About Jennifer Knight
Jennifer Knight, Deputy Police Chief (Ret.) in Columbus, Ohio, is known for dynamic
leadership, innovative community engagement, and excellence in the field of law
enforcement.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Ms. Knight worked full-time while
attending law school at Capital University. Upon graduation, she obtained her Juris Doctor
and was granted the National Women’s Law Association Award of Excellence.
Promoting quality leadership and communication in the field of law enforcement, Ms. Knight
is a strong advocate for women within the profession. She is passionate about community
engagement and has implemented several innovative projects designed to connect the
agency with local citizens.
Ms. Knight is passionate and active in human trafficking prevention and supports nonprofits
that assist trafficking victims. Her efforts include developing educational materials, writing
legislation, and scaling a 38-story building to raise money for GraceHaven, a local non-profit
providing shelter and support services for human trafficking survivors.
In 2023, after over 26 years in law enforcement, Ms. Knight left the field of law enforcement to
pursue an opportunity with Front Line Advisors, LLC, a partnership of legal professionals
focused on defending and supporting law enforcement professionals in the Greater
Cincinnati, Ohio, area.
In her free time, Ms. Knight trains for the more than thirty road races, from 5Ks to marathons,
that she runs annually. She spends weekends with her husband and family and is an avid
Ohio State football fan.Professional History
Jennifer Knight's Distinguished Career in Law Enforcement
Front Line Advisors, LLC
(January 2023 - Present)City of Columbus Division of Police
Deputy Chief of Police (February 2019 - January 2023)
Police Commander (October 2012 - February 2019)
Police Lieutenant (2009 - 2012)
Capital University Law School
Juris Doctorate, Law (2012-2016)
Causes & Organizations
Causes and Organizations Jennifer Knight Supports
Over the Edge to Fight Child Sex Trafficking is Gracehaven's annual event to raise funds and awareness for the trafficking and exploitation of minors. Individuals raise a minimum of $1,250 to rappel 26 stories down The Chase Tower in downtown Columbus. More than 1,100 youth are victims of sex-trafficking in Ohio every year. Gracehaven directly serves about 120 individuals and more than 1,000 minors and adults through prevention education.
Books & Badges enables law enforcement officers to read to elementary school students, and Starfish Assignment then gives every child a copy of the book the officer reads. Each book has a bookplate in it that says it’s a gift from their law enforcement friends.
News
Jennifer Knight in the News
Columbus deputy chief rappels down Chase Tower to help victims of child sex trafficking
Columbus Police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight is taking the fight against human trafficking to new heights. Knight rappelled 330 feet down the side of the Chase Tower to raise money for Gracehaven.
Columbus Police's Softer Approach To Prostitution Enforcement Hinges On More Arrests
Acting Deputy Columbus Police Chief Jennifer Knight oversees the PACT team, which replaced the controversial Vice Unit.
Deputy police chief wants harsher penalties for 'johns' patronizing Columbus prostitutes
Those arrested in Columbus for soliciting a prostitute have historically faced few consequences for their actions, Deputy Police Chief Jennifer Knight says.
Connect
