Madeline Dowd

July 2026 Issue—Red, White & Brave

Photography (top) by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC


Madeline Dowd

Current Residence: Hilton Head Island
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Career & Rank: NYPD - Retired Detective

Family: Married to Chuck Dowd; 1 son, 2 step children and 2 grandchildren

Favorite Hobbies: Entertaining, exercising, bowling, and pickle ball

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career? How and/or why did you choose your branch of service? What do you love about it?

I joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) because I wanted a career that would be meaningful and never boring. Being a part of NYPD (the greatest Police Department in the world!) was special. I was honored every day to wear the uniform and represent New York City.

The cases I worked were exciting, and I found a great deal of satisfaction in solving homicide cases, bringing answers and closure to victims’ families. I also loved the people I worked with—the camaraderie, teamwork, and sense of purpose. I had a lot of fun and will always value the profession and be proud of the work we did as a team.

Professional background: 4 years as a patrol officer (2 years community policing); 2 years Manhattan South Narcotics as an investigator (where I met my husband of 34 years); 5 years in the 70 Precinct Detective Squad as a detective; 1 year Intelligence Division as an investigator; 9 years Detective Bureau Training Unit as a Training Coordinator. I ran the world-renowned NYPD Homicide Investigators’ Course. After retiring, I served eight years as a tour guide for Tauck Tours at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
Women need to be aware of their surroundings and stay alert. Don’t be afraid to say something if you see something that doesn’t feel right. Always lock your car doors.

What are some attributes that gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue a career in law enforcement?
I have a background in behavioral science and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, communicate effectively, and assess situations objectively. I understand the importance of building relationships within a diverse community, reading people, and making sound judgements under pressure.

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
I live my life every day by this mantra: Be kind; look at people, not through them; and treat everyone with respect, no matter their status.

What is your most proud accomplishment so far?
My son Garrett. Watching him grow into an intelligent, compassionate, and kind man has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to see the values, character, and life lessons I instilled in him reflected in the person he has become. His success, and the way he treats others, makes me proud every day.

Of all the things you have learned in training, what has been the most useful?
Being able to de-escalate situations by effective communication. The key to being a good detective is the ability to talk to people, getting them to open up, trust you, and tell you things they normally would not be willing to share.

When someone finds out what you do, what question do they always ask?
People are always surprised to learn that I am a retired NYPD Detective and always ask to hear about interesting cases that I’ve worked on.

Please share a story with us:
The 1988 NYPD Cambodian double homicide was an execution-style killing of two refugees, stemming from an intense inter-family feud over a runaway teenage couple. Retaliating over a disputed dowry, the perpetrators targeted and murdered the runaway couple’s aunt and uncle. During the attack, the victims’ two children were bound and placed under a blanket in the next room while their parents were shot. While the primary shooters fled, a woman—pictured here—was arrested as their accomplice. A subsequent investigation successfully tracked the suspects and the murder weapon to Stockton, California, leading to their extradition back to New York.

What encouragement do you have for women/girls who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Believe in yourself! You are so much stronger than you think. Women bring incredible value to law enforcement.

Have you seen or done anything you never thought you would see or do?
I never would have thought I would witness September 11, 2001. Living and working in New York City at the time, I experienced the tragedy firsthand and could not go home for days. It was the most horrific event I’ve ever seen, which will stay with me forever. TV could never fully capture the enormity of what happened. Unless you were there, you would never believe it. The devastation was overwhelming, but at the same time, I witnessed New Yorkers come together with compassion, resilience, and a tremendous sense of community. In the face of unimaginable tragedy and uncertainty, people helped strangers, supported one another, and demonstrated the very best of humanity. While it was a heartbreaking experience, it showed me the strength and unity that can emerge during the most difficult of times.

What was your most fun or memorable day on the job?
After the New York Yankees won the World Series in 1998, I was assigned to work a security detail for the ticker tape parade down Broadway in New York City. I rode on a float with all the Yankees’ players, surrounded by fans as they celebrated their win. It was an unforgettable experience!