Police Lieutenant Communicates Passion For Criminal Justice

Timothy Albright is a police lieutenant for the City of Elk Grove's police department. Lieutenant Albright has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management and a master's degree in negotiation and conflict resolution from California State University Dominguez Hills. As a lieutenant, Albright must balance the duties of being a sworn police officer as well as having the management skills of a professional day-to-day manager.

What does your job entail?

"In my role as a police lieutenant, I am tasked with the command of a service area within the police department, and the responsibilities include the management of personnel and programs, creation of and management of budgets and community engagement, building bridges through collaboration with organizations and members within our community."

Has your education helped in your current position?

"Absolutely. Although I took the circuitous route to my educational goal (the 15-year plan), the journey was fraught with opportunities for growth. It is never too late to embark upon or complete your educational goal."

Any parts of your job you particularly enjoy?

"I love the opportunity to develop and mentor officers and supervisors within the law enforcement ranks, and I enjoy the bridge-building opportunities with members of our community. We enjoy a great relationship with our community which is evidenced by a robust volunteer corps whose value is enormous. They truly are a force multiplier!"

Do you have any advice for someone seeking a similar career?

"If I were to offer advice for those looking at a career in criminal justice, it would be to communicate your passion for the career and then allow that passion to be the overarching theme for your career. Whether that passion is revealed as a desire to help others, protect the victims or build bridges with members of the community, allow that passion to serve as a guide for how you provide quality service, and do not lose sight of why you chose this profession in the first place."

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.