Captain Julie Rodriguez is a 28-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. Her work experience includes over two decades as a supervisor. She joined the department in 1996 and worked patrol in several divisions as a police officer, bicycle officer, field training officer, and undercover vice officer. She was promoted to Detective, worked in the elite Robbery Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, and spent several years as a sexual assault investigator handling high-profile sexual assaults and child molestation cases. In 2005, she was promoted to Sergeant and worked in several divisions as a patrol supervisor and mobile field force squad leader at several significant events throughout Los Angeles.
In 2012, she was promoted to lieutenant watch commander in charge of 75 officers and six sergeants. She has also been the officer-in-charge of the Gang Impact Team, where she oversaw a uniformed gang unit, narcotics unit, and vice unit, adjutant to the chief of staff working directly for the chief of police, and was the commanding officer of West Valley Detectives, supervising 50 detectives and five professional staff including three crime analysts. In December 2023, she was promoted to captain and assigned to Wilshire Division.
Julie has a bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. She graduated from the prestigious LAPD West Point Leadership program and holds certification from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 280. She has served on the boards of the Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates organization and (LAWPOA) and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE). She is a member of the International Association of Women Police, California Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Latin American Law Enforcement Association.
Through her own failing forward journey, she has helped thousands of employees navigate the difficult exam and interview process. She has mentored thousands of employees in their quest for promotion and is a strong advocate for women in policing internally and at a national level.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I love the program, the professors, and the curriculum. The schedule is very accommodating for working parents.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
The fact it was online, was close enough for me to walk in the graduation ceremony, and they took FBINA credits.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I hadn’t been to school in a lonnngggggg time.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
It showed my willingness to grow as a leader at the ripe age of 50!
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Mommy guilt is real. It’s okay to have dreams and achieve them. Stop putting yourself second.
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
I truly enjoyed meeting other LE professionals across the US.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
Working full time, wife, and mother of two teenagers. Also the VP of LAWPOA.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I prioritized my workload and set clear boundaries at home. I remained on course by reaffirming my purpose and why. I held myself and my family accountable.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2023