African American Community Advisory Council
About the Council
The African American Community Advisory Council to the Seattle Police Department (SPD) was created in mid-1996, and is one of ten councils that work collaboratively with the police. The demographic advisory councils were born out of a need to hear directly from communities that often feel disenfranchised, alienated, or as though they do not have the same access as the majority population does to the police department.
Our Areas of Focus
- Advise the SPD about crime prevention, public safety, and law enforcement concerns of the African American community through open and respectful dialogue.
- Promote and encourage cultural competency training for officers while expanding the community's understanding of the practices and policies of the police department.
- Support and encourage African American youth and the SPD to develop a healthy and successful relationship.
- Promote and encourage community participation in the Advisory Council, events and workshops that promote public safety.
- Foster goodwill and trust between the African American community and the Seattle Police Department.
- Encourage police recruitment in the African American community.
Council Liaisons
Detective Denise Bouldin
Bio + -
Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin is a 44-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, known citywide for her deep commitment to youth and community outreach. A former professional model and Soul Train dancer from Chicago, she fell in love with Seattle and made it her home. She was the first female officer on the Seattle Police Marching Drill Team and now serves as a Youth Specialist and liaison to the African American Community Advisory Council.
In 2006, after hearing local teens express interest in chess over basketball, she founded the Detective Cookie Urban Youth Chess Club. What began as a small tournament has grown into a thriving program reaching youth ages 7 to adulthood, with weekly sessions at local libraries and community centers. Detective Cookie also teaches anti-violence and gang prevention to over 270 students weekly. Her work blends mentorship, strategy, and community trust—one chess move at a time.