Izinna Lytle Is Pittsfield’s First Black Female Officer

Growing up in the Wilson Park Housing Projects, Izinna Lytle used to love when now Detective Kim Bertelli-Hunt would visit as part of the D.A.R.E. program.

Seeing her — I just thought she was the baddest thing ever, and I loved it. Seeing her really inspired me.

Becoming a police officer became a dream of Lytle's as she was encouraged by her late mother and her uncle, NAACP's Berkshire County Branch president, Dennis Powell. Lytle has a bachelor's and a master's degree in criminal justice.

Lytle believes that the Pittsfield Police Department is moving in the right direction concerning adversity and wants to continue building trust particularly in Pittsfield's west side.

Lytle said she'd like to show minority children it's possible to push past adversity and follow your dreams. -The Berkshire Eagle.

Izinna Lytle, a Taconic High School grad, joins the Pittsfield Police Department today (2-26-18).