Navy NewsStand · 26 June 2004

By Mandy Rudloff WASHINGTON (NNS) -- David Brant, Director of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), received the 2004 Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) "Outstanding Advocate for Women in Law Enforcement" award at an awards ceremony June 23. Brant shared the award with U.S. Secret Service Director W. Ralph Basham.

The award recognizes the substantial and lasting "contributions of an individual toward the elimination of systemic barriers to career opportunities for women in federal law enforcement."

Brant said that the women of NCIS "face especially demanding assignments today as we address the challenges of the war on terrorism."

"This award should more appropriately go to them as a testament to their service and many contributions to NCIS," Brant added.

During his seven years as director, Brant's actions in support of women have made him unique among law enforcement agency heads. Brant has the distinction of being the first NCIS director to promote a woman to the senior executive service; the first director to promote a woman to the position of executive assistant director; and the first director to appoint a female special agent in charge with major overseas responsibilities.

Brant also made history when he hired the first female armorer in federal law enforcement. Moreover, since Brant became director in 1997, the number of women hired in both agent and non-agent positions has consistently increased each year.

Brant joined NCIS in 1977 after serving as a police officer in the Dade County (Fla.) Metropolitan Public Safety Department.

A national organization formed to promote gender equity in law enforcement, WIFLE was formally established in 1999 after existing for 17 years as an interagency committee established by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury.

NCIS is a team of federal law enforcement professionals dedicated to protecting the people, families and assets of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps worldwide.

For related news, visit the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ncis.