By Robert Gagnier
Special to the CC News
(This is the third of a three-part series with Culver City Police Detective JamesThomas. Journalist Robert Gagnier conducted the interview for the News on Sept. 3, 2025 at the CCPD Headquarters, 4040 Duquesne Ave.)
When you are not working, what do you do to de-stress and take your mind off the job?
DJT: I am a certified scuba diving instructor, so I certainly do a lot of that, but I also work out a lot. I compete in power lifting and am currently training my wife to compete in power lifting, and sometimes even the kids and family. So yes, working out and lifting metal is my way to de-stress.
***The News found out via a “little bird” aka first-hand source that Det. Thomas was being modest and displaying a level of humility that would rival the best of them!
Det. Thomas, in fact, is a three-time gold medalist in that realm known as power lifting-and has won other medals in the discipline as well!
Assuming you travel from time to time, what are some of your favorite vacation spots both here in the U.S. and abroad?
DJT: As someone originally from North Carolina, I am naturally inclined towards the southern United States, which is why Florida is my preferred vacation destination domestically. I appreciate Florida for its diverse attractions—including its beaches, scenic interior regions, and the opportunity to enjoy a sunny climate. As for “out of the country,” I can turn to cruises. At first, I was not so sure that I would like cruises, but I recently started going on them with my wife and went on one this past year. We did Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and I loved it. I loved the “all inclusive” aspect of cruising, and we have now booked a second vacation. I like to book my vacations a year in advance, so I know I will have the proper time off for it.
How long have you been with CCPD, and how much longer do you plan to stay?
DJT: As of September 5th, I have completed 18 years of tenure, and there are 671 days remaining in my current term. (Note: The interview took place on September 3rd.) I plan to punch out at 50yrs of age! I just want to be able to do something else. This role has been great for me and my family, but its time to move on to the next chapter
Social media can promote a video across the planet in a matter of minutes; having it go viral, often without context. What words of wisdom would you impart on an impressionable young man or woman who may elect to take the path you chose to become a law enforcement officer in today’s world, knowing their every move or action could be seen and scrutinized by millions of people that evening?
DJT: I have spoken to youngsters about this in the past and have informed them that this role is a career, it is not a job. It is a career that entails your whole heart and your entire being. You will spend more time here than you will with your own family.
Still, it’s important to remember you need to get home to your family each day. So regardless of what social media says, give a 100% with your heart which is what is going to get you back to your family. So, whatever that entails, you need to be comfortable with that and know that while someone looking at your actions has forever to scrutinize your decision, you will only have seconds to make that decision.I have been involved with a shooting incident here, and because I trained a lot, and had been deployed, my thought process has slowed down in stressful situations, but….the entire incident was over in seven seconds, and now with video of the shooting, everyone can look at this, and say what they would or wouldn’t have done, but I had seven seconds to process everything.
So, in that message to that prospective officer, I say again: “now that this is a career. A career where your actions will be closely examined under any circumstances, as your personal identity transitions to a professional role—no longer Robert Smith or Debra Broadworth, but Officer Smith or Officer Broadworth. All your actions, on or off duty, will be closely watched. If you slip up at a family function and drink too much, and get a DUI, you are no longer Robert Smith who got the DUI, your Officer Robert Smith who got the DUI – so just know that.