A resident of Chicago, Illinois, Varrick Douglas had a career with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) spanning three decades. In his time with the department, Varrick Douglas worked in multiple roles.
Varrick Douglas began as a narcotics officer in 1991, investigating street-level, mid-level, and long-term narcotics operations. In 2004, he became a patrol sergeant and worked in the Organized Crime Division in narcotics investigations.
From 2008 to 2014, Varrick Douglas worked with the Bureau of Organized Crime, where he partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Agency. In 2014, he supervised officers in the Stop Alcohol to Minors (SAM) Program and License Investigations. His work involved investigating complaints from the community and government agencies and conducting investigations into area establishments.
In 2014, Varrick Douglas also became the Operational Lieutenant for the Third Watch and Tactical Lieutenant for the Fourth Watch. His role on the Third Watch involved creating and implementing crime prevention strategies and overseeing operational and administrative functions. As lead for the Fourth Watch, he supervised more than 60 tactical officers and partnered with the Bureau of Organized Crime in dealing with gangs and narcotics issues.
Varrick Douglas became the commander in 2016, who led operations in the Calumet District. He finished his career with the CPD as an executive officer and commander, a role he assumed in 2018. Since this time, he has been the Watch Commander for the Chicago Department of Aviation (2022). Today, he still works in a law enforcement capacity.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day with prayer, light exercise, and preparation for the workday. I set clear priorities to ensure I stay focused and productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I gather insight from multiple perspectives, assess feasibility, and develop an actionable plan. I test, refine, and collaborate with my team to execute the vision effectively.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of advanced technology in policing—such as real-time analytics and AI-driven surveillance—offers enormous potential for smarter, more proactive public safety strategies.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Maintaining a structured routine. It allows me to maximize time, stay consistent, and remain aligned with both short- and long-term goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Listen to those who speak with wisdom and experience. Their lessons can save you years of trial and error.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about humility and service. True leaders put others first, even when it’s unpopular.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Pray, plan, and prepare. It centers your purpose, sharpens your focus, and increases your chances of success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a timeout—walk, exercise, or pray—to reset and regain clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I set clear objectives and regularly reassess progress to stay on track.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once failed to thoroughly research and vet information before presenting it. I learned the importance of preparation, verifying facts, and always striving for accuracy.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Develop a mobile app that connects law enforcement agencies and communities in real time—offering alerts, tips, and updates to promote transparency and engagement.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Teams. It helps me collaborate, communicate, and manage projects efficiently—especially when leading multiagency coordination efforts.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Bible. It has provided lifelong guidance, spiritual grounding, and principles that inform how I lead and serve.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A Few Good Men. It emphasizes discipline, loyalty, and honor—values I hold in high regard.
Key learnings
- Consistent structure and daily routines are critical to productivity and leadership success.
- Education and perseverance can transform a career, regardless of where you begin.
- True leadership involves humility, planning, and a commitment to serving others.
- Community engagement and new technology are pivotal in modern policing.
- Faith, mentorship, and preparation are recurring themes in a purposeful and impactful career.