Meet the first-ever Black woman lieutenant in the Hampton Police Department who started as a clerk

Before becoming an officer in 2008, Ashley Jenrette worked as a civilian information clerk for the Hampton Police Department (HPD) for two years starting in 2006. She now holds the distinction of becoming the department’s first Black female lieutenant.

During her pinning ceremony, the trailblazer told WTKR, “The first Black female lieutenant was something that one day was bound to happen. The fact that it’s me is something that makes me proud, but more than that, it’s a huge step for the division as far as diversity.”

Growing up in a high-crime neighborhood, the Hampton native was motivated to become an officer to build trusting relationships between the community and the HPD.

After joining the force, Jenrette advanced through the ranks swiftly, holding the roles of senior police officer in 2014, corporal in 2016, and sergeant in 2019.

She said that her recent position was not the consequence of her race or gender, but rather of the years of hard labor and the efforts of countless women who opened the door for her.

In addition to her achievements as a lieutenant, Jenrette and her spouse, Asa, have been involved in the Virginia Eagles Athletic Association since 2016. The organization has benefited hundreds of residents by providing youths with numerous sports opportunities.

She noted, “When I look back, I realize that so much of what I do has been about serving others. We see sports as an opportunity to get into individuals’ lives at a young age and hopefully make them productive adults by teaching life skills through sports.”