The Art of Supervision (NR022-26db)

[LSPD Media Relations]

Los Santos Police Department

Media Relations Division

Immediate Release

April 12, 2026

NR022-26db

The Art of Supervision

LOS SANTOS, SA —

Recently under a minor re-structure of the Los Santos Police Department's upper echelon, Assistant Chief Dezzy Bala handed over the running of the Supervisor Training Program, to Deputy Chief Jaxon Nash. We caught up with Assistant Chief Dezzy Bala, to discuss the Supervisor Training Program, the transition and what it means to be an effective LSPD Supervisor in 2026.

Question; It's been a few weeks now since the handover of the Supervisor Training Program, how are you feeling about it?

I really have to say, right off the bat, that in terms of individuals within the structure of the LSPD leadership, I think you would be hard-pressed to find someone that has a more consistent opinion and standard of behaviour than Deputy Chief Jaxon Nash.

While he primarily doesn't necessarily have quite the extensive training background that someone like myself has, for example, he was the Bureau Director of Professional Standards for quite a while and under his watch, PSB was a well-oiled machine so in terms of worrying about my replacement, not at all.

We're different leaders, who lead differently but absolutely no concerns there. As for how I'm feeling about it? I've made my peace with it. At the time, it pinched a little bit. You do something for a while and then when it's not really your decision to stop, it could be a little frustrating but we're an ever expanding, developing and progressive Department, sometimes you have to take things in a new direction with a new director.

Question; What was your time like, as a Supervisor in Training, in the Supervisor Training Program?

I benefitted from the creation of the Sheriff's Department, because a lot of Supervisory spots opened up with a number of high-profile departures. I was a pretty good Patrol Officer but I think it's fair to say that I had my fair share of disciplinary issues particularly in that first couple of years. I was brought into the STP at the end of July 2019 and I certainly felt I had a chip on my shoulder when I did. I knew my stuff in Patrol anyway and I think my experience on the other side of that desk, getting yelled at, prepared me for that aspect of the job.

I did Guided Patrols, which are essentially just like Patrols practicing being a Supervisor where you learn the nitty gritty with people like Josh Paige, Daniels Shelby, a couple sessions with Mary Dinkley and of course, our current Chief of Police Phillipe Sanchez. One of the upsides of having the access, is that you can read the feedback and in preparation for this, I went back and had a look, surprised myself.

I conducted my Evaluations also with Chief Sanchez, with legendary Detective Mike Adams and also, former Police Chief and currently Police Commissioner Elena Flores, so those evaluations were a real litmus test for me. I sailed through it but I did feel that essentially repeating the same checklist was a little redundant by the second or third Guided, I think that's where the idea sparked to change it came from.

Question; What do you think is the key to being a good Supervisor and how do you think your approach worked?

I think sometimes people assume that it's all about throwing your weight around and giving someone a bollocking when they do something wrong. Don't get me wrong, there is that element to it but ultimately, it's about balance and control. Not everyone needs the hairdryer treatment when things aren't going well for them, some need an arm around their shoulder. So, people skills and man-management is important.

I think when it comes to field supervision, I don't really do it as much anymore as an Assistant Chief, but ultimately it's the ability to get your hands in the mud when things are starting to go sideways and drag people through it. That might be assigning a wide-eyed Cadet to do something other than wait to be activated, it might be to hurry someone along when they're going through the arrest process or probably everyone's least favourite, having to hear out disgruntled criminals on why they're unhappy they're on the way to jail. With that one, you need to have patience and approach the situation with an open mind but also, you don't want to be a pushover. They're criminals, they're looking for any angle to get those cuffs off.

I came through the Department with a lot of no nonsense Supervisors. Assistant Chief Dunbar, Deputy Chief Jason Steel. Lex Roth, Victor Einhart, Elizabeth Sanchez. That Supervisor Team then helped shape the Leadership of today, 100%.

Question; Do you feel that you made a difference in the STP and did it work out how you wanted?

Yes and no, to both. I think to an extent, you can't and shouldn't try to reinvent the wheel. Being a good supervisor, I think is intrinsically something that either a person is able to do or not so there isn't a lot than you can really build on. We did go from three evaluations down to two because I think you can learn everything you need to know from one, but two reinforces what you already know.

We also got rid of the Supervisor in Training's paperwork, because ultimately how they felt they did was irrelevant to how we felt they did. Cutting Staff Officers out of the process was another choice, because we wanted to allow our Command Officers and Supervisors more responsibility on who they shared that meeting room with on a Sunday. You always wish you could have done more, but I don't think it's healthy to carry that with you after the fact.

Question; In terms of current Supervisors and perhaps potential Supervisors, who stands out to you?

When it comes to current supervisors? Carl Jacobs springs to mind. Reminds me of a hybrid between Mike Luigi and Jamie Lockwood, socially motivating but also very resolute and diligent in their approach.

Jordan Blix tends to crush it pretty consistently. He's a little reserved at times but he's great at getting involved when a situation calls for it. It's a rare talent to not just jump in with both feet and to pick your moment.

I think the final one is a little out of left field, but Lieutenant Elise Moreau (nee. De La Croix). I think they're honestly solid and they have such a deep well of knowledge and experience. I think the only downside with Moreau is that they seem content with their current lot but if they back themselves a little more, I think they'd be excellent further up the chain.

As for current Patrol Officers, it's a bit of a melting pot. I think from METRO, Officers Loan and James to me have the tools to make the next step up. From the Detectives, I'd probably be looking at Kingstone or Deul (Skylar) because they both have real depth of experience. From Patrol? I think Lionel Taylor has a tough deal with the night shift but I could him doing well, Stooges.. and I really like what James Boots has been doing as well.

That to say, reinstatements and transfers are always a possibility, especially with our Reserve Program and it can be a challenge trying offset returning people from the outside with giving chances to those inside, and that being fair but additionally, beyond the names I've singled out and everyone in the Supervisor team and above will have their own lists, there is always someone that comes out of left field.

Question; Finally, any words of encouragement for any potential Supervisory candidates?

Try not to over-think. The Supervisor Training Program lasts up to six weeks for a reason. As long as you're consistent with the practice, you'll develop into a good Supervisor in no time. Don't be afraid to act and make a mistake, better to learn than to be too safe. Also, consider whether being responsible for others as well as yourself is for you.

Some applicants want the perks without the problems, they get weeded out eventually. The ones that last, they love it and they still love it, even on the days they hate it.

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