Joyce LaPointe

In April of 2024, Joyce LaPointe became the first female Deputy Chief of Police in the history of the Southern California College Police Department. After almost 28 years of serving her community, this is a dream come true, but also a dream she never imagined possible.

Growing up a student-athlete in Northern California, with a father in construction, her adolescence played a critical role in shaping her to become a strong leader, as well as a hard worker. LaPointe played basketball and softball at Southern California College while studying to earn her degree in kinesiology. She was originally drawn to the study of movement because of its natural segue in the ability to improve people’s day by reducing the small struggles of everyday life. The thought of going into law enforcement only occurred to her when her interest was piqued at the offer of a ride-along from police officers who would visit her high school, allowing her to see what it truly meant to be a police officer and a sliver of what the role entails. Fast forward to a career of trailblazing and empowerment, however, the journey wasn’t an easy one.

When LaPointe first joined the Costa Mesa Police Department, only 6 of the 160 officers were women. Unlike her current officers, there was no lead female for her to look up to or even ask for advice, and so she did what so many females feel they must do to survive in a patriarchal society: she tried to become one of the boys. When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, the Deputy Chief reflected on the challenges she faced early in her career, including struggling to find her place in an environment with few female role models. It took 18 months to win them over, in addition to studying for and earning her pilot’s license in 2006 on her own before returning to the team in Costa Mesa. In the end, her diligence won over a particular training officer who afforded her opportunities that would not have been there had she not been her authentic self. Her response to the question was this: don’t self-sabotage, because “girls can do anything a man can…. If there’s something you need to work on, then improve it, but if you know you’re good at something, own it.” She stressed the importance of being thoughtful about whose advice to take, ensuring it aligns with your goals and values. The law enforcement pioneer also mentioned that she would take people’s advice sparingly, considering her own strengths and weaknesses first, and then reflecting on what truly needs improvement—as well as what you have confidence in. Additionally, LaPointe remarked that she would have told her younger self to purchase stock in Apple, a tip many of us would have appreciated a decade or two ago.

In the face of adversity, LaPointe never backed down. She faced challenges head-on, showing patience and inner strength even when others doubted her abilities. One of her most memorable experiences was her relentless pursuit of becoming part of the air support team. Despite earning her helicopter pilot’s license in 2006 independent of the Costa Mesa Police Department, she faced significant resistance from colleagues. It took 18 months of hard work and proving herself, but she eventually gained their respect and a place on the team. “You can’t let others’ doubts define you,” she said. “You have to stay strong, patient, and keep pushing forward.”

When she first joined the Costa Mesa Police Department, LaPointe noticed how few women were in leadership roles. Without female mentors to guide her, she had to find her own way. “It’s hard to climb the ladder when there aren’t women ahead of you to show the way,” she reflected. That reality shaped her approach to leadership. Now, as Deputy Chief, she makes it a priority to mentor young women, offering them the support and guidance she didn’t have. She encourages them to embrace their individuality and understand the unique strengths they bring to the table. Moreover, she believes that diversity is necessary as it provides new perspectives, especially when it comes to having a woman on your team.

LaPointe’s leadership is defined by her ability to balance strength with empathy. Early in her career, she made the controversial decision to cancel parking tickets issued to a grieving family who struggled financially. While some officers felt this undermined their authority, she saw the bigger picture, illustrating the multifaceted nature of her role, and chose compassion. “Empathy is necessary,” she explained. “There are moments when you have to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s not the popular choice.” One of her goals is to instill in her officers the importance of considering the complexities of their jobs and remaining mindful of their impact on their community and how and when to handle situations such as these with empathy.

As Deputy Chief, LaPointe focuses on creating opportunities for others. She’s proud of her accomplishments, like earning her pilot’s license and becoming the first female Deputy Chief, but she’s equally proud of the impact she’s had on those around her. She’s worked to increase the number of women in specialized roles and leadership positions, creating a more inclusive environment for the next generation.

Her passion for her work is clear. “I love my job because I get to make a difference every day,” she said. “Now, it’s about leaving the department better than I found it so that others have more opportunities.” She recalls attending a women’s leadership conference early in her career and being inspired by the accomplished women she met there. It gave her the confidence to dream bigger and showed her what was possible.

For young women pursuing leadership roles, LaPointe offers this advice: “Lean into it. Don’t be afraid to step into a career where you might feel outnumbered. You bring strengths and perspectives that others don’t have, and that’s what makes you valuable.”

Her journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of representation. LaPointe has shown that breaking barriers is about more than personal success—it’s about opening doors for others and creating a legacy of empowerment.