Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a nationally recognized leader in policing culture, community safety, bias/equity, and wellness. A retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Police Department, she has dedicated her career to transforming the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

In addition to her policy and advocacy work, she is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, teaching leadership, community dialogue, and law enforcement and community safety.

A certified mindfulness and yoga instructor, Dr. Keesee is also the founder of Respect the Om, a wellness initiative creating healing spaces for those in high-stress professions. Her work bridges research, practice, and human connection—helping shape public safety systems that are just, inclusive, and rooted in community trust.