Suffolk County Police Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Daitz was honored with the prestigious Pathmaker Award at the 2nd Annual Leading Without A Badge Summit in Charlottesville, Virginia, recognizing her leadership and impact as a civilian executive in modern law enforcement.
The national summit highlights the critical role civilian professionals play in policing, offering insight and tools to address evolving public safety challenges. Daitz was recognized for her work advancing innovation, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness within the Suffolk County Police Department.
As Assistant Commissioner, Daitz helps guide initiatives that serve more than 1.5 million residents across 913 square miles, positioning the department as one of the most forward-thinking and equitable agencies in the country. Her leadership has focused on improving operations, implementing modern strategies, and enhancing community-centered policing efforts.
Daitz brings a diverse and accomplished background to the role. Prior to joining Suffolk County Police, she served as Executive Director of Civil Litigation and Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives for the New York City Police Department. From 2019 to 2020, she was selected as a White House Fellow, serving in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, where she helped draft and implement the Executive Order “Safe Policing for Safe Communities.”
She began her legal career at the New York City Office of the Corporation Counsel, handling high-profile federal civil rights cases. Daitz holds degrees from the Honors College at Adelphi University and St. John’s University School of Law, and completed the Police Management Institute at Columbia University.
She is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Colleagues say the award reflects Daitz’s commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence in public safety leadership.