Meet Patricia Blake

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Patricia L. Blake was born in The Dalles, Oregon, and began her career with the Los Angeles Police Department in May of 1983. Over the course of her distinguished 33-year tenure with the department, Blake served in various capacities and earned numerous accolades for her exceptional dedication to service.

After completing her probation at Foothill Division, Blake became one of the first two female Field Training Officers (FTOs) at Rampart Division. Her exceptional performance as a field patrol officer earned her the "Officer of the Year" award at Rampart in 1987, and she went on to become the first female Senior Lead Officer (SLO) at Rampart Division.

Blake's commitment to keeping communities safe led her to establish a Special Problems Unit (SPU) at Wilshire Division, targeting gangs and narcotics activity. As the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of this unit, Blake received a Meritorious Unit Citation for making a positive impact on the quality of life in the local community.

Blake then served as the assistant watch commander at Van Nuys Division and later as the OIC of the Community Relations Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) gang unit. She also worked in Management Services Division as a department researcher and Internal Affairs as an investigator, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled and reliable officer.

As a lieutenant, Blake was assigned to West Valley as a watch commander, assistant, and acting detective commanding officer (CO), where she supervised the West Valley parolee team. Later, at Foothill Division, she was assigned as the acting and assistant detective CO and the OIC of the mounted horse and rider Cavalry unit (VCCRR). This unique unit provided outreach and "good will" to the local community, promoting crime prevention, education, and interaction with children.

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 completion 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).

In addition to her work with LAWPOA, Blake participated over ten times in the annual international law enforcement “Baker-to-Vegas” 120-mile relay run sponsored by LAPD. She is recognized in the Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide publication for her outstanding excellence in the field of law enforcement, as well as the the Top 100 Registry and Women's P.O.W.E.R. Magazine publication.

Patty recently resigned from the LAPD reserves and is now an active Lyon County Nevada Search and Rescue Volunteer. With specialized training in profiling and tracking missing persons across diverse terrains such as trails, mountains, desert, and urban settings, she is dedicated to serving her community and ensuring the safety of others.

Even after her retirement in 2016, Blake continued to serve as a reserve officer OIC of the VCCRR unit, reflecting her unwavering dedication to public service. She supports the Tunnel 2 Towers organization and ASPCA with regular contributions. Patricia L. Blake is a true leader and an inspiration to all in the field of law enforcement.