Lupe Valdez has worked to protect the lives and property of American citizens at home and abroad for more than 24 years. With experience in homeland security, anti-terrorism investigations, and criminal law enforcement, and with personal qualities and academic accomplishments that enhance this experience, she is uniquely qualified to serve as Dallas County Sheriff.

Lupe has been extensively involved with civic and community organizations, including: the Civil Service Adjunct Board, the Women's Business Network, the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Big Brother/Big Sister Programs, and the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Association. Her work as a federal agent as well as her community service have provided her with the experience needed to run a large bureaucratic county agency smoothly and with integrity.

A Strong Work Ethic Learned from Childhood

Lupe Valdez, one of eight children of migrant farm worker parents, was raised in San Antonio. In her early years, she worked in the fields. She then worked up to two jobs at a time as she put herself through college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She developed sterling work habits which propelled her in her career in law enforcement.

An Academic Record for Skill Improvement

While Lupe Valdez worked in law enforcement, she demonstrated her commitment to constant improvement by earning a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.

A Respected Career in Law Enforcement

In the contest for sheriff, Lupe Valdez alone has a demonstrated record of accomplishment in regional, national, and international law enforcement. Beginning her career as a jailer in a county jail and then a federal prison, she subsequently served as an investigator in multiple agencies. While serving as a U. S. Customs agent, she was sent to an array of assignments in large cities throughout the United States, as well as selected hot spots in Central and South America. She was selected as one of only seven officers to train officers in selected foreign law enforcement agencies.

As a team leader in the federal Counter Smuggling Initiative, Ms. Valdez implemented the highly effective public/private partnership known as the Business Anti-Smuggling Cooperative.

Distinguished Service in the Army Reserves

It is not her Law Enforcement experience alone that qualifies Lupe Valdez to serve as the new sheriff of Dallas County. She also spent 12 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, where she served as an officer in both the military police and military intelligence. She rose to the rank of Captain, enabling her to develop and hone the leadership and management skills that have prepared her for this new challenge.

A Role Model in Community Service

Lupe Valdez has continued her commitment to public service by serving as a board member of the City of Dallas Civil Service Adjunct Board, the Funding Panel Review of the United Way of Greater Dallas, and a mentor in the Dallas Independent School District’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program.

Lupe Valdez is a member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Texas Narcotics Officer’s Association, and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. She lives in Dallas, Texas.

Since taking Office January 1, 2005, Sheriff Valdez has received awards from: