Her Story
About Lois
Lois Weiss is a distinguished law enforcement leader with more than 33 years of experience in criminal investigations, public safety, and organizational leadership. Currently serving as District Commander for Northern Investigations and Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Major Incident Division at the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), she oversees complex law enforcement-related critical incident investigations across Arizona. Throughout her career, Weiss has earned a reputation for integrity, accountability, and operational excellence while advancing investigative practices that promote transparency and public trust. She holds a Master of Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Prior to joining DPS, Weiss spent nearly three decades with the Phoenix Police Department, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. During her tenure, she served in a variety of specialized assignments, including homicide investigations, financial crimes, internal affairs, crime gun intelligence, patrol operations, and officer-involved shooting investigations. Her investigative work included participation in serial killer task forces, financial crime investigations, and high-profile criminal cases involving homicide and child exploitation. Today, she plays a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and leading Arizona's Major Incident Division, recruiting top investigative talent from across the country and overseeing cases involving officer-involved shootings, forensic investigative genetic genealogy, and crime gun intelligence analysis.
Raised on the south side of Chicago, Weiss was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement after learning about the John Wayne Gacy and Adam Walsh cases, believing from an early age that she could make a meaningful difference through criminal investigations. A strong advocate for women in policing, she actively supports the 30x30 Initiative and works to increase opportunities for women in law enforcement leadership. Guided by values of authenticity, compassion, integrity, mentorship, and service, Weiss emphasizes employee wellness, family support, and professional development. Her leadership philosophy centers on the belief that people matter more than titles, encouraging others to remain true to themselves, maintain balance in life, and "lift as they climb" by helping others succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lois
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, integrity, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment to service. Throughout my 33-year law enforcement career, I have remained focused on pursuing justice, supporting others, and leading with professionalism in challenging situations. I believe success comes from staying authentic, continuously growing both personally and professionally, and embracing a servant leadership mindset that prioritizes helping others, building trust, and making a positive impact on the communities I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received is to “lift as you climb and never lose sight of who you are or your value.” Throughout my law enforcement career, that advice has reminded me that true leadership is measured not by rank or title, but by the impact you have on others. It has helped me stay authentic, confident in my abilities, and committed to supporting and mentoring others while remaining grounded in my values.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering law enforcement is to invest in your education, trust your abilities, and never allow stereotypes or limitations to define your potential. Women bring valuable perspectives, leadership qualities, and communication strengths that are essential to effective public safety. Stay authentic, work hard, seek out mentors, and commit to continuous learning throughout your career. Just as importantly, prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy balance between professional ambition and personal growth. Most of all, know that you belong in leadership roles and should never hesitate to pursue opportunities that challenge and inspire you.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are family, authenticity, integrity, accountability, honesty, compassion, empathy, mentorship, and service to others. Family has always been the foundation of my life and a driving force behind my success. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to lead with humility, treat people with respect, and uphold the highest ethical standards. I strongly believe in "lifting as you climb"—helping others grow and succeed while remaining grounded in service and purpose. I also believe that effective leadership requires both strength and empathy, and I have always worked to balance decisiveness with compassion in the way I serve and support others.
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