Stephenie Price

July 2025 Issue
photography submitted by
Stephenie Price

 

Stephenie Price

Current Residence: Okatie, SC

Hometown:
Kansas City, Missouri

Career & Rank:
Chief of Police, City of Beaufort

Favorite Pastime:
Going to the gym and outdoor exercise.

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career, and what do you love about it?

Law enforcement is my family’s business, so it always felt like a natural path. I knew it would be both rewarding and exciting. My passion for service and commitment led me to policing.

I knew I had the strength, discipline, and mindset to do the job, and more importantly, I felt called to it. It spoke directly to my belief: If not me, then who? I couldn’t ignore the pull to serve, protect, and be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to be the one who stepped up when others wouldn’t, to stand in the gap when others stepped back. That sense of purpose has guided me from the beginning and continues to shape how I lead and serve today. I love this career because it offers a front-row seat to humanity, witnessing the best in people and being present when others need you the most. I especially find purpose in working with the community to make Beaufort a great place to live and raise a family.

Tell us more about your journey into law enforcement:
I started my law enforcement career with the Kansas City, MO Police Department in 1999 and rose through the ranks to commander before joining the Savannah Police Department as assistant chief in 2019. I’ve served in a variety of roles, including drug enforcement, domestic violence, internal affairs, and financial services. I became Chief in Bluffton in 2020, where I launched officer sabbaticals, mental wellness programs, and community outreach initiatives. I hold a bachelor’s in criminal justice, an MBA, and I’m currently working on my doctorate in Business Administration. 
One of the best steppingstones in my career was working as a cosmetologist. It built my foundation in communication, taught me how to listen, and helped me understand people’s motivations. I like to say, “Shampoo capes taught me more about human behavior than handcuffs ever could.” Communication and understanding are keys to success.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome so far?

Constantly having to prove myself. As a woman in law enforcement, the obstacles are often different and sometimes greater, but they are never insurmountable.

What do you do to help relieve stress and cope with challenges?

I prioritize physical and mental wellness for myself and those I lead. A supportive work environment starts with leaders who model balance and resilience and hold positivity as a growth trait.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Establishing meaningful wellness initiatives for our department. This includes partnering with The Cummings Foundation to provide officers with access to an in-house gym, peer support training, resiliency courses, and metabolic screenings all aimed at supporting both physical and mental well-being. We enjoy great organizational support from our Mayor, City Council, and City Manager.

Of all the things you’ve learned in training, what’s been most useful?

Leadership training that emphasized a holistic view of decision-making. Learning that today’s actions often have tomorrow’s consequences has reshaped how I lead. Leading for today is an exercise in a vision for the future to shape outcomes and innovations.

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?

Trust your instincts, speak up, and always be situationally aware. Don’t downplay discomfort; intuition is a powerful tool! And please always have a plan for situations that make you uncomfortable.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve had multiple careers before policing. I was a cosmetologist, nurse, and paramedic.

What do people always ask when they find out what you do?

The first response is usually, “Really?”—a mix of surprise and curiosity. That reaction opens the door to one of my favorite things: talking about my officers and the incredible work they do every day. It often leads to meaningful conversations about what policing truly looks.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet?

Two choices here…Be an Emergency Room Doctor or Senator. I’ve always had a passion for doing the most good for the most people and doing what’s right, even in the face of opposition.

What encouragement do you have for women or girls interested in law enforcement?

There’s truly no other career quite like law enforcement, which offers a unique blend of camaraderie, autonomy, and the ability to create meaningful impact every day. For women especially, it’s an opportunity to break barriers, lead with strength and compassion, and be a role model in communities that need different perspectives. In this field, your coworkers become more than just colleagues, they become a supportive family that stands by you through challenges and triumphs. You’ll have the independence to make decisions on the front lines, while also knowing your part of a larger team working toward the common goal of a better community.

What are the words you live by?

Recognize opportunities. Never stop learning. Be an active listener. Stay curious. These values guide both my personal and professional life. Oh, and have fun!

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?

Always keep your eyes open for opportunities—even in the most unlikely places. Cultivate curiosity, because it is through curiosity that we grow, adapt, and lead with purpose. Never be afraid to ask questions; the most powerful leaders are often those who seek to understand before being understood. Make it your habit to listen more than you speak, because through listening we build trust, gain wisdom, and deepen connection. And above all, be prepared—stand at the ready to be the voice others turn to in times of uncertainty. Be steady, be clear, and be the kind of person whose insight and presence inspire confidence and action.