La Verne Chamber Of Commerce: La Verne's First Woman Police Chief Takes Office

Press release from La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

January 20, 2022

The new year is off to an exciting and historic start in the San Gabriel Valley as La Verne’s new Chief of Police, Colleen Flores, assumes her influential role as the city’s 22nd Chief of Police and first female Chief in the department's 116 year history. Chief Flores’ path to reaching this incredible milestone, however, actually began due to chance encounters with police officers in a restaurant as a young adult.

“Like many hardworking youths, I took a job as a hostess to help support myself when I was 15-years-old. As it turned out, the restaurant was a popular spot for local police officers to stop for their lunch breaks and write their reports, which gave me an opportunity to ask them a multitude of questions,” Chief Flores said with a laugh.

Noting her intense interest in the area of law enforcement, one officer suggested she get involved in the Explorer program with the local police department. Explorer programs essentially offer young adults an internship opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working directly with police officers.
“It did not take long for me to take this officer up on his suggestion, and so I officially began my law enforcement career as an Explorer with the Upland Police Department,” said Flores. “It was a great learning opportunity and made me that much more passionate about the work. We also have an Explorer program here in La Verne, which I highly recommend to anyone considering this career field.”

While her path to becoming a police chief was challenging—at one point, Flores was balancing multiple responsibilities including serving as a police cadet while simultaneously attending school and working at the restaurant—she looks fondly on her journey and her experiences with various police departments in California. The magnitude of having the title as first female police chief in La Verne is also not lost on Flores. She has expressed special appreciation for all the women in law enforcement who came before her, noting their journeys and battles throughout their careers which made it possible for her to lead as a woman today.

“I know I am leaving the La Verne Police Department in good hands,” states former Chief of Police Nick Paz. “Chief Flores’ commitment to building and growing a community-driven police department will ensure she is successful as La Verne’s leading officer.”

With extensive experience in law enforcement and deep insights into the La Verne community, Chief Flores is fleshing out several goals for the future of the city’s public safety. Her first priority is to work collaboratively with her trusted team and continue her implementation of team building workshops. She strongly believes planning and preparation are key to successfully running a police department, and is excited by the breadth of experience, expertise and insight her fellow officers have to offer.

With the full support of the La Verne City Council, former Chief of Police Nick Paz and City Manager Bob Russi, Chief Flores promises to bring new energy to the La Verne Police Department while respecting and honoring La Verne’s “small town" traditions and virtues.

This press release was produced by La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.