How to become an officer and promote within the department.

Presented by: Sergeant Monica Cuellar, Pasadena Police Department

Sgt. Monica Cuellar has been with the Pasadena Police Department for 27 years.  Sgt. Cuellar has worked various assignments, which include Neighborhood Crime Task Force, Traffic Division, Event Planning, Detective Section and Patrol.  Sgt. Cuellar is an experienced investigator…her expertise was investigating Sexual Assaults against Adults and Children.  She handled numerous high profile cases throughout her years.  In 2015, the Masonic Wisdom Lodge recognized Sgt. Cuellar for her service with the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award.  

Sgt. Cuellar was promoted to the Sergeant rank in 2016.  She currently supervises the HOPE Team (Homeless Outreach & Psychiatric Evaluation Team) as well as the Park Safety Unit.  She is currently enrolled in the Supervisor Leadership Institute, an intense program designed to stimulate growth, leadership and ethical decision-making for front-line supervisors.  

Sgt. Cuellar has lots to share about entering a career which is still to this day a predominately male oriented profession. She will talk about her experiences both good and bad. 

Sgt. Cuellar enjoys encouraging young females to explore opportunities and to not settle on something just because it’s comfortable. Whether their goal is Law Enforcement or becoming a CEO, she believes it is important to have a strong female mentor that will help guide them into their future.