Officer Spotlight – Sergeant Christie Yatman
Sergeant Christie Yatman is a dedicated and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 23 years of service, known for leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and compassion.
Promoted in 2009 as a task force commander/special agent supervisor with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Task Force Commander Yatman led multiple gang and narcotics task forces across San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, overseeing high-risk operations that resulted in safer communities. She was recognized as an expert in narcotics investigations, offering valuable testimony in grand jury and prosecutorial court hearings. Her expertise also extended to wiretap operations, clandestine lab investigations, and dignitary protection. She earned numerous awards in recognition of her leadership in law enforcement and continuous service to the community.
In 2013, she joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation after the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement was disbanded. She continued to build a well-rounded career through various assignments, including Witness Assistance, Central Investigations, Background Investigations, Public Assistance Fraud and the OIS Response/Oversight Team.
In 2021, she was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Internal Affairs within the Professional Standards Division, where she refined her expertise in labor law. Sergeant Yatman is currently assigned to a specialized task force, leading a team responsible for identifying, investigating, and prosecuting complex cases of auto insurance fraud.
In addition to her operational roles, Sergeant Yatman actively contributes to organizational wellness and personal and professional development initiatives, serving as a co-coordinator of the LADA Peer Support Program, a Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision Making) facilitator, and a member of both the H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) and Mentor Advisory Committees. Through these roles, she demonstrates her commitment to not only her profession but also to the growth, resilience, and well-being of her colleagues.
Sergeant Yatman holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in criminal sentencing and sentencing advocacy from Arizona State University. A graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) and the USC Safe Communities Institute (SCI), she has continuously developed her expertise in public safety leadership and organizational development.
Believing that true leadership in law enforcement means setting a strong ethical example and creating an environment where every team member feels valued, Sergeant Yatman champions open communication, continuous learning, and commitment to community well-being.