Art of Career Advancement for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leaders

Jonni Redick is a retired Assistant Chief of the California Highway Patrol, where she served 29 years and advanced through the ranks from entry-level to executive leadership. Her work reflects a comprehensive command of organizational leadership, workforce development, public safety strategy, and culture transformation, grounded in her practitioner experience. Redick is a published author, contributor to national policing publications, national speaker, and consultant specializing in leadership development, career advancement, and building resilient, people-centered organizations. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Diego, contributing to the development of current and emerging public safety leaders. She holds a M.S. in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Administration from California Baptist University. Erik Fritsvold serves as the Academic Director for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership program at the University of San Diego. He was the founding faculty member for the program and part of the team that shepherded it from concept through launch – a process that included three years of research and collaboration with law enforcement. Fritsvold directs all aspects of program academics, including curriculum, faculty, admissions, accreditation, and any issues related to students. Fritsvold’s primary expertise is applying core tenets of academic criminology and criminal justice to dynamic, modern-day law enforcement. Fristvold earned his B.A. in Sociology from the University of San Diego in 2000, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Criminology, Law & Society Department at the University of California at Irvine in 2003 and 2006 respectively.

“The Art of Career Advancement is the resource our profession has been missing. Jonni and Erik deliver a transparent roadmap ensuring quality people reach leadership, not just the well-connected. A must read if you want to successfully climb the ladder”Jason P. ArmstrongChief (ret.), Ferguson Police DepartmentNational Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame"This book captures the art of the oral interview by translating key leadership and policing concepts into practical guidance, preparing candidates to stand out, perform with confidence, and secure their place at the table."Julie RodriguezCaptain, Los Angeles Police DepartmentPresident, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)“What stands out in Art of Career Advancement” is how personally Redick and Fritsvold address the challenges of promotion and growth. They bring clarity to complex promotional systems while encouraging intentional career advancement, helping readers feel understood and prepared to move forward.”Dr. Tarrick McGuireChief, Alexandria Police Department

• Part 1: Inner Architecture of Leadership Readiness 1. Leadership Foundations Before Authority: Identity, Credibility, and Influence 2. Strategic Career Planning and Advancement Readiness Part 2: Building the Competitive Edge for Promotion 3. Skill Mastery, Deliberate Practice, and Professional Visibility 4. Promotional Processes and Competitive Readiness Strategy 5. Crossing the Promotion Threshold: Leadership Execution in Role 6. Relational Leadership, Culture, and Trust Building 7. Organizational Leadership Stewardship and Cultural Impact