Detective Suzanna Kazarian was born in Armenia and moved to the United States at the age of three.
Initially she pursued a path in classical music, as a professional pianist. It was during an internship with
the Los Angeles Police Department, North Hollywood Division Detectives, that she discovered her
passion for policing working alongside detectives. During that time, she conducted research on repeat
offenders, presenting her findings in COMPSTAT to contribute to crime reduction strategies.
Later, Detective Kazarian transitioned to the role of an LAPD Detention Officer at Metropolitan
Detention Center and Van Nuys Jail. In this capacity, she conducted critical research, resulting in the
approval and hiring of additional jail personnel. Recognized for her attention to detail, she was selected
to the position of Regional Jail Section Inspector, conducting audits to ensure state regulation
compliance.
After earning her master’s degree in forensic psychology, Detective Kazarian began the police academy
where she was appointed president of her police academy class. She was then transferred to North
Hollywood Division and later Northeast Division as a police officer. During this time, Detective Kazarian
became a certified drug recognition expert (DRE). Moreover, Detective Kazarian was awarded the
Preservation of Life Medal for exceptional tactics and restraint that preserved life and ensured public
and officer safety during a dangerous encounter.
Next, Detective Kazarian transferred to Recruitment and Employment Division, Hiring and Evaluation
Section, where she completed special projects and mentored candidates. She also served as the
Associate Community Officer Coordinator, expanding hiring pathways to college and university students
to promote diversity within the Department. Detective Kazarian played a key role in streamlining the
hiring process and developing a software application with an outside vendor to enhance recruitment
effectiveness.
Her commitment to education and training was further demonstrated when she was selected as a law
instructor at the police academy, shaping the next generation of officers with a focus on constitutional
policing.
Later, Detective Kazarian took on leadership responsibilities as a patrol sergeant in North Hollywood
Division, providing guidance and mentorship to patrol officers in the field. Next, she transitioned to the
role of detective in Wilshire Division, specializing in investigating major assault crimes and crimes against
persons, handling several high-profile cases.
Next, Detective Kazarian held the position of Associate Advocate as a Detective Supervisor assigned to
the Advocate Section of Professional Standards Bureau. As an Associate Advocate, she had the
significant responsibility of representing the Department before Board of Rights and Administrative
Appeal hearings, upholding the Chief’s expectations of accountability and integrity.
Detective Kazarian now serves as the Assistant Officer in Charge of the Advocate Section, holding the
rank of Detective III. In this role, she provides leadership, oversees the section’s operations and ensures
the effective representation of the Department in administrative disciplinary hearings.
Beyond her core duties, Detective Kazarian is involved in training Department personnel in Active
Bystandership in Law Enforcement, Advancing Women in Leadership, Watch Commander School and
Internal Affairs School. With over a decade of experience as a professor, Detective Kazarian also serves as a senior adjunct professor at a university. She combines her practical knowledge with academic expertise to educate future difference makers.
Detective Kazarian attributes her success to the guidance of her mentors and support of her family. In
turn, she is passionate about inspiring and mentoring others, committed to make a positive impact on
her community, her colleagues, and her students.
