SONJA (NIKI) BRACKEN
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant with 30 years of experience in law enforcement and commitment to maintaining high levels of safety and organization. Proven leader with great and detail-oriented observation skills. Goal-oriented with calm and focused demeanor in stressful situations.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lieutenant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Los Angeles, CA
04.2018 - 03.2025
- Custody Services Division: Century Regional Detention Facility & Twin Towers Correctional Facility
- Risk Management/Operations Lieutenant - Assisted the unit commander as needed with risk management related tasks and documentation. Managed the supervision and training of personnel. Liaised with the Department of Mental Health and Correctional Health Services. Managed and tracked administrative investigations. Served as Acting Captain in the absence of the unit commander.
- Watch Commander - Supervised all custody personnel, tracked and managed of use of force reports, administrative investigations, evaluations and monitoring of the inmate population.
Operations Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Los Angeles, CA
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Custody Services Division Headquarters: Twin Towers Correctional Facility
- Aide to the Chief of Specialized Programs
- Supervised civilian personnel; tracked and managed all Divisional reports.
Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Lynwood, CA
04.2016 - 06.2017
- Custody Services Division: Century Regional Detention Facility
- Operations Sergeant - Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all staff members.
- Grievance Team Sergeant - Supervised personnel in the tracking and management of inmate grievances.
Detective Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Commerce, CA
07.2010 - 04.2016
- Internal Affairs Bureau
- Investigated and completed administrative cases related to deputy involved shootings, use of force and Department policy violations.
Patrol Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
City Of Industry, CA
04.2007 - 07.2010
- Industry Sheriff's Station
- Supervised line personnel as Field Sergeant, Watch Sergeant and Watch Commander.
- Supervised a Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) - Summer 2010.
Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Lakewood, CA
09.2002 - 04.2007
- Lakewood Sheriff's Station: Patrol Deputy; Field Training Officer; Special Assignment Deputy
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance community policing initiatives.
- Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
- Patrolled designated areas in patrol vehicle and on foot to identify security and safety issues.
- Reduced criminal activity through diligent surveillance, proactive policing, and collaboration with local businesses and residents.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering open communication channels for addressing concerns collaboratively.
Custody Assistant; Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Los Angeles, CA
09.1996 - 09.2002
- Twin Towers Custody Facility: Custody Assistant (civilian) then promoted to Deputy Sheriff (sworn)
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Assisted in the training and mentoring of new deputies, sharing knowledge and experiences to help them excel in their roles.
- Negotiated peaceful resolutions during conflict situations, minimizing need for force and reducing community tensions.
- Observed jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety.
Community Services Officer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Lakewood, CA
08.1995 - 09.1996
- Lakewood Sheriff's Station
- Provided support during emergency response operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Contributed to the reduction of traffic accidents through diligent parking enforcement and monitoring of roadways.
- Ensured accurate documentation and reporting by maintaining detailed records of all incidents encountered during shifts.
- Assisted police officers in routine investigations by canvassing areas, collecting and documenting evidence and coordinating community responses.
Security Site Supervisor
American Protection Security Services
Los Angeles, CA
1993 - 1995
- Conducted regular site inspections at various locations to identify vulnerabilities and enforce security measures.
- Supervised security operations ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Developed and implemented training programs for security personnel to enhance performance and efficiency.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to coordinate responses to incidents and emergencies.
Professional Basketball Player
Overseas
Brazil; Israel; Taiwan
1992 - 1993
- Cultivated strong relationships with teammates, contributing to a positive team culture.
- Maintained peak physical condition by following rigorous fitness routines tailored to specific performance requirements.
- Excelled in clutch situations under pressure, securing crucial points that contributed to overall game success.
Defensive Coach
Citrus College Athletics (Women's Basketball)
Glendora, CA
1991 - 1992
- Developed individualized training programs to enhance athlete performance and skill acquisition.
- Evaluated athlete progress through performance analytics, adjusting training plans accordingly.
- Analyzed competition data to refine game strategies and improve overall team performance.
- Mentored student-athletes, fostering growth in skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Hospitality Management
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CASkills
- Decision-making
- Public event security
- Emergency management
- Team leadership
- Situational awareness
- Surveillance
- Accustomed to various software applications
- Public relations
- Emergency response
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Verbal and written communication
- Mental health awareness
- Training and mentoring
- Verbal de-escalation
- Risk assessment
- Ethical judgment
- Legal knowledge
- Investigation techniques
- Public safety
- Defensive tactics
- First aid and CPR
Accomplishments
- Supervised teams of 100-200 staff members (civilian and sworn).
- Documented and resolved administrative issues which led to various results beneficial to both the individuals involved and the organization.
- Achieved several college basketball awards and still holds numerous statistical records at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
- Obtained sports knowledge through participation, coaching, learning and dedication
Affiliations
- Black Peace Officers' Association (BPOA)
- California Narcotics Officers' Association (CNOA)
- Protect and Defend Organization (PAD)
- Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE); Kailua, Hawaii #2230
Certification
- CFR - Certified First Responder
- Middle Management School (Peace Officers Standards and Training (Post) Management Course) Certificate
- Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) Certificate
- Behavior Analysis Training Institute (BATI) Certificate
- Sergeant Supervisory Certificate
- Weapons of Mass Destruction First Responder Training
- Certified Field Training Officer
- Advanced Peace Officers Standards and Training (Post) Certificate
- Qualified with M-26 and X-26 Tasers, Stunbag Shotgun, Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield (Arwen) Gun, Ar-15 Rifle
ACCOLADES AND HONORS
- Basketball Accolades:
California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona (1986-1990):
- California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Female Athlete of the Year (1990)
- CCAA Player of the year (1990)
- Four-time CCAA All Tournament Team honors
- Three-time CCAA Tournament Most Valuable Player
- Four-time All-American honors
Subsequent to College
- Named to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball 25th Anniversary Team (Ceremony in Hot Springs, Arkansas).
- Inducted into the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame (2024).
- Sheriff’s Department Accolades:
- Division Chief's Commendation for being the Unit Commander at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) during several emergent situations at the facility.
- Division Chief's Commendation for participation in a military appreciation event at Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF).
- Lakewood Sheriff's Station Rookie of the Year (2002-2003); Numerous commendations while in patrol at Lakewood Station and Industry Station.
Timeline
Lieutenant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
04.2018 - 03.2025
Operations Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
06.2017 - 04.2018
Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
04.2016 - 06.2017
Detective Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
07.2010 - 04.2016
Patrol Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
04.2007 - 07.2010
Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
09.2002 - 04.2007
Custody Assistant; Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
09.1996 - 09.2002
Community Services Officer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
08.1995 - 09.1996
Security Site Supervisor
American Protection Security Services
1993 - 1995
Professional Basketball Player
Overseas
1992 - 1993
Defensive Coach
Citrus College Athletics (Women's Basketball)
1991 - 1992
Bachelor of Science Degree - Hospitality Management
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona