Dorothy “Annie” Todd sworn in as new Cleveland Police Deputy Chief; DC Joellen O’Neill retires after 30 years of service

Sept. 12, 2022 — Cleveland, OH — Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Chief Director of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard and Police Chief Wayne Drummond are pleased to announce that Commander Dorothy “Annie” Todd has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief/Chief of Staff for the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP). Deputy Chief Todd was sworn in by Mayor Bibb earlier this morning and fills the role vacated by Deputy Chief Joellen O’Neill, who retired on Friday after eight years as deputy chief and 30 years of service with CDP.  
 
Deputy Chief Dorothy Todd most recently was commander of CDP’s Third District. She has served as the incident commander for high-profile events within the downtown area, including presidential visits and debates, MLB All-Star, the NFL Draft, NBA All-Star, and the Cleveland Air Show, along with numerous parades, marches, demonstrations and festivals. 
 
“Deputy Chief Todd is an effective and empathetic leader who has spent the last 21 years protecting and serving the city. We are delighted to recognize her accomplishments and welcome her to this new role,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “We are also deeply grateful to Deputy Chief O’Neill for 30 years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”  
 
Deputy Chief Todd was appointed to CDP in September 2000. She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2012, and to lieutenant in 2017. In 2019, she was promoted to the rank of commander of the Third District, overseeing many of the City’s vibrant neighborhoods including Downtown, Fairfax, Hough, Central, and Little Italy. She has served in supervisory roles in the First District and the Office of the Chief and is the recipient of multiple awards including the Medal of Heroism and the Distinguished Service Medal. 
 
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Annie Todd as Deputy Chief,” said Police Chief Wayne Drummond. “I have watched Deputy Chief Todd’s actions over the course of many operations and have seen her perform at a high level as a district commander over the years. I am confident she is the right person for this role, and I look forward to working with her.” 
 
Joellen O’Neill served CDP for 30 years, most recently as Deputy Chief and Executive Officer working directly under the Chief of Police. For the last eight years she has been responsible for the daily operation of the Division and the chief’s office including the Bureau of Compliance and acting as chief when needed.  
 
Deputy Chief O’Neill has been instrumental in countless high-level projects and operations, including the implementation of compliance procedures with the Consent Decree, initiating the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee with the ADAMHS Board, acting as the interim CIT coordinator, managing the entire police budget, moving technology integration and improvements forward, performance management and promotional assessments.  
 
She also brought the IACP’s Leadership in Police Organization training program to the Division, which is now taught by trained CDP instructors. Deputy Chief O’Neill received several awards throughout her career including the Chief’s Meritorious Service Award. 
 
“I have served the Division of Police alongside Deputy Chief Joellen O’Neill for many years and value our relationship as colleagues and as friends,” said Police Chief Wayne Drummond.  “Joellen has served with great integrity and has always had the best interest of the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Police officers at heart. I will miss working with her and wish her the very best in her retirement.” 
 
Deputy Chief O’Neill was appointed to CDP in January of 1992. She worked basic patrol in the Third District and as a detective in the Crime Scene Unit.  
 
She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2001, to lieutenant in 2003 and appointed to commander of human resources/support services in 2006. She was also promoted to the civil service rank of captain in 2012 but remained in her appointed commander position. In 2014, she was promoted to the rank of deputy chief where she served until her retirement on Friday, September 9, 2022.  
 
Deputy Chief O’Neill has also served in supervisory roles in the Communications Control Section, the Fourth District, the Personnel Unit, the Fifth District and the Personnel Section.  She is a graduate of John Carroll University as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. 
 
“Deputy Chief Joellen O'Neill has been a tireless champion, dedicated to the citizens of Cleveland and the advancement of the Cleveland Division of Police," said Chief Director of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard. "Her leadership and knowledge will be truly missed. We wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement."