Her Story
About Latifah
Latifah Castleberry is a police officer currently serving the City of White Plains, New York, a role she stepped into in early 2026 following her graduation from the Westchester County Police Academy. Her path into law enforcement began years earlier, rooted in a passion for criminal justice that she has pursued since 2011, and further shaped by her ongoing service as a Military Intelligence and Operations Officer with the United States Army Reserve, where she holds a TS/SCI clearance. The rigorous training she underwent at the academy tested her both mentally and physically, and she credits her military background with helping prepare her for the discipline required of the role.
In her position, Castleberry responds to a wide range of calls, including aided incidents, car accidents, and shoplifting cases, conducting investigations and reporting findings back to headquarters while working demanding 12-hour shifts. She values the camaraderie and backup support of her team, particularly as a one-person patrol unit, and is currently working to learn Spanish so she can better connect with and serve the community she patrols. Guided by the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with respect regardless of their circumstances, she approaches her work with both compassion and professionalism.
Beyond her law enforcement career, Castleberry has built a diverse professional background that includes roles as a Surveillance Manager at MGM Resorts International and an Operations Coordinator at Gucci, reflecting a versatile skill set across security and operations. She has also remained active in community service, volunteering in breast cancer awareness efforts with GrowNYC since 2014 and having served as a high-profile volunteer for the South-South News Red Carpet Event tied to the United Nations. Her dedication to service and leadership was recognized early on when she received the American Legion Commander's Award from the US Army Cadet Command in 2019, foreshadowing the disciplined, service-oriented career she continues to build today.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Latifah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline and perseverance I built throughout my journey, from studying criminal justice since 2011 to serving in the military, and ultimately graduating from the police academy to step into my current role as a police officer.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to always be a lifelong learner. I've learned to maintain a healthy work-life balance by leaving work at work, to listen closely to my senior officers and supervisors since they carry invaluable experience, and to stay open like a sponge—observing how other officers handle situations and accepting feedback as guidance rather than criticism.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to learn from those who came before you and to apply what you learn every single day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is not becoming emotionally involved in certain situations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Treating every human being with respect is most important to me. Even if someone has done something they shouldn't have, they are still human beings deserving of dignity.
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