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London, Police Officer at UCLA Police Department: Advize Career Interview
A UCLA Police Department Community Engagement Officer's career path, unexpectedly shaped by experiences in college football, teaching, youth pastoring, and physical therapy, highlights the importance of transferable skills and a commitment to service.
The officer's role focuses on building relationships and trust within the campus community, prioritizing communication and de-escalation techniques over physical force.
A day-to-day account reveals a flexible schedule dedicated to organic interactions and collaborative problem-solving.
The officer emphasizes the value of "soft skills," a shift in law enforcement priorities, and shares lessons learned, including the power of the "golden rule" and the importance of community engagement from a young age.
Entry-level opportunities for undergraduates are discussed, along with the potential for career advancement within law enforcement.
The officer's reflections on navigating multiple identities and working within a system that has historically marginalized certain communities provides a powerful message of hope and change within law enforcement.
This compelling narrative demonstrates a career that balances fulfilling work with impactful community contributions.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
London McBride
Police Officer
UCLA Police Department
Utah State University 99'
Southern New Hampshire University; MS-Organizational Leadership
Anthropology, Sociology
Law Enforcement
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
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Career Path of a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
London's career path was unexpectedly winding, starting with a college football scholarship and evolving through teaching, youth pastoring, and physical therapy before a career in law enforcement at UCLA Police Department. The transition to policing, inspired by interactions with officers and a lifelong desire to "help folks," led to their current role in community engagement, described as "the best job next to the chief of police," a position perfectly suited to their educational pursuits in leadership and education.
Main Responsibilities Of A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
London's role as a UCLA Police Department Community Engagement Officer focuses on building relationships with the campus and surrounding community, often foregoing a uniform to foster informal conversations and address concerns. This approach, described as changing "the culture from within," aims to build trust by being approachable, honest, and collaborative in problem-solving, prioritizing community input to achieve shared goals.
A Day in the Life of a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
London, a UCLA Police Department community engagement officer, describes their role as "the best job," involving daily community interaction, meetings with various departments and community members to discuss safety, and conducting safety training. This includes freely roaming campus, building relationships with students, staff, and athletic teams, allowing for organic conversations and community building, resulting in a flexible schedule that prioritizes genuine engagement.
Most Important Skills For A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
Officer London emphasizes communication skills as paramount, stating that "being level-headed and having good communication skills is so important," far outweighing physical skills, even with their imposing presence. The ability to de-escalate situations through respectful dialogue, embodying a "public servant" role and remembering "you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar," is key to effectiveness and positive community impact, according to the officer's 17 years of experience.
Favorite Parts of Being a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
London, a UCLA Police Officer, most enjoys "the freedom to…build relationships" with community members, transforming the perception of law enforcement from "this cop" to "London," a trusted figure who shares in both joyous and somber life events. This connection fosters mutual benefit and makes the job deeply rewarding.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
A significant challenge for this community engagement officer is changing "the culture of policing" to foster trust, shifting from a "force that comes in with all this power" to a more approachable presence. The officer's experience of being treated differently in uniform versus plainclothes highlighted the need for this cultural shift and fueled their commitment to changing perceptions from within the system.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Law Enforcement Industry as a UCLA Police Officer
London's enjoyment of law enforcement stems from "the ability to help," drawing inspiration from childhood experiences where police officers acted as "superheroes," protecting and reassuring during frightening incidents. This desire to assist others, coupled with the opportunity to build relationships and community connections through interactions with diverse individuals, is what London finds most rewarding about the career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law Enforcement Industry According To A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
Historically, law enforcement valued "hard skills" like tactical abilities and stress tolerance; however, Officer London observes a shift towards prioritizing "soft skills"—emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and compassion—"folks that lead with compassion," a change reflected in hiring practices that now emphasize interpersonal skills and "good people" over purely physical capabilities.
What A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Law Enforcement Industry
London's role as a UCLA Police Officer has evolved from a crime prevention focus to a community engagement role, which London finds "really engaging and fun," a contrast to initial apprehension. The unexpected learning curve included mastering practical tasks like "how to order stickers," while forging a new approach to the position alongside colleagues at UC Irvine.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring UCLA Police Officers
Entry-level opportunities in law enforcement include ride-alongs, station tours, and explorer programs, allowing undergraduates to experience "a day in the life of a peace officer." Aspiring officers should research departments, understand "their mission, vision, and values," maintain physical and mental fitness for the rigorous academy training, and consider the career path's potential for advancement, such as transitioning "from municipality policing...to a federal level."
Significant Career Lesson From a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
London's most significant career lesson is the "golden rule"—treating others how they want to be treated with "love, respect, uh, compassion"—a principle that allows London to approach the job "with heart and with, uh, with compassion," proving highly effective in their policing career. This approach of meeting people "where they are," rather than imposing expectations, has yielded significant positive results.
College Experiences That Helped A Police Officer At UCLA Succeed
London's time at Utah State University proved formative, building strong relationships—"30 plus years of friendship"—and fostering a community-oriented approach through volunteer work with local children, an experience that shaped their career as a police officer by instilling a deep understanding of community engagement and the importance of building trust. This early involvement in community outreach, initiated by a coach's simple request, provided the foundation for their success in law enforcement, illustrating the value of mentorship and hands-on experience.
How Identity Has Influenced A Police Officer's Career At UCLA Police Department
London, a UCLA Police Officer, navigates a career shaped by multiple identities—a Black man, police officer, pastor, and parent—confronting the inherent challenges of "being part of an institution that has hurt these marginalized communities." Their approach emphasizes building community and affecting change, aiming to "demolish the system that was built and build up something brand new," believing that overcoming fear and self-preservation is crucial for creating a better world.
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