Home: Blue Island, IL. Age: Older than I look. Profession: Senior law enforcement executive, educator, security expert. Organization: University of Chicago Police Department. Title: Dr., Commander. Significant other: Angela Douglas (spouse). Alma mater: Argosy University; Calumet College of St. Joseph.
Current project: Expanding real-time crime center capabilities and integrating AI-based analytics. Recent recognition: Chicago Defender’s Men of Excellence Award. Recent professional development: Completed a national leadership training symposium focused on strategic policing and public-private partnerships. Latest accomplishment: Successfully implemented new video surveillance protocols. Latest contribution to others: Mentored several emerging leaders within law enforcement. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Achieving my doctorate degree while managing executive-level responsibilities. Hobbies: Exercise, boating, following professional sports, spending time with family outdoors.
Personality profile: Strategic, disciplined, loyal, resilient, compassionate. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Successful. Moral compass: The Bible and the principle of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual respect, loyalty, transparency, and shared purpose. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Integrity, clear communication, and shared vision for positive impact. What is your greatest joy? Watching those I’ve mentored succeed. What is your guilty pleasure? Late-night snacks and classic mafia films.
What was your first paying job? At a fast-food chicken restaurant. What was your favorite college course? Organizational Leadership. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Goodfellas, A Few Good Men. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos, which serve as reminders of legacy and purpose. What company or organization do you most admire? NAACP / FBI National Academy. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11.
What is your big idea?
A national mentorship network for minority youth interested in law enforcement.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Increasing trust between police and communities. What change would you like to see in the world? A stronger global culture of accountability, empathy, and investment in youth.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Lead from the Front: The Varrick Douglas Story. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Denzel Washington. What advice would you give your younger self? Start earlier, trust your gifts, and don't be afraid to ask for help. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? From 18 – 25. I would follow the traditional academic route to create even more opportunity earlier.
Personal motto: Faith. Family. Fortitude. Favorite quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).
