Baltimore County Police Department Names First Hispanic Major and its First Jamaican-born Forensic Lab Director

ORIGINAL September 12, 2023

The Baltimore County Police Department is proud to announce several groundbreaking promotions, which will take place later this week during a promotion ceremony that will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, located at 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., 21117. On Thursday, September 14, at 6 p.m., 31-year-veteran Captain Michael Cortes III will become the first Hispanic promoted to the rank of Major in the 149-year history of the police department. Cortes’ rise to Major adds to the list of his many firsts within the Department. In 2016, Cortes became the first Hispanic officer to become Captain in BCoPD history.

Captain Cortes, the son of Sonia Cortes and the late NYPD Highway Patrolman (Ret) Michael A. Cortes, is of Puerto Rican descent. Captain Cortes’ mother, younger sister, wife, and two sons will attend Thursday’s promotion ceremony. Both of Cortes’ sons, who are also pursuing careers in law enforcement, will take the stage during Thursday’s badge-pinning ceremony.

Also making history is Kerri-Ann Lawrence, who will become the first Jamaican-born Lab Director of the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department. The 19-year-veteran holds a Master’s of Science in Intelligence Analysis from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s of Science in Forensic Science from National University. Kerri-Ann also served eight years in the U.S. Army and Maryland Army National Guard. Kerri-Ann’s brother is an officer with six years in the BCoPD. Director Lawrence’s husband and other family members will be attending the promotion ceremony.

In addition to achieving greater ethnic diversity in the high ranks of the Department, 12 women who are sworn or professional staff members will also be promoted.

These promotions further Chief Robert McCullough’s commitment to delivering a more diverse police department that reflects the communities that makeup Baltimore County.

“The ranks of the Baltimore County Police Department are made up of individuals of every background who are highly skilled and passionate about their role in keeping all communities across Baltimore County safe places to live, work, and raise our families,” said Chief Robert McCullough. “Promoting individuals like Major Cortes and Director Lawrence to leadership roles demonstrates how hard work and dedication are rewarded in our Department and highlights our commitment to supporting a diverse workforce. My hope is that these firsts will inspire further confidence from our community and encourage other members of our agency to put no limits on what they can accomplish with a career in law enforcement.”

The members recognized during this promotion ceremony consist of 40 sworn and eight professional staff members who bring decades of service, experience, and knowledge to their positions. “These qualified leaders will ensure we maintain the highest level of service to our communities,” said Chief McCullough.