Toni Bland, an Army veteran, began her law enforcement career with the Orange County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Department in the late 1980s. During her nearly 28-year career, she was promoted to investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and assistant sheriff.
After leaving the sheriff’s department, Bland became chief of district safety/security at Rancho Santiago Community College District in California. “After I accomplished that, I felt ready to relocate and do something different,” Bland said.
Bland now lives in Chandler, Arizona, where she teaches as a college adjunct faculty member and serves as a part-time academic director.
However, during her time with the sheriff’s department, Bland was involved in a 12-month mentorship program, which matched officers with mentors outside of their command to provide coaching, promotional perspectives and insight into different assignments throughout the agency.
“I think what mentoring does, especially for women, is it helps to broaden their perspective about the organization, as well as the many opportunities that are available,” Bland said. “If you’re not talking to someone about these opportunities, then you may not even realize it’s something you can do.”
Mentorship can also help new or seasoned female officers shift their perspectives that may get in the way of promotion, a lesson Bland teaches her students.
In Police1’s newest eBook, “Elevating women in law enforcement: Strategies for professional growth and career development,” Bland shares her story, exploring the essential elements of career development for female officers, providing insights, practical advice and the tools necessary to navigate the path to success.
The eBook focuses on advancement opportunities, the power of education, and the inspiring stories of women leaders, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and effective law enforcement community.
