In high school, Outlaw visited the Oakland Police Department as part of a career exploration program, where she had the opportunity to patrol with officers.

Outlaw won one game (including the bonus round), and advanced to the finals, ultimately falling short of the championship.

[4] She suggested that women's so-called "soft skills" could help in communicating with other communities, and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Lillard was quick to extend a welcome to the new chief by inviting her to parties and showing support for Outlaw via social media posts.

"[9] Outlaw has also been part of communities such as the San Francisco Bay Area National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Human and Civil Rights Committee.

During an interview with conservative talk radio host Lars Larson, Outlaw compared antifascist counter-demonstrators at an August 4, 2018, rally to children who "whine and complain" about losing a schoolyard fight.

[15] Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler accepted Outlaw's resignation the same day,[16] and she was succeeded by her deputy, Jami Resch.

On September 5, 2023, Outlaw announced she would be resigning as commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department to take a new job as the deputy chief security officer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.