Policewoman Specialist Grace Joan (Hoffmann) Crawford
(1933-2025)

 

Joan was born April 26, 1933 to Russell J. and Amelia Hoffmann. She attended Withrow High School and graduated in June 1951. She then attended the University of Cincinnati until June 1953, majoring in Business Administration.

Joan joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Clerk-Stenographer 3 on June 12, 1960. She was appointed as a Policewoman on February 19, 1961, issued Badge 553, and assigned to the Juvenile Bureau handling missing persons. She entered the 39th Recruit Class on May 22, 1961. On August 28, 1961, Policewoman Hoffmann was reassigned to Juvenile Bureau. In mid-1965 she worked with the Vice Squad on policy slip investigations. During December 1965, Cincinnati Civil Service announced that she had successfully passed the examination for the new rank of Policewoman Specialist. She was one of the first group of women promoted to the position on January 2, 1966, and issued Badge PS-87. Specialist Hoffmann married Captain Joe L. Crawford on September 13, 1969, becoming the only husband-wife couple in regional law enforcement. In July 1974, Specialists Crawford and Mary (Zieverink) Hosinski were the primary personnel vetting tips on a tip line established after the murder of Police Officer David L. Cole. Specialist Crawford retired on May 25, 1976 with almost 16 years of service and 18 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.

Specialist Crawford, after a short illness, died on December 23, 2025. At 92, she was the last remaining woman to retire as a Policewoman Specialist.

Specialist Crawford was predeceased by her husband, Cincinnati Police Captain Joe L. Crawford and brother, Russell Gilbert Hoffman. She is survived by nieces and nephews.

At the request of the family, there will be no services at this time.

 

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