Captain (Ret.) Ann Young

1. Why did you become a police officer?

I was born and raised (partially) in Brooklyn, NY, before my family moved to California. While I was growing up in New York, there were positive interactions between the community and the officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD). Due to the nature of how the NYPD policed their areas, utilizing daily foot patrol officers to walk the neighborhoods, these officers really took the time to get to know the community they served. They knew our names and many officers enjoyed Sunday dinner at my house on
a regular basis.

I wanted to become a police officer based on the experience I had as a child growing up in New York because of the closeness the officers had to our community. Also, I had a cousin who was a Narcotics Detective with the NYPD, and my cousin often told me the enjoyment and fulfillment he received from being a detective could not be duplicated. After graduating from college in California, I did not immediately pursue my dream of becoming a police officer. I taught school for a few years in Las Vegas, NV, and Compton, CA. Duing that time, a friend told me that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was hiring and that we needed to join, so we did. Joining the LAPD was a true blessing, and I have absolutely no regrets.

2. What motivates you to succeed?

My parents and family have instilled a strong work ethic in me that cannot be broken. I am always striving to raise the bar and expectations for myself and for those who work with me. Being able to work in a field that I am passionate about is motivating. The ability to coach others and being part of a team that is equally as driven and has a positive impact on others is priceless. Connecting with the community to find ways to make lives better, even under sometimes horrific conditions, has motivated me to succeed.

The opportunities are endless because I viewed obstacles as opportunities and not barriers. Having faith and a belief that I am going to succeed maintained a high level of motivation. Removing myself from the “comfort zone” and seeking out more challenging assignments has also been motivating.

3. What is your most memorable moment on the job?

My most memorable moment on the job was being promoted to the rank of Captain. I was the first African American woman in the history of the LAPD to attain this rank. The moment was surreal. When I heard my name announced on the local radio station, I thought I was dreaming. I thought about the many women who came before me and the sacrifices they made, both personally and professionally. I felt so very thankful and blessed for the road they paved for me and others to succeed.

4. What challenges did you/have you faced?

Police work has many barriers. The ability to move through the Department on your own with very little support is a challenge. Very few individuals will see your true value, merit, and skillset. Navigating through this journey is difficult. I found that if I had the necessary support, the challenges would have been at a minimum. Being a woman, particularly a woman of color, certainly was a challenge. The newness of being the first African American woman to promote to Captain caused many to be overly critical regarding decision-making; ideas affected the assignments you would receive; and opportunities to attend prestigious training were, at times, limited. But I remained confident and consistent. I knew I had the perseverance to be persistent and intentional as I continued to make my mark within my realm of responsibility and create the changes that I could control.

5. What advice do you have for women considering a profession in policing?

​​If you are considering a career in policing, now is the time to join this incredible profession. Women are moving through the ranks and making a solid mark on this profession. The law enforcement profession is facing a critical crisis on two fronts: A decrease in recruitment across the United States and the number of women who are attracted to the profession is shrinking.

The time is now. The rewards of this profession outweigh the negativity. You will develop personally and professionally. Be part of the movement of change. Again, I have no regrets and I would sign up again if I could.