Six Questions for a San Marino Local: Police Officer Shavon Leonard

Throughout junior high, high school and college San Marino Police Officer Shavon Leonard dreamed of becoming a teacher. It wasn’t until she took a job as a dispatcher for the Inglewood Police Department that she discovered her true calling.

“Once I entered the field of law enforcement I knew I wanted to become a police officer,” Leonard said of the position. “Once I started at the Inglewood Police Department--I just knew it was right for me.”

After enrolling in the police academy, Leonard applied for a position with the San Marino Police Department. The 25-year-old started working for the city on February 22 and graduated from the academy in early March.

“I had never been in the city prior to my employment,” said the Los Angeles resident. “Once I made the decision to apply, I did come visit so I could get a feel for what the community is like.”

With a month of police officer duties under her belt, Leonard finds the community of San Marino to be a friendly and welcoming place.

Check out what Leonard has to stay about her new stomping grounds.

What do you like most about San Marino?

The community really appreciates the police department. You can be driving down the street and a resident will wave at you and ask how your day is going.

What is your favorite restaurant in San Marino?

--their salads and sandwiches are all good.

What is your favorite place in San Marino to take a stroll or go for a run?

I’ve yet to do that because we have a gym here. If I were going for a run, I wouldn’t mind going to the because they have big, beautiful gardens.

What is a little known fact about you?

I ride a motorcycle.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Cherries Jubilee from Baskin Robins.

What is your ultimate career goal?

I would love to become a police captain. If not a captain, I’d definitely like to be lieutenant. I want to work my way up in rank. I would love to retire and say I retired as a captain or a lieutenant.