• Retired LAPD Sergeant (31+ Years)
• Federal Consent Decree Auditor (GAGAS)
• POST-Certified Use of Force & TASER Instructor
• M.S., Forensic Psychology

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Cathy Riggs, M.S., leads Riggs Advisory Group. She is a retired Sergeant of the Los Angeles Police Department with more than 31 years of service, including 25 years in supervisory positions. She holds a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology and serves as faculty in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at California State University, Northridge.

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Ms. Riggs reviewed and adjudicated hundreds of police use-of-force and pursuit investigations to ensure compliance with department policy and constitutional standards. As an Assistant Watch Commander and Training Coordinator, she evaluated force investigations, identified tactical deficiencies, directed corrective training, and assessed legal and policy compliance. Her experience includes extensive review of body-worn camera and in-car video evidence in critical incidents.

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She served four years in the LAPD Audit Division under the Department’s Federal Consent Decree, applying Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) in reviewing use-of-force investigations and related documentation. She also contributed to the development of LAPD’s Audit School curriculum, including instruction on statistical sampling methodologies used in performance audits.

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Ms. Riggs is a POST-certified Use of Force and Electronic Control Device (TASER) Instructor and has trained officers in constitutional force standards, conducted electrical weapon deployment, de-escalation strategies, and articulation of force decisions. She has extensive experience reviewing force involving individuals experiencing mental health crises and evaluating officer compliance with de-escalation and restraint protocols.

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She previously served as a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and DRE Instructor and conducted hundreds of DUI and drug impairment evaluations. Her experience includes assessing behavioral indicators of intoxication and evaluating officer observations in encounters involving suspected substance use.

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Ms. Riggs also served 14 years as a Terrorism Liaison Officer, contributing to threat assessment, intelligence coordination, and interagency communication.