsheltered, facing mental health challenges, substance use or are at risk. This program helps young people see their potential and opportunities.

Outside of her work with the Maui Police Department, Medeiros serves on the executive board of the FBI National Academy Associates Hawaiʻi Chapter and on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and fostering confidence and freedom through hula and the performing arts. The organization actively participates in community volunteer events throughout the year.