Special Agent LaTriviette Ray brings over fifteen years of experience in local and federal law enforcement, with specialized expertise in crisis negotiation, community policing, and investigations. She holds a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, combining her academic training with her extensive field experience to approach conflict with nuance and strategy.
As an instructor for Insight Policing, Special Agent Ray draws on her career in law enforcement to connect deeply with students. Her ability to relate to their experiences fosters trust and engagement, while her insights as a female law enforcement officer offer a unique perspective on the intersectionality of identity and professional challenges.
Special Agent Ray is passionate about conflict resolution and empowering others to navigate high-stakes situations effectively. She finds fulfillment in sharing her expertise and exploring how tools like the “loop” create opportunities for understanding and de-escalation. Her teaching embodies the mission of Insight Policing: turning conflict into a chance for meaningful connection and resolution.
Learn more about Special Agent Ray's approach and insights in the full Q&A below.
How did you hear about and get started with CAICR and Insight Policing?
I was introduced to Insight Policing while pursuing my master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Analysis at George Mason University, around 2011. I took an audit class on Insight Policing that Megan Price co-taught, and that’s when I first learned about it. At the time, I was a sheriff’s deputy with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department. The information presented in the class felt like a gold mine for me, especially as I was transitioning from being a street officer to focusing more on community policing.
As I moved into community policing, I started noticing certain trends, particularly how female officers often seemed to have better communication with the public than male officers. However, sometimes I’d get it right and other times I’d miss the mark. I’d use questioning techniques, but some interactions would work, while others wouldn’t. I’d be left wondering, “Why did that work before but not now?”
When I learned from Insight Policing about how the brain works under perceived threats and how people respond, it clicked. I realized this was the key to my success in law enforcement, and I needed to learn more. So, I connected with Megan, took her class, and eventually became a trainer myself.
What interested you about this work?
What interests me most about Insight Policing, particularly the concept of the "loop," is learning how to communicate effectively with people. More importantly, it teaches how to maintain control of a situation without resorting to force or physical intervention. The core idea behind command presence is curiosity. If the scene is safe and you have the opportunity to get curious, that’s the best way to ensure your colleagues don’t face similar challenges. By doing so, you’re getting to the root cause of the issue and gathering valuable information.
For example, in a situation where an arrest is being made, you’re collecting information that supports your decision to act. This helps demonstrate that there were no other viable options in the community and that you exhausted all possibilities before taking action. It’s about identifying all the options to ensure safety—for both you and the suspect. That’s what really drew me to this approach.
What is your favorite part of your role here?
Currently, I work for a federal agency as an investigator. My main role is to gather the best possible information when interviewing suspects, victims, or witnesses, so that the right decisions can be made. The challenge is that sometimes we make decisions based on facts we think we know, and because of that, we stop truly listening. We may listen only to ask the next question, rather than to understand what the person is really saying. This doesn’t give us the full information we need, and it’s not the best way to operate—especially in my role.
When I sit in a room with someone who has voluntarily come in or wants to be there, and I use Insight Policing skills, I understand that they want to be heard and this helps me target my curiosity and stay open to learning. Knowing that they will correct me if I’m wrong helps me discover valuable information for making the most effective decisions. Doing this not only reveals information, but it builds trust. It strengthens the "bank of trust" in our relationship, and over time, that leads to an advocate for your work, knowing that you’re acting in accordance with the law.
I also have a secondary role as a trainer, which I believe is just as important. In law enforcement, you encounter people at different stages of their careers. New recruits are often full of energy and eager to "fix" problems, sometimes with a confrontational mindset. But with experience, you realize that you catch more bees with honey. Older agents tend to use a more measured approach, and that’s where Insight Policing comes in. It gives new recruits the tools and techniques that it took 15 years for some of us to learn. By teaching them these skills from day one, you’re giving them the keys to building trust in the community and connecting with the people they serve.
Insight Policing equips officers with tools like curiosity, command presence, listening, and respect, which are crucial in every interaction—whether the scene is calm or potentially threatening. This approach enhances the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Both of my roles—investigator and trainer—are key to fostering this kind of meaningful connection and trust. They’re the cream of the crop in terms of both personal growth and helping others do the same.
What experience prepared you for this role?
When the "loop" is explained, with the waves on the outside representing life, I think it perfectly captures the essence of experience. Life itself is the experience we need. Every day, we encounter conflict and interact with others who may be facing their own struggles, often driven by fear of what might happen next. The key to handling these situations is simply to keep living and engaging. There’s no specific number of experiences that prepare you, because conflict is a constant part of life.
When people realize that the worst they fear might not actually happen, that’s when they experience what I consider "Insight Policing"—not just as a concept, but as a form of self-regulation. Insight Policing isn’t just for law enforcement; it’s about recognizing your own biases, your fears, and your capacity for empathy. It’s about self-policing, understanding how your own reactions shape the way you interact with others.
What do you think is the most effective part of what you do?
I believe the most effective part of what I do is striving for consistency. When my time is over, I want people to say, "She was the same person wherever she went." I recognize that, as a police officer, especially as a female, I can’t always express my femininity in the traditional societal sense. Sometimes, I have to put on the tactical vest and handle situations with a certain level of toughness. But through it all, I maintain consistency.
In both my first and current agency, people have told me, "She always has joy, and there’s always a silver lining." They’ve seen how I handle conflict with the right approach—calm, consistent, curious, and with a focus on resolution. My word and my work will stand the test of time, and I believe that consistency is what makes my approach most effective.
What impact are you hoping to have being part of Insight Policing?
I want to be part of the paradigm shift. I’ve been in this field a long time, and I’m excited to see how far we’ve come. Back in 2010, I told Megan, "We’re early." I saw that the world wasn’t ready for this approach yet, but I knew that eventually, the world would be seeking what we have to offer. I encouraged her to stay the course, and she has, building a community of people who believe in this method and are committed to teaching it. That persistence will pay off.
The impact of Insight Policing is profound. It helps people connect the dots between the fragmented pieces of other training. Some training is designed to keep people at a distance, but Insight Policing takes a different approach—it starts with asking questions and seeking real answers. It’s a one-stop shop that guides you through the entire loop, from beginning to end, and makes it part of your everyday practice.
If everyone were paying attention to how they are "looping," the world would be a better place. It would lead to more meaningful conversations, deeper understanding, and a shift in the way we communicate. This change could transform how we relate to one another and help us grow, both individually and as a society.
What is a common theme you notice when teaching classes?
One of the first challenges I encounter is the perception that Insight Policing takes too long. In law enforcement, everything moves so fast, and people often feel like there's no time to slow down. I like to compare it to shooting a firearm. If you slap the trigger, milk the grip, or use too much finger on the trigger guard, the shot won’t land where you want it to. It’s the same with Insight Policing—it’s about establishing a clear "sight picture."
We’re teaching the fundamentals that will set you up for success, and while it may seem slow at first, it speeds up with practice. You need to start with the basics, but as you continue practicing, the process becomes more natural and intuitive. I’ve seen it happen time and time again: once they complete the training and experience the role-playing, that lightbulb moment happens, and they really start to get it.
Do you have any interactions or outcomes that stand out to you from training?
The most memorable moment for me happened recently in Baltimore. There was a large officer—he looked like the type of police officer you'd expect to see in an action figure. He had just come off an overnight assignment, but when he returned to class the next day, he was like a kid in a candy store. He was excited to share that he had used the techniques from the class, and they worked. Instead of relying on his physical strength, he used his voice and his words to de-escalate a situation. That moment really stood out to me—it was a perfect example of how communication can be just as powerful, if not more, than physical force.
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