Donna Brown

I began my twenty-six-year career in law enforcement when women were still relatively new to the profession. Like most new police officers, I began my career working the streets answering calls for service. Within a few years, I started training new recruits and turned that passion into teaching department wide, at the academy, and to community groups. 
When I was promoted to sergeant, I remained on the streets and continued training new recruits. Career progression moved me to the Criminal Investigation Division where I spent fifteen years, ten years supervising the Homicide Unit. 
I received the Tallahassee Police Department’s award for bravery and the inaugural Commander and Chief’s Award for Excellence, which at that time was the department’s award for Officer of the Year. I was also recognized for my part with the Tallahassee Police Department’s team that responded to South Florida days after Hurricane Andrew devastated that area. 
There is so much more behind the badge that people don’t realize or understand. I spent much of my career speaking to citizen groups in hope of educating and broadening minds about law enforcement.  Most people see a badge, behind and beyond the badge is what they need know, the person.  That became my impetus for writing "Behind and Beyond the Badge."  This thought, “My book doesn’t have the power to change minds but perhaps by offering a different perspective I can open them”  has become my mantra.  

In 2018, my first book won two gold medals in nonfiction categories in the Florida Authors and Publisher's President Book Awards. I have been a guest speaker at numerous civic groups, professional groups and to Criminal Justice student groups on college campuses.  I enjoy public speaking, participating in book signings and public book readings because I love to interact with the community and meet new folks.

The response to my first book was overwhelmingly positive so I decided to write Volume II.  This book won two awards in the 2019 FAPA President's Book Awards, silver in nonfiction and gold in Political/Current Events. Volume II was also a finalist in the International Book Awards in the Nonfiction:True Crime category.
I grew up in Titusville, Florida, when the space industry was flourishing. Return trips are not as frequent as I'd like, but it’s a place that I will always consider home. After graduating from high school, I moved to Tallahassee, Florida, obtained my bachelor of science degree in criminology from Florida State University in 1979. I'm a proud Seminole!
I am married, and together, we enjoy spending time with our four-legged fur babies, friends, and family, as well as playing golf. I'm an avid reader and my to be read stack of books is always full!