Chief's Welcome

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to the Brattleboro Police Department’s website. The Brattleboro Police Department is an integral part of this community’s fabric, and we are effective because of the trust and support of those we serve have in us. Integrity, transparency, and accountability are among our highest priorities with a focus on reducing crime and the fear of crime.

Brattleboro’s unique diversity shapes the way we deliver our services and accomplish our mission. With a resident population of 12,000, we face challenges along with exciting opportunities. We continue to build on strong partnerships with our citizens, merchants, government agencies and grass root organizations. Please enjoy searching our website. If you have a question, concern, complaint, or compliment, I welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you. 

— Chief Norma Hardy
Please contact me at [email protected] or 802-257-7950.

Background

Norma Hardy joined the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey in May of 1992 and graduated in October of 1992. Her first assignment as a Police Officer was at the World Trade Center Command. She was assigned at the Trade Center in February of 1993 during the first attack on the towers and was awarded the World Trade Center Medal of Valor for individual acts of courage.

Norma was assigned to PATH during the September 11 attacks. She worked on teams throughout the rescue and recovery effort and was awarded the WTC Commendatory Medal. 

In 2011 Norma was promoted to the rank of Inspector. She was the first African American woman in the history of the PAPD to obtain this rank. 

On August 29, 2013 Norma was promoted as the first woman to reach the rank of Assistant Chief of the PAPD.
She is the recipient of many leadership awards from various law enforcement agencies and was named Officer of The Year by The International Association of Women Police in 2014.  She is a published poet and a public speaker. She also sits on the board of Feel The Music which is a non-profit organization that brings music to the lives of those who have suffered trauma, are fighting cancer and are visually impaired. Norma retired from the PAPD in July of 2018.

In July of 2021 Norma returned to law enforcement as Chief of the Brattleboro Vermont Police Department. She is the first African American woman to become a Police Chief in the State of Vermont.