SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with Deputy Caroline Norat—a 20-year law enforcement veteran and world-class jiu-jitsu athlete who reshaped her life through discipline, consistency, and a deep love for the sport

What started as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a lifestyle. Jiu-jitsu became a source of strength, confidence, and community—fueling Caroline’s success as both a decorated competitor and department instructor. Today, she helps fellow deputies build skills and resilience through hands-on training and programs that empower from the ground up.

You can find Caroline on Instagram at @carloine.norat

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Episode Highlights

00:00 – Two Decades of Service Caroline reflects on 20 years in law enforcement and how she and Lolita first met in the academy.

03:20 – Discovering Jiu-Jitsu How a coworker’s suggestion led her to walk into a Redlands academy—and why the energy, community, and art of the sport instantly drew her in.

07:45 – Technique Over Strength Caroline breaks down the humbling early lessons of jiu-jitsu, letting go of ego, and learning that skill and patience matter far more than size or strength.

12:10 – The First Big Win Her first major competition at white belt, the preparation behind it, and the moment she realized she had truly earned her place on the podium.

22:50 – How Training Built Confidence The physical and mental shifts she experienced as her training became consistent, structured, and goal-driven.

27:40 – Bringing Jiu-Jitsu to the Department How Caroline helped launch a POST-certified jiu-jitsu program for deputies, including women-only training opportunities to build comfort and confidence.

33:30 – Foundational Techniques for the Field Why every deputy should know how to fall safely, get up with stability, create space, and flow into multiple techniques depending on body type and circumstance.

39:20 – Overcoming Intimidation Advice for deputies—especially women—who want to try jiu-jitsu but feel nervous, unsure, or intimidated by stepping onto the mat for the first time.

44:50 – Training, Family, and Community How the academy has become a second family, creating a culture of support, encouragement, and shared growth.

49:10 – The Competitive Mindset Caroline explains the mental preparation behind competition: goal-setting, consistency, repetition, and trusting in muscle memory when exhaustion hits.

55:30 – The Instructor Perspective Why watching her students succeed—in training and out in the field—is one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.

01:00:15 – Confidence Reduces Conflict How the calmer, more confident you become through training, the less likely you are to need to use force in the field.

01:06:50 – The Belt Journey From white belt to purple—Caroline talks about impostor syndrome, gaining comfort in fundamentals, and aspiring to earn her brown belt.

01:12:20 – A Love Story on the Mats How jiu-jitsu introduced her to her husband, a world champion and master instructor, and how their shared discipline and passion fuel both their relationship and training.

01:18:40 – A Lifelong Art Why jiu-jitsu is a true lifestyle—one built on longevity, growth, and continuous learning, regardless of age or starting point.

In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with Sgt. Ian “Goldie” Golditch—a Navy veteran, respected San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant, and owner of Redlands Fit Body Boot Camp—for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on leadership, fitness, humility, and what it means to truly serve.

From boot camp at age 30 to leading with empathy in uniform, Goldie shares the origin of his work ethic, how he overcomes setbacks, and why he believes physical discipline creates emotional strength. With heart and humor, he breaks down how fitness changed his life and why he refuses to lead with fear.

To learn more about Goldie, follow him on Instagram at @goldieactual or at Redlands Fit Body Boot Camp

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Intro: Who is “Goldie”? Lolita introduces Sgt. Ian Golditch and his relentless reputation for hard work and positivity.

02:15 – The Origin of Discipline From Navy boot camp at 30 to toilet-cleaning pride, Goldie shares how his mindset was forged.

07:40 – Neck Injury & Course Correction A football injury reroutes his life—and leads him to law enforcement.

12:30 – Becoming the Sergeant He Never Had How good and bad leaders shaped his own leadership philosophy.

19:15 – Trust, Presence & Loyalty Goldie explains how real leadership is built through presence—not rank.

24:40 – Fitness as a Mission Why he started Redlands Fit Body Boot Camp—and how it helps him serve even beyond the badge.

30:00 – Food Addiction, Cinnabon & Discipline A brutally honest look at nutrition, cravings, and why it's not about being extreme—it’s about being committed.

36:10 – Peanut Butter & Jelly Leadership Creative thinking, trust in junior deputies, and why different methods still get the job done.

42:00 – Mistakes, Grace & Letting People Fail Forward Goldie breaks down how he creates an environment where deputies feel safe to grow and fail.

48:20 – Kids, Cadets & the Next Generation Why investing in new recruits—and even those not yet hired—is the foundation of the future.

54:00 – Leading with Love Why empathy, grace, and humility are the true marks of strength—not ego or fear.

01:00:10 – Fitness, Motivation & Getting Uncomfortable Burpees, fasting, and the power of doing hard things to build a stronger life.

01:07:30 – Three Nuggets of Wisdom Seeds of success, embracing the suck, and leading with your heart—even if it’s not always understood.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

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In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with renowned labor and defense attorney Michael Schwartz—one of the most respected legal advocates for law enforcement officers across California. Together, they dive deep into due process, legal misconceptions, and the challenges peace officers face in today’s rapidly shifting media landscape.

Schwartz reflects on his early days as a public defender, what led him to defend law enforcement, and how his unwavering commitment to the Constitution drives his work. They also unpack the rise of politically motivated prosecutions, the dangers of rushed statements, and why having the right legal representation can make all the difference when a split-second decision is scrutinized for years to come.

From officer-involved shootings to public perception, this is an unfiltered look at the legal system through the eyes of one of its fiercest defenders.

To learn more about Michael Schwartz, visit: https://www.themichaelschwartzfirm.com/criminal-law/

Topics Covered:

02:30 – From Defender to Defender Schwartz shares his journey from public defender to representing law enforcement.

06:15 – Due Process and Why It Matters He breaks down the difference between defending the guilty vs. the innocent and the importance of forcing the government to prove its case.

11:40 – Today’s Law Enforcement Discussion about media bias, social narratives, and the shift in public trust toward officers.

18:05 – The Realities of Use of Force Schwartz explains the legal and practical differences in use-of-force encounters for officers.

24:00 – The Power of Perception and Misconception A conversation on non-compliance, misinformation, and the expectation that all force can be de-escalated.

31:10 – Legal Advice and Representation Why officers must have representation immediately after a critical incident—and what not to do.

38:25 – Public Safety Statements and Legal Risk Schwartz warns against rushed or informal statements and shares real-world examples where they backfired.

45:00 – DOJ Investigations and Lack of Experience The challenges of newer DOJ protocols and the risk of being scrutinized by inexperienced investigators.

52:00 – The Cost of Not Calling A case where an officer wisely withheld a statement—resulting in acquittal and a new career path.

56:30 – Trust Your Attorney Final advice to law enforcement: representation isn’t a threat—it’s protection.

59:00 – Closing Reflections Lolita Harper and Schwartz discuss the future of the profession and why SEBA exists.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946.

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Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

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