Jakai O.Braithwaite
Instructor
Current/ Former Position: Police Captain
Current/Former Agency: City of Alpharetta Police Department
Years of Service: 27+
Why D2C?: “I am honored to join the Dedication to Community faculty because I believe the future of public safety depends on leaders who understand both community trust and the human cost of the profession. After 27 years in law enforcement, I have seen how leadership decisions shape not only public outcomes, but the mental health, wellness, and resilience of the professionals who serve. My experiences across investigations, internal affairs, and executive leadership, along with my journey as a father and recent life transitions, have strengthened my passion for advocating wellness and mental health within law enforcement. I am especially driven to mentor and sponsor women and people of color into leadership roles, so agencies better reflect and serve their communities. Dedication to Community provides an opportunity to share hard lessons, challenge outdated thinking, and help develop leaders who lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability.”
Captain Jakai Braithwaite is a seasoned law enforcement leader with 27 years of public safety experience, recognized for his integrity, ethical leadership, and commitment to community trust. He serves as a Police Captain in the Office of the Chief for the City of Alpharetta Police Department, guiding organizational strategy, policy, professional standards, and community engagement.
He holds a B.S. in Political Science from West Virginia University and a master’s in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. Since joining the Alpharetta Police Department in 1999, he has advanced through roles in patrol, investigations, and executive leadership, including detective lieutenant, patrol lieutenant, and internal affairs commander.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 291), Captain Braithwaite is a strong advocate for officer wellness and mental health, shaped by both his upbringing in a service-oriented family and his own lived experience as a single father. He is passionate about developing future leaders—particularly women and persons of color—and believes diverse, well-supported professionals strengthen community legitimacy and trust.
He has also served as a subject matter expert for national media, including TV One’s Deadly Case Files, and remains active in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He considers fatherhood his greatest achievement and the foundation of his commitment to building safer, stronger communities.