From a farm in Northern California to captain in the LAPD, Julie Rodriguez shares how a failed calculus class, a criminology degree and a radio advert changed the course of her life and led to a 29-year policing career. Now leading a young team in operations, she talks about policing as a calling, the realities of sexual assault work and trauma, and why empathy, compassion and people-first leadership matter more than ever.
Julie explains her approach to pregnancy and family in policing, the ultrasound day-off story, and how a “servant leader” mindset means both high care and high accountability. She reflects on PTSD, wellness, optimism, and the power of healthy boundaries at home, as well as the importance of “saving a seat for a sister” so women support, not compete with, each other in a profession that wasn’t designed for them.
To watch the full interview with Julie Rodriguez click here
Takeaways
- Julie’s LAPD journey runs from patrol and bikes to vice, detectives, gangs and now captain.
- She sees policing as a calling built on service, courage and optimism.
- Her leadership style is “servant leader”: high care, high expectations, real accountability.
- She argues pregnancy must be treated like any other temporary injury or restriction.
- Women’s networks (LAPOA, NAWLEE) give support, voice and practical problem-solving on issues like maternity and promotion.
- She challenges “women vs women” competition and urges everyone to “save a seat for a sister.”
- Healthy boundaries at home and work are essential to avoid burnout and guilt.
- Julie is passionate about mentoring and sponsoring others through interviews and promotion processes.
- Emotional intelligence, authenticity and admitting mistakes are central to modern policing leadership.
- She believes policing is an honourable, demanding, rewarding career – but not for everyone.
Chapters
00:00 – From Farm Girl to Future Cop
02:00 – Joining LAPD and Leading Young Officers
03:00 – Ultrasounds, Pregnancy and People-First Leadership
04:10 – A Calling Shaped by Trauma and Gratitude
06:20 – Servant Leadership: Heart, Standards and Second Chances
08:10 – ‘Save a Seat for a Sister’
10:05 – No Balance, Just Boundaries
Subscribe for more leadership conversations from inside and beyond policing
We have launched a YouTube channel where you can also view our videos – just click here and please like and subscribe PTV Youtube
PolicingTV content is being brought to you in partnership with Kodex & World Policing Advisory
Kodex revolutionises the way organisations manage sensitive data requests from law enforcement and government agencies, transforming a traditionally complex process into a secure, streamlined workflow that ensures compliance, enhances security, and reduces operational costs.
Trusted by over 90,000 government agents and industry leaders like Binance, Airbnb, Match Group, and LinkedIn, Kodex sets the industry standard for secure data exchange — powered by a global intelligence network and advanced threat detection capabilities.
To learn more about Kodex, click here – If you are part of a government agency and need to create an account, click here
World Policing Advisory is a global consultancy specialising in the future of policing and public safety. We offer global policing expertise, delivered locally through a model focused on consulting with conscience.
Our teams have direct experience of strategic and tactical policing and private sector leadership, blended with the globe’s best subject matter expertise to create high impact value for money services with in-year benefits.
For more information contact our MD, Gary Stuart ([email protected])