Patricia L. Blake

Author

Acting Patrol Commanding Officer, Retired, LAPD

Patricia L. Blake joined the Los Angeles Police Departmment (LAPD) in May of 1983. Her career as a sworn LAPD officer spanned almost 34 years. Patricia was promoted through the ranks and held the positions of acting and assistant detective commanding officer, pa trol watch commander, and acting patrol commanding officer. She was part of a leadership team at the Foothill Division that focused on crime analysis, developing crime strategies, and implementing cutting edge predictive policing.

Upon retirement, Patricia continued as an active reserve officer as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of a unique mounted volunteer cavalry unit, the Valley Community Cavalry Rough Riders (VCCRR).

This cavalry unit was deployed in local parks, trails, and business malls throughout the city. The unit’s mission includes public outreach, crime prevention, education, mounted color guard for parades, evacuation, and search and rescue efforts. The unit enhances good will and fosters a partnership between police and the local community.

Patricia became one of two of the first female field patrol Field Training Officers (FTO’s) at Rampart Division. She was also the first female Senior Lead Officer (SLO) at the same division in 1989. She received the Officer of the Year award at Rampart and earned a Meritorious Unit Citiation at the Wilshire Division as the OIC of a hand-chosen special problems unit which improved the quality of life in the local community in an area impacted by gang and narcotics activity, violence, and crime.

Patricia earned a B.A. from CSUN, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and she completed the West Point Leadership Course with the LAPD in 2003. She was an affiliate of the Los Angeles Women Police Officer and Associates (LAWPOA) and the California Peace Officers Association. In 2014, the LAWPOA recognized

Patricia for her exceptional leadership and mentoring during her career with the department.

Recently, Patricia wrote a factual personal testimony documenting her career and real life police work with the LAPD entitled “Touched by the Hand of God in the City of Angels – SEND ME.” She relates possessing a strong conviction in a verse in the Bible Old Testament, Isaiah 6:8, where the Lord speaks to the Prophet Isaiah and asks “Whom shall I send” to deliver horrible news to Isaiah’s people. Isaiah’s immediate response was “Send me.” Patricia believes God sends angels to watch over, protect, and shield all first responders, including law enforcement, military, fire, medical personnel, and paramedics. She believes that the Lord also sends first responders as angels to protect and shield others in their darkest moments of despair, sheer terror, and pain. Her testimony recognizes God’s guidance from childhood which instilled a strong sense of justice and the calling to protect the innocent and the vulnerable. Patricia asserts that food versus evil does exist and monsters in the darkness also exist.

In her spare time, Patricia enjoys church activities, racquetball, horseback riding, and jogging. She participated over ten times in the annual international law enforcement 120-mile Baker-to-Vegas team relay run.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I enjoy horse riding, jogging, racquetball, walking my dogs on the trails, and reading factual books on history and leadership.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

I believe that you should seek out excellence through continual improvement. I took advantage of all the opportunities given through the department, including training courses, to develop my leadership and mentoring skills. Getting a formal college education helps. Always try various challenging work assignments.

What book is on your bedside table right now and why:

Currently I’m reading “On Spiritual Combat,” by Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman and Adam Davis. The authors provide inspirational leadership and insight into the foundation of the Bible and spiritual guidance, guiding selfless warriors to stand up with courage and strength during the constant struggle between good and evil and the monsters in the darkness. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to surround myself with positive, trusted family and friends, and to be more confident and self-assured in myself. Recognize and develop mentors for guidance, and always keep my family as a priority over work. Always follow your inner instincts and listen with an open mind and heart to follow God’s path. I would tell myself to recognize both God’s daily and life-changing miracles all around us. Always strive to become a better leader to inspire others to have hope and faith. Have the strength and courage to stand up to overcome personal adversity and to make a true difference.