Patricia L. Blake
Patricia L. Blake was born in The Dalles, Oregon. She joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in may of 1983, with over thirty-three years’ of experience upon her retirement in 2016.
Blake completed her probation at Foothill Division and was then assigned as a field patrol officer at Rampart Division, where she became one of the first two female Field Training Officers (FTOs) at Rampart. In 1987, Blake was recognized as the “Officer of the Year” at Rampart, and she was later chosen as the first female Senior Lead Officer (SLO) at Rampart Division.
As a sergeant, Blake transferred to Wilshire Division, where she developed a special problems unit (SPU), targeting ganges and narcotics activity. As teh officer-in-charge (OIC) of this SPU unit, Blake received a Meritorious Unit Citation for impacting the quality of life in the local community.
Blake was assigned to Van Nuys Division as the assistant watch commander and was later assigned as the OIC of the Community Relations Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) gang unit.
Blake was then called to work Management Services Division as a department researcher and Internal Affairs as an investigator.
Blake promoted to lieutenant, where she was assigned to West Valley as a watch commander and assistant and acting detective commanding officer (CO) and supervised the West Valley parolee team. Blake then transferred to Foothill Division, where she was assigned acting and assistant detective CO and the OIC of the mounted horse and rider Cavalry unit (VCCRR). This unique unit provides outreach and “good will” into the local community for crime prevention, education, and interaction with the children. The VCCRR responsibilities include search and rescue, park, dam-and-trail patrol, evacuation and emergency preparedness, high visibility theft prevention in the mall parking lots, color-guard presentation and parades. Upon retirement, Blake has continued as a reserve officer OIC of the VCCRR unit.
Lieutenant Blake holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from California State University of Northridge, a master’s degree from University of Phoenix in Organizational Leadership, as well as copletion of the Department’s intensive West Point Leadership Course and the Department’s Instructor’s Development Course. In 2016, she was recognized by the Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates (LAWPOA) for outstanding achievements, leadership and mentoring contribution to the organization. Blake was affiliated with LAWPOA and the California Peace Officers Association (CPOA).
Lieutenant Blake has participated over ten times in the annual international law enforcement “Baker-to-Vegas” 120-mile relay run sponsored by LAPD. Blake is recognized in the Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide for her outstanding excellence in the field of law enforcement and the Top 100 Registry and Womans POWER Magazine publication.
