Black History Month Spotlight
Meet Officer A’kilah Coston of the San Diego Police Department. As we commemorate Black History Month, Officer Coston shares her journey from Detroit to San Diego, her passion for building community trust, and who inspires her to serve.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan! Go BLUE!! When I was in 5th grade, my dad introduced me to basketball, and it changed my life forever. My dad is a “life example” kind of man. When he wants to make a point, he relates everything to sports. From an early age, he taught me three main principles.
1. Hard work pays off in the end.
2. Teamwork is the core of hard work.
3. Nothing is going to matter if you don’t make good decisions your whole life.
I think over the years I’ve benefitted from staying true to these life lessons and guidelines my mom and dad instilled in me. Hard work and staying true to my principles helped me secure a Division 1 basketball scholarship at Chicago State University.
What inspired you to become a police officer, and what led you to the San Diego Police Department? How long have you served with SDPD?
I’ve always had an interest in criminal justice from a legal aspect. My initial goal was to be a lawyer (I might still try), but after I graduated from college with a degree in criminal justice, I realized I needed more action and a fun job.
After graduation, I worked for TSA in Chicago and was randomly transferred to the Atlanta Airport TSA. While working there, an Atlanta Police Officer heard that I played basketball and asked me if I was interested in becoming a police officer. After some research, I decided to give it a try.
My introduction into law enforcement was growing up in Detroit, playing PAL basketball. PAL stands for Police Athletic League. PAL used to be really big in Detroit. They had leagues in all our neighborhoods. Officers coached and mentored us for their leagues.
I have served for the San Diego Police Department for 10 years. I am a lateral officer from the Atlanta Police Department, where I served for 5 years.
One day, while I was working in Atlanta, I told my best friend I had never been to the West Coast. She laughed and told me she was thinking about applying to the San Diego Police Department. She shared that she was originally from Los Angeles and desired to go back home to California. She encouraged me to apply and go on a visit to San Diego with her. The trip was a success, and Sherika Moore and I have been here since 2015 as San Diego police officers.
Honestly, it was the beach that won me over.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History means LIFE to me!
Not only being proud of my heritage, but being proud of who I’ve become within my community!
Black History means respecting the people who made everything I desire, love, and need possible.
From black inventors like Garret A. Morgan, who created the Traffic Light and gas mask, or Lewis Latimer, who created the filament for the light bulb, and George Washington Carver, who created peanut butter.
From black leaders like honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom X.
Black History is American History! It means everything to me! Period!
Which leaders—past or present—have inspired you the most, either in your career or personal life?
My biggest inspirations in my life are my mom and dad. My father is a reasonable man. He taught me street smarts and how to survive. He gave me those three core principles that I live by, and he’s still holding me accountable for every decision I make, even at 40 years old. He has wisdom with a calm spirit.
My mom has provided me with the spiritual aspect of my life. She prays for me. She taught all of us from an early age how to pray and keep God the head of my life. She taught me how to nurture my passions and fight for what I believe in.
How can the community and our police continue building trust and understanding?
The key to success within our black community is always being willing to come to the table. Where officers and our community are united.
Over the years, I have had many roles in helping cultivate the relationship between the police and our community.
Recently, I worked as a Community Resource Officer. Most of that entailed me showing presence at community meetings to LISTEN to the issues first, then offer comfort, support, and SOLUTIONS for the problems in the community, even if the conversations were tough.
Yes, there will be tough conversations within the black community due to the years of systemic oppression that black people have endured. But that’s where building trust comes into play. Sitting at a table with opposing views and having hard conversations to make a relationship better.
Acknowledging when you’re wrong or what you could’ve done better. Taking accountability on ALL ends to achieve harmony. I’ve done it several times as an officer and as a black person.
Can you share a moment in your career that made you feel especially proud or reaffirmed why you do this work?
About four years ago, I did a panel seminar and spoke about what it feels like to be a black female police officer. During my speech, I spoke about the impact I have in the community simply based on what I look like and how just saying hello can be refreshing for people who don’t normally have good interactions with the police.
After that seminar, about 10 women stated they appreciated my perspective and were signing up for law enforcement. That made me proud. For me, it’s the small things. If I can affect one person, I’m proud of that.
Outside of your role as an officer, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of being an officer, I have an abundance of hobbies!
I currently referee high school basketball here in the City of San Diego. It’s honestly been refreshing to teach and referee the game I love. It’s not so refreshing dealing with the crazy parents, but the kids make it worth it! I also play in several basketball and softball leagues around the city.
My son is eight years old, and he keeps me on my toes with his sports. Life is good right now.
Can you share a lighthearted or unexpected moment on the job that still brings a smile to your face?
Last year, my son had a career day at his school. I didn’t know it was career day. He asked me to come to his school without any explanation. The only requirement is that I wear my uniform.
I showed up to school in uniform, and he started showing me off, saying his mom is the “Best Police Officer” ever.
That is why I do this job!
