As an experienced Police Captain and leader with a demonstrated history of working in the law enforcement industry for over 25 years, I understand what the needs are to be successful in today’s law enforcement profession. Leaders of today need to cultivate authentic and positive relationships with their citizens by engaging in relational-type community policing, building the emotional capital needed to bridge the gap between the police and their community. During my career, I have demonstrated this through the many roles I’ve held within the department and leading many of the department’s new initiatives towards community policing, managing social media messaging, and overseeing new technology operations.
Throughout my career being assigned to many different roles and positions, I have gained working experience that includes operations management, law enforcement technologies, emergency management, tactical operations/emergency service and training in crisis intervention. I have always taken on the difficult opportunities within the department and strived to be a leader establishing partnerships with members of the department and the community, always pushing them to be the best version of themselves.
I am a strong protective services professional who thrives on the daily challenges of today’s policing, with positive and results-oriented leadership. I am always thirsty for learning and making every community engagement an opportunity to educate the public about our profession, leaving them with a positive encounter with an emphasis on accountability, professionalism, and the expected quality of our police services, together building a stronger community.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
Attending LEPSL after attending the FBI National Academy continued the thirst for leaning and knowledge, sharing experiences and ideas. Scott Belsky said, “It’s not about having ideas. It’s about making ideas happen”. That is LEPSL!
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
LEPSL was attended by a Police Chief in my area who spoke with me about the program. Understanding that our profession is looking for and wanting not just leadership, but the RIGHT leadership, is why I decided to join USD.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I had numerous concerns about time commitments, meaning more time away from home, family, and responsibilities, along with increased workload on an already busy life.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The best part of the LEPSL program, outside of the instructors, is the cohort. What we learn from each other is invaluable and is the true essence of leadership.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
My advice is to get to a place where you can be organized and ready for each teaching module. Our jobs are unpredictable and always changing, so being organized is essential to the successful completion of the program.
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
The part of the LEPSL program that I found really what made it my favorite was the Discussion Boards. I cannot tell you how impactful the feedback and learning that occurs from our incredible instructors’ comments and the cohorts. Having open, and professional discussions on topics that at times are ‘difficult’, is where the learning really takes off. Many times, during the program, I took what I was learning and discussing with cohorts and put it to practice in my department.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I was balancing many things at work and life like everyone else. Most notably, my Chief retired as I was halfway through the program, and I became the acting Chief for nine months while still maintaining my responsibilities to LEPSL. My Lieutenant also retired, which caused me to be the only administrator for a period of a few months. What I share with many people who ask me about the difficulties of the program is this — I have a 5th-grade reading level and I am documented learning disabled. I have never used it as an excuse, but more of a springboard towards learning and being the ‘best’ version of me, not what others see. We have the choice to accept responsibility for everything in our lives, which is proportional to what we can create or change. LEPSL does this.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I reminded myself daily how important it meant to me to show many that we are the stewards of our lives, and when we may not do well in something or fail at something, it is a reminder that tomorrow brings us an opportunity to do it better. It was also a way for me to show all the naysayers, those who thought I may not have been smart enough to make it, HERE I AM. My kids got to see that their dad at 52 years old, and 24 years in policing, went back to school.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2023