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Policing is one of the most demanding professions and advancing through the ranks comes with unique challenges, particularly for women in law enforcement. Retired Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin brings decades of experience to this conversation. From managing sleepless nights to building community trust during critical moments, Larkin exemplifies what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment. Now, as the Director of Intelligence for FIFA’s World Cup events, she shares her journey and offers actionable advice on leadership, career advancement and retirement planning for police officers.
After retiring in May 2024 following a 25-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Larkin reflects on her role as Assistant Sheriff, where she spearheaded efforts in community engagement, counterterrorism and leadership development. In her discussion with Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley, Larkin explores the complexities of law enforcement leadership, the significance of resilience and the importance of early retirement planning. She provides practical tips for officers transitioning to new careers, including how to craft targeted resumes, build professional networks and find a meaningful second chapter.
Tune in to discover:
- Why sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of officer wellness.
- How mentorship and the “Women of Metro” program transformed opportunities for women in law enforcement.
- The three pillars of resilience every officer should prioritize: community, identity and purpose.
- Her advice for preparing for life after law enforcement, including resume tips and building professional networks.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
About our guest
Sasha Larkin is the Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time ever, the World Cup will be hosted by three different countries and span 16 different cities.
Sasha retired as an Assistant Sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where she served for over 25 years. Sasha oversaw two Divisions: Homeland Security and Investigative Services. She was also the Intelligence Commander for Major County Sheriff’s Association and represented the LVMPD in national conferences on issues related to crime, terrorism, and prevention efforts. Sasha also sat on the Office of Director National Intelligence Board and the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team in Washington DC on behalf of the Sheriff to ensure proactive messaging for the LVMPD in the prevention and recognition of domestic and international terrorism.
Recognized for her work in community engagement, Sasha was integral in building the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) and the Fusion Liaison Officer Program. She was the Chair of Women of Metro, an outreach organization that mentors women internally for promotion in law enforcement and hosts a variety of community events.
Sasha has been honored by numerous community organizations for her work in terrorism, law enforcement and community building efforts. In 2016 she was recognized by the Anti-defamation League as the recipient of the “Shield Award” for building one of the largest, most successful Terrorism Liaison Officer Programs in the country, along with one of the leading refugee integration programs nationwide. Sasha has also been honored with the Community Service Award by Girl Scouts of America and Top Cops in Washington D.C.
Sasha attended the University of New Mexico, majoring in Biological Anthropology and Criminal Justice, receiving her bachelor’s degree, and graduated Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Post Graduate School in 2021. In addition to her day job, Sasha has been teaching yoga for 23 years and travels around the world to teach and train various yoga disciplines.
Connect with Sasha Larkin on LinkedIn.
Key takeaways
- The power of preparation: Sasha emphasizes starting retirement planning early, including refining resumes for public and private sectors, seeking professional guidance and networking intentionally.
- The importance of sleep and wellness: Chronic sleep deprivation led Sasha to reevaluate her career, highlighting the need for police leaders to prioritize health and long-term sustainability.
- Community and identity as cornerstones: Sasha believes that fostering community trust and ensuring officers maintain a sense of identity and purpose are vital for resilience, both during and after a law enforcement career.
- Collaboration saves lives: Lessons from international tragedies like the Mumbai attacks and domestic incidents such as the Harvest Festival shooting demonstrated the importance of joint police-fire training and strong interagency partnerships in saving lives during crises.
Related content
- Shattering glass ceilings: Sasha Larkin’s legacy in policing
- 7 expert steps for police officers to prepare for retirement
- Police1 resources on event security
- Police1 resources on retirement planning
- Police1 resources on women in law enforcement
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