As more women step into command roles, their leadership paths offer lessons for anyone moving up in the ranks. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Capt. Michelle Tavarez of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shares how she built credibility, handled setbacks and now leads some of the agency’s most high-stakes units.

Captain Tavarez oversees LVMPD’s Safe Neighborhoods Bureau, including the gang, vice and narcotics units, and helped shape the department’s internal and community-facing mentorship efforts through the Women of Metro council. She talks about the value of diverse leadership, lessons from her own promotional journey and why support from agency leaders — including former Sheriff and current Governor Joe Lombardo — played a pivotal role in her advancement.

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.