Jacqueline Yvonne Ratcliff Brown (1950–2022) was a trailblazing Erie, PA native and the first African American and first female Deputy Chief of Detectives for the Erie Bureau of Police. Serving for 31 years (1974–2005), she broke significant racial and gender barriers, retiring as the highest-ranking African American and female officer in the department's history. 

Key Historical Highlights:

• Early Life & Education: Born in Erie to Bishop Tony and Pastor Aseline Ratcliff, she graduated from Strong Vincent High School and earned a psychology degree from Edinboro University.
• Police Career: Joined the force in 1974 during a time when it was unwelcoming to women and minorities. She spent over a decade in the patrol division before becoming a detective.
• Historic Promotion: In 2001, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Detectives, becoming the first Black officer to hold that position in city history.
• Legacy: Known as a "tough-but-fair" investigator who broke down barriers, she retired in 2005, according to GoErie.com.
• Community Impact: She was active in her faith community and established the Bishop T.R. Ratcliff College Fund in honor of her father. GoErie.com +3
  She passed away on September 25, 2022, and is remembered as a pioneering figure in Erie's civic history.