State Senate Confirms Riddle For Juvenile Parole Board Post

[UPDATED] The state Senate on Monday confirmed former Pasadena police Lt. Phlunté Riddle’s appointment to the state Board of Juvenile Hearings.

“I am extremely grateful to Gov. (Gavin) Newsom for this appointment to the Board of Juvenile Hearings as a commissioner,” Riddle said.

“My previous work as a police professional, nonprofit board member, mental health advocate and educator has given me a wide range of experiences that have served me well over the last 15 months as a Juvenile Hearings Commissioner,” she said. “I appreciate the many letters of support from federal, state and local community members.”

Riddle said one of her goals is to increase collaborative efforts between youth counselors, psychologists and advocacy groups to help youth reduce their risk of reoffending.

“I make it a priority to provide a fair and impartial hearing to each youth, giving consideration to how they have internalized their treatment work in Integrated Behavior Treatment Model (IBTM) groups,” Riddle said.

According to the Bay Area Reporter, Riddle’s confirmation hearing was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Riddle retired in 2012 after 28 years with the Pasadena Police Department.

Riddle broke gender and racial barriers, becoming the first African-American woman sergeant and the first woman lieutenant in the motor pool. She was also the first female helicopter observer at major Rose Bowl events.

Her father-in-law, Ralph Riddle, became the first Black police officer in Pasadena in 1946. He retired in 1974, also after 28 years with the force.