Chief Cynthia Herriott Joins JSI as VP of Law Enforcement

Justice Speakers Institute (JSI) is proud to welcome Chief Cynthia Herriott as its Vice President of Law Enforcement, joining JSI’s leadership team alongside the Institute’s co-founders, Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) and David Wallace, (the Traffic Safety Guy) and Chief Mack Jenkins, Vice President of Community Supervision.

“I am honored to be a part of JSI and to contribute to its mission of advancing justice through education and collaboration,” said Herriott. “The work of JSI aligns with my passion for evidence-based policing and my commitment to improving community-law enforcement relations. I look forward to working alongside these dedicated professionals who share a vision for a fair and effective justice system.”

Herriott brings a wealth of experience to JSI, having served as the Chief of the Rochester Police Department, where she made significant strides in public safety initiatives and community engagement. As chief, she implemented a public 90-day plan, developed a Protest Plan Protocol ensuring peaceful demonstrations, and enacted key policies like Duty to Intervene and Limited Use of Force against juveniles.  She is a recognized leader in law enforcement policy and training, with expertise inprocedural justice, police reform, addressing substance use dependency, and behavioral health.

JSI Co-President Judge Brian MacKenzie remarked, “Cynthia’s leadership and law enforcement expertise make her a valuable addition to our team. With experience in policy development and fair policing, she has trained Treatment Court Teams, established a Community Court Academy, and founded the Community Justice Forum to address justice disparities. She works nationally and internationally to strengthen law enforcement-court collaboration, promoting fairness and community trust.”

A Wealth of Experience

In addition to her law enforcement career, Herriott has trained Treatment Court Teams, established one of the first Community Court Academies, and founded the Community Justice Forum to address disparities in the justice system. She works nationally and internationally to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and the courts, focusing on policies that promote fairness and community trust. 

“I have long admired Cynthia Herriott’s work in law enforcement and criminal justice reform,” said JSI Co-President David Wallace. “Her dedication to advancing best practices in policing and her ability to foster meaningful change make her a perfect fit for JSI.”

Cynthia Herriott holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University. She continues to serve as a speaker and consultant on justice-related issues, helping to shape policies that promote public safety, community trust, and effective policing.