Chief Fabian Valdez joined the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) earlier this year. In this interview, Chief Valdez shares aspects of his leadership style that he hopes to promote transparency, compassion, and community-centered policing. 

The chief’s responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

What challenges did you face transitioning from the San Gabriel Police Department to becoming Chief of the San Fernando Police Department, and how did you overcome them? 

As an externally hired Police Chief, one of my initial challenges was the absence of long-standing internal and community relationships that often come with being promoted from within. To promote transparency and inclusivity, I committed to actively listening, learning, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels—both within the department and throughout the community. 

Internally, I met with every team member to understand their perspectives and career goals, and to assess the department’s culture and needs. I initiated an anonymous department-wide survey to gather honest feedback from department members on my leadership effectiveness and areas for organizational improvement. We also introduced a monthly newsletter and launched several wellness and support initiatives—such as Ju-jitsu, Yoga, Chaplain, and Peer Support programs—driven by staff input to foster a healthy and inclusive work environment. 

Externally, I have prioritized accessibility and engagement through bilingual “Chat-with-the-Chiefs,” Neighborhood and Business Watch meetings, and our Parent and Community Academies. I also regularly attend community events and collaborate with schools, local agencies, and organizations to ensure the department remains aligned with the evolving needs of the San Fernando community. These efforts have helped us strengthen trust and build lasting partnerships for the future. 

As a bilingual police chief in a diverse community like San Fernando, how do you approach building trust with immigrant populations? 

Building trust with the community requires a commitment to meeting individuals and stakeholders where they are. During my first year as Chief, I made it a priority to attend as many community events as possible, and I volunteered my personal time to coach a local Little League team. These and other efforts allowed me to connect with residents and stakeholders in informal, but meaningful ways. 

At many events I attended or that the department hosted, I made a deliberate effort to personally engage with native Spanish speakers to ensure they felt heard, respected, and included in our outreach efforts. Recognizing the importance of sustained and focused engagement, we also established a dedicated Community Engagement Detective position. This assignment is specifically focused on addressing quality-of-life concerns and ensuring that the department remains closely aligned with the evolving needs of our community stakeholders. 

How do you balance the need for effective law enforcement with immigration concerns in the San Fernando community?   

The primary mission of the San Fernando Police Department is to maintain public safety and uphold the law with fairness, integrity, and respect for all members of our community. As a municipal law enforcement agency, we do not participate in immigration enforcement and maintain a strictly apolitical stance in the execution of our duties. 

In accordance with California Senate Bill 54—the California Values Act—our interaction with federal immigration authorities is limited to what is expressly permitted by law. We are fully compliant with these provisions and adhere strictly to the guidelines established therein. 

We are also committed to ensuring that the community understands our role and the legal boundaries within which we operate. Our department regularly communicates this message at public events, and all officers and staff have received comprehensive training on SB 54 to ensure full understanding of their responsibilities. Through transparency and consistent outreach, we aim to foster trust and reinforce our commitment to inclusive, community-centered policing. 

How has your experience as a police academy instructor shaped your approach to teaching officers about handling immigration-related issues during community interactions? 

As Police Chief, being at the forefront of the unique challenges faced by local law enforcement—particularly in communities where immigration concerns are prevalent—has provided me with valuable insight. I make it a point to share these experiences and perspectives with police cadets whenever possible to help prepare the next generation of officers for compassionate, community-centered policing. 

What motivated you to specialize in gang-related investigations and become a recognized expert witness in court? 

I grew up in a working-class, predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood that faced persistent challenges related to street gangs. From an early age, I learned how to navigate my environment—avoiding gang involvement while developing an ability to coexist and engage effectively within the community. This firsthand experience provided me with a deep and practical understanding of the culture and social dynamics at play. 

As a young police officer, this background proved invaluable in building meaningful relationships and conducting effective investigations into gang-related crimes. My intimate knowledge of Mexican-American gang culture also enabled me to clearly articulate in jury trials the nuances of the gang subculture and the mindset often associated with gang-related activities. The ability to translate complex social dynamics into clear and credible testimony played an important role in supporting successful prosecutions. 

What inspired you to join the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF), and what aspect of the task force do you look forward to being a part of?  

I first learned about the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) through a notification shared by a fellow member of a Chiefs’ association. I recognize the task force as a leading resource on immigration and enforcement-related issues, providing valuable insights and best practices. My goal in engaging with the LEITF is to bring this knowledge back to establish best practices and to more effectively support the needs of the community we serve. 

The LEITF would like to thank Marina Caraballo, Spring Intern, for her contribution to this blog post.