Hajir Nuriddin

Assistant Chief, Coral Gables Police Department

Born, raised and educated in Bakersfield, CA, Hajir Nuriddin spent 30 years with her hometown police force – earning the nickname “Relentless” for her drive and determination – before retiring as a captain in January 2016. She began her career as a dispatcher, and then, as a sworn officer worked homicide, SWAT, narcotics and sexual assault cases while becoming the first female supervisor of the motorcycle division. In 2002, she was named “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” by the Southern California National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Latest Achievement

Nuriddin was appointed the assistant chief of the Coral Gables Police Department in March of last year. Before that, Nuriddin had gained national recognition as a speaker and trainer on police leadership and diversity. She published “The 8 Time-Tested Templates,” a guidebook for law enforcement agencies, in 2019, and through her own consulting firm conducted training workshops for thousands of police officers and executives. She also served as a faculty member in Advanced Criminal Justice at California State University, Bakersfield.

What She Says

“From what we see in the media, there are unfortunately some officers who have dishonored the badge, and that makes it extremely difficult and dangerous for all of us in this profession,” says Nuriddin. “Regardless of ethnicity or gender, illegal and unethical behavior impacts all of us.” Nuriddin is also a proponent of public openness and access to police. “It is important that our officers perform our duty as sworn to do so. It is just as important we hold ourselves and [other] officers accountable. I strongly believe people want transparency.” 

Hajir Nuriddin