CCJ Directory

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) is a nationally recognized speaker, writer, and guest lecturer on criminal justice and drug policy reform. In 1983, Goldstein joined the Redondo Beach (CA) Police Department as a patrol officer, and later served as a school resource officer, investigator, and sergeant in the Special Investigations Unit. She rose through the ranks to become the department’s first female lieutenant while serving as a division commander in the Traffic Bureau and Community Policing and Patrol Divisions, Her duties as a lieutenant included supervising the South Bay Platoon, peer counselors, and the Crisis Negotiation Team. She retired from the force in 2004.

Goldstein is a respected leader in the area of crisis negotiations and critical incident management. She helped develop national training guidelines and policies for use during critical incidents, including the California Police Officer Standards and Training guidelines for the Basic Crisis Negotiator Course as well as the Recommended Course Topics and Crisis Negotiations Core Competencies for negotiators and SWAT teams. In 2021, Goldstein became the executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, a nonprofit organization that advocates for drug policy and criminal justice reform through speaking engagements, media appearances, testimony, and support of allied efforts.

Goldstein came to advocacy work through the tragic loss of a close family member, who was unable to receive assistance because the justice system was not equipped to provide people struggling with mental health and substance use disorder the tools they need to be successful. Born in Mexico City, Goldstein moved to the United States as a child. She holds a master’s degree in criminology, law, and society and a bachelor of arts degree in legal studies.