Valerie Caldera
Trainer
Valerie Caldera, a 20-year veteran of the California State University, Los Angeles Police Department, holds fervor for cultivating inclusive policing. Rising from Patrol Officer to Lieutenant, she adeptly manages operations, budgets, and investigations while championing community relations. Noteworthy achievements, such as leading the Pink Patch Project and initiating the University Police Bicycle Patrol Program, reflect her dedication to promoting diversity and engagement in law enforcement. With a Master's in Public Administration and certifications in law enforcement, she ardently shares her expertise, mentoring police recruits for over 15 years at the Rio Hondo Regional Training Academy. Valerie embodies a passion for fostering inclusive law enforcement practices, evident through her leadership, advocacy, and community involvement.
Biography
Valerie Caldera is a 20-year veteran of the California State University, Los Angeles, Police Department. She served as a Patrol Officer, Investigative Detective, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Critical Response Unit (C.R.U.) Member and Department Instructor before being promoted to Lieutenant.
As the Operations Lieutenant, she is responsible for efficient management of the patrol operations function to include scheduling, deployment, investigations and emergency response; oversight of Operations Budget; oversees training assignments and programs; community liaison to provide concise, clear interpretations of campus public safety policies, regulations and laws to the campus community and the general public; oversees the Crime Prevention Program, Community Policing Division and Motor Unit; and is responsible for the investigation and/or supervision of investigations of complaints and administrative investigations.
Significant events in Valerie’s career include coordinating the California State University Police participation in the Pink Patch Project, implementing the University Police Bicycle Patrol Program, 10+ years as member of the CSU Baker to Vegas Running Team, 10+ years as a member of the CSU Critical Response Unit and 10+ years of off-campus involvement with local high schools and community colleges to promote women and minorities in policing.
Valerie is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, received her P.O.S.T. Management Certificate, and has been assigned as a Training Coordinator, Racial Profiling Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, R.A.D. Instructor and Emergency Medical Technician. She earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
In addition to working in a sworn law enforcement officer capacity, Valerie has worked with the Rio Hondo Regional Training Academy. She has served as an Academy Instructor, Recruit Training Officer, Physical Training Instructor and Scenario Evaluator. Valerie has over 15 years training and mentoring police academy recruits.