Assistant Sheriff Melissa Klawuhn joined the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff in 2001 as a Laboratory Aide in the Forensic Services Division. In 2003, she was promoted to Deputy Sheriff Criminalist and attended the basic police academy. The next year, she transferred to the classification of Deputy Sheriff, where she held assignments in Detention, County Patrol, Investigation Division, and as a Hostage Negotiator.
Assistant Sheriff Klawuhn was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013, where she was assigned to Detention, Internal Affairs, and as a Team Leader on the Hostage Negotiations Team. In 2016, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, where she was assigned to the Emergency Services Division and served as the SWAT Commander. In 2019, she was promoted to the rank of Captain, where she served as the Investigation Division Commander.
In 2021, Assistant Sheriff Klawuhn was promoted to her current rank. She is assigned to the Field Operations Bureau, which includes the Patrol, Special Operations, and Investigations Divisions.
Assistant Sheriff Klawuhn is a graduate of the California POST Command College. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Science Degree in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I had a very positive experience as a student in the LEPSL program. The program is professional, current, and flexible, prioritizing the success of students who are balancing school, full-time employment, and families. I would like to share my experiences with potential students who are concerned about adding a master’s program to their already demanding schedules.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose the program because of its reputation and integration with the POST Command College program.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Finding the time to dedicate to the program while balancing a full-time job and family.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The most valuable takeaways from the LEPSL program that I use regularly are critical analysis, networking, and increased confidence in my written communication.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Continue to be curious about your profession. Ask questions and engage the employees who serve and the people who are served.
What was the most unexpected part of the LEPSL program?
The most unexpected part of the program was the Integrative Capstone. I enjoyed the modern platform of the final project, which was new for me.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
When I started the LEPSL program, I had been recently promoted with a new command. I also got married during the program.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I found a schedule that worked well to dedicate time to LEPSL, work, and family. I was able to maintain the schedule for the entirety of the program.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2022