![\"Hometown](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/web-MAIN-Sandra-and-Cheif-Zimmerman.jpg\")
<\/a>Starting early<\/strong><\/p>\n The newly promoted Assistant Chief of Police has followed a somewhat unconventional career path; her tenure with the SDPD began in 1985, when she was just 16 years old.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was in high school I wound up going down to 202 C St., where all the jobs were posted, and I saw a listing for a part-time position in the Crime Analysis Unit. I was still in high school but I applied and was lucky enough to get it,\u201d she said. \u201cIt really changed my life from that point on.\u201d<\/p>\n It was onward and upward from there.<\/p>\n Albrektsen transferred into the Police Academy in 1990; she was promoted to sergeant just six years later. Since that time, she\u2019s served as a patrol lieutenant and Regional Public Academy Director.<\/p>\n Currently, Assistant Chief Albrektsen is an investigative captain overseeing Narcotics, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, Sex Registrants, Vice, Human Trafficking, and the Narcotics Task Force. She frequently represents the SDPD in recruiting efforts, teaches extended studies classes at many local colleges and has been an academy instructor for the last 20 years.<\/p>\n Her academic achievements include a bachelor\u2019s degree in Criminal Justice and a master\u2019s degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University.<\/p>\n A rich and vibrant career<\/strong><\/p>\n When asked what she feels have been her greatest professional accomplishments, humility shined through.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve delivered a few babies, some of which I\u2019m still in contact with. I\u2019ve given CPR and saved someone\u2019s life,\u201d Albrektsen said. \u201cI also worked as a community relations officer for a couple of years and I spent that time really connecting with the community. Those moments in time have been beneficial to all of my assignments, because I really connected with and understood people\u2019s fear of crime. Hearing people talk about being afraid to go out at night, I never forgot that lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n And despite her more than 30 years of service, she was completely taken aback to learn she\u2019d be honored during the San Diego Police Foundation\u2019s annual Woman in Blue Luncheon.<\/p>\n Sara Napoli, president and CEO of the San Diego Police Foundation, said that Women in Blue puts leadership, wisdom and inspiration in the spotlight.<\/p>\n \u201cThe stories of women leaders in law enforcement continue to impart wisdom that is both inspiring and practical, providing role models for young people aspiring to leadership in law enforcement. It is an honor for the San Diego Police Foundation to be able to recognize the tremendous work of these deserving law enforcement professionals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The luncheon took place on March 1 at the Marriot Marquis in San Diego. Attendees heard the stories of Assistant Chief Albrektsen, Homeland Security Investigations Supervisory Special Agent (SSA), Aida Vasquez<\/strong>;<\/strong> and Police Dispatch Administrator, Roxanne Cahill<\/strong>, <\/strong>whose outstanding achievements in non-traditional careers have paved the way for today\u2019s women leaders in San Diego.<\/p>\n Albrektsen said it was an honor to be able to represent all the women who came before her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe award has only been around for a few years now and for me, it\u2019s a huge honor because even though I was recognized as an individual, I was able to represent all the women who came before me and mentored me.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of what lies next, Albrektsen said she plans to fully immerse herself in her new role.<\/p>\n \u201cI always want to take something that\u2019s good and push the limit on it, push the envelope and push it north,\u201d she said. \u201cI ask how can we take this, and go farther and how can we do more. When I leave this position, I want to leave it better than it was when I got there. I want to be able to move things north and be a positive influence.\u201d<\/p>\n