Editor’s note: This feature is part of Police1’s eBook, “Elevating women in law enforcement: Strategies for professional growth and career development.” Download the eBook here.
Tracy Avelar was appointed chief of police for the Foster City Police Department in 2019, having served in every rank within the department since joining as a police recruit in 2002. On May 21, 2024, she was sworn in as the 59th president of the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) following her election by the Board of Directors. In December 2024, she was sworn in as the City of Pleasanton’s police chief.
Chief Avelar holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and a master’s degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security. She is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and the LAPD Leadership Academy.
Can you share a key challenge you’ve faced as a woman in law enforcement and how you overcame it?
I’ve faced the same challenges that most women experience. Women have to prove their competence, while men have to prove their incompetence. We usually don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
What’s one crucial piece of advice for women aiming for career advancement in law enforcement?
Go for it! You are so needed. But be yourself. Don’t try to fit in and be someone you aren’t. Being your authentic self is what the community wants, what your peers want and what policing needs.
How has networking influenced your career, and what’s a quick tip for effective networking?
Networking has created so many opportunities for me — I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of many different people. For effective networking, put yourself out there and meet people you wouldn’t normally interact with. Attend conferences and find your passions. As a captain, I joined the Law and Legislation Committee through Cal Chiefs, which led me to chair the committee, join the Board of Directors, and ultimately become CPCA president. All of that happened because I put myself out there and met Chief Eric Nunez, who encouraged me to get more involved.
How do you balance higher education with career and personal commitments in law enforcement?
I entered law enforcement at 33 with no formal education. With the support of my agency, I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working full-time and raising four kids. It was tough, but with time management and sacrifice, it was doable. Try to go through a program with a friend or co-worker — it makes the journey more enjoyable and provides support.
What’s your top suggestion for women preparing for leadership roles or promotional exams?
Prepare for the role you want long before it becomes available. Seek out conversations with leaders inside and outside your agency, as well as outside of law enforcement. Each person will offer different insights. I’ve found that the more prepared I felt for a promotional process, the less nervous I was.
What’s one change needed to better support women’s advancement in law enforcement over the next decade?
Women need to support other women. There is room for all of us — even at the top.
Leadership lightning round
📖 What leadership book, podcast, or seminar have you found invaluable?
The Coaching for Leaders podcast covers a wealth of leadership topics, and its website makes it easy to search for specific subjects.
📅 How do you stay organized and on schedule?
I rely on my calendar to stay organized, but staying on schedule doesn’t always happen—and that’s OK.
🗣️ What’s one way leaders can show they care about their people?
Show appreciation all the time, not just for big things. It’s the little moments that make a difference, and we sometimes forget to acknowledge them.
🌿 At the end of the workday, how do you recharge?
My last two kids just graduated high school, so I think I’ll probably start not cooking dinner to recharge!
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