JOSEPH H. AVALOS

The Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps fulfills many of the roles handled by, full-time sworn police officers. Reserve officers, depending on their level, receive the same training as regular officers. They work alongside regular police officers in many aspects of Department operations. As a level 1 Reserve Police Officer I am the highest trained and have the same authority as a full time police officer. I’m currently assigned to Mission Division patrol, one of the busiest areas in the San Fernando Valley. I have worked Office of the Chief of Police, Vice, Office of Operations, OWB - West LA, and during the City’s civil unrest I was assigned to a Mobile Field Force Unit protecting City Hall and DTLA areas, and the Command POST.

In 2021 I was awarded the Twice a Citizen Reserve Police Officer of the Year

• Supported positive relationships between community leaders and general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens and visitors.
• Patrolled designated to identify criminal activities, issue citations, prevent incidents and serve warrants.
• Partnered with team members to implement service initiatives and achieve team objectives.
• Testified in court at criminal hearings and trials as to scenes observed, evidence collected and previous incidents.
• Exceeded specific team goals and resolved issues by partnering with colleagues to share and implement service initiatives.
• Saved time through effective emergency issue resolution.
• Attained staff feedback to deliver information to superiors for corrective action.

Director, Office of Public Safety and Crisis Response Team (CRT), I hold a crucial leadership position in the Mayor's Office for the City of Los Angeles, responsible for overseeing the entire Crisis Response Team program which includes 250 members and a team of 7 mayoral staff.

My key responsibilities can be categorized into the following roles:

Program Oversight:

• Setting strategic goals and objectives for the CRT program and Staff
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures
• Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical guidelines
• Monitoring program performance and effectiveness
• Make certain that volunteers and staff debrief with our mental health specialist
• Recruited, hired and trained employees on operations and performance expectations.
• Managing budget and resource allocation for the program

Volunteer Management:

• Recruiting and selecting volunteers for the CRT
• Providing training and ongoing professional development for volunteers
• Organizing volunteer schedules and ensuring adequate coverage
• Supervising and supporting volunteers in their roles
• Recognizing and rewarding volunteer contributions

Partnership and Liaison:

• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with key agencies like LAPD, LAFD, LA County DMH, FBI, and area hospitals
• Collaborating with partner agencies to coordinate emergency responses
• Participating in meetings and forums to foster effective communication and cooperation
• Representing the CRT in interdepartmental and interagency discussions

Emergency Response:

• Overseeing the deployment of CRT Members in response to traumatic incidents
• Deploying to Officer Involved Shootings (OIS) and other major incidents that include mass casualties
• Ensuring timely and appropriate response to requests from partner agencies
• Coordinating with emergency services and incident commanders
• Addressing any challenges or issues during emergency responses
• Advising the Deputy Mayor during every call-out

Crisis Intervention and Victim Support:

• Monitoring and improving the quality of crisis care and intervention provided by CRT Members
• Ensuring that survivors receive immediate comfort, emotional support, and essential resources
• Collaborating with counseling and mental health services to support survivors' recovery
• Evaluating the effectiveness of victim support services and implementing improvements

Program Promotion and Expansion:

• Developing marketing strategies to promote the CRT program locally and nationally
• Engaging with media and public relations to highlight the program's successes
• Responding to inquiries from other cities interested in developing similar programs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles County Sheriffs, and Beverly Hills Police Departments
• Identifying opportunities for program expansion and growth

Penny Lane Center is a multi-service organization that serves 6000 children, youth and families and employs over 650 full time social service providers and support staff.

My responsibilities included overseeing a residential unit of over 50 female adolescents from the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Juvenile Probation, which included supervision of multiple staff members and social workers. Other responsibilities involved the supervision of Penny LaneCenters Transitional/Affordable Housing programs.

• Managed program operations and provided strategic leadership for workers.
• Facilitated staff meetings and educational work sessions to strengthen staff competencies.
• Oversaw administrative support staff to facilitate day-to-day program activities.
• Monitored program operations for compliance with policies and procedures, applicable standards and relevant contractual policy.
• Initiated and set goals for programs according to strategic objectives of organization.
• Spearheaded program planning and staff development to promote growth.
• Hired and developed staff members to collaboratively achieve program goals.
• Fostered community connections and networks, driving collaborations with local organizations and businesses.
• Coordinated with program managers and other stakeholders to create detailed implementation plans, milestones and risk mitigation protocols.

GLASS was the nation's first and only long-term residential treatment program specifically for LGBTQ youths in the nation. GLASS operated residential group homes in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland that housed multiple young LGBTQ youth. The agency also provided transitional living space for about 25 homeless teens ages 17-19 and secured foster homes for over 50 gay youth that other group homes throughout LA County did not want in their program because of the childrens’ sexual orientation and gender identity.

During my tenure of 23 years, I was responsible for the supervision of group homes in the Los Angeles area. My responsibilities throughout the many years included being the Director of the Foster Family Intake Department, Program Director of the Clinical Service Day Program, Director of Transitions Housing, and Development of all new programs. Other responsibilities included serving on several City and County task forces for Department of Children Family Services, Children & Family Court, Los Angeles County Department of Juvenile Probation, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Los Angeles Police Department.

• Recruited, hired and trained employees on operations and performance expectations.
• Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture.
• Managed staff, financials and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations.
• Developed and presented new ideas and conceptualized new approaches and solutions.
• Built strong referral network to generate new business opportunities.
• Planned and implemented strategies to grow revenue.
• Supported work-life balance to improve staff morale.
• Worked with department managers to formulate annual budgets.
• Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.