Graduates Transforming Law Enforcement

Beverly Hills Police Department officers, Lieutenant Jesse Perez and Captain Giovanni Trejo, returned to the classroom during the pandemic to reshape the future of law enforcement.

Trejo researched organizational change in law enforcement at the top ranks, while Trejo focused on drone technology in policing — both a reflection of their unwavering commitment to excellence and the communities they serve. The pair recently earned education doctoral degrees in organizational leadership.

Captain Trejo’s academic journey began in 2020 during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his experience, Trejo said the program was challenging with virtual learning and intense weekend Zoom sessions, testing his patience and determination at times.

“Two things that helped me get through the program were my love and appreciation for law enforcement. Our communities deserve the best. Anything below the mark of excellence is simply a disservice to them. That mark of excellence was my target when I embarked on this venture. Commitment to public service propelled me and got me to where I am today.”

Trejo’s dissertation was on “Organizational Change in Law Enforcement: Exploring the Use of Change Management Practices of Police Executives Adopting Less Traditional Patrol Procedures.” While he looked at police chiefs and how they connected to the community, he hopes all officers can find inspiration in building bridges and meaningful dialogue.

Perez, a patrol lieutenant watch commander and SWAT/CNT commander, used his 21 years of experience and hands-on work to delve into the transformative potential of drone technology in modern policing. His doctoral research is titled “Law Enforcement and Advanced Drone Technology: A Comprehensive Inside Look at the Use and Implementation of Law Enforcement Drone Technology and Its Effect on Officer Safety, Police Culture, and Public Perception.”

The study offers invaluable insights as law enforcement faces challenges such as losing confidence in government institutions, recruitment and retention issues, community trust, legal changes, and technological advancements. He emphasizes that technology, when used legally, ethically, and morally, can be a significant ‘force multiplier’ in 21st-century policing. He advocates for the responsible use of drone technology to enhance officer safety, gather intelligence, reconstruct crime scenes, search for missing persons, and support SWAT operations. Lieutenant Perez’s vision includes integrating drone technology in partnership with the community to promote transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in law enforcement. His work highlights the importance of using technology as a tool to assist law enforcement, not as a replacement for police personnel.

The officers’ achievement and work garnered recognition from Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook and an article local paper.

Congratulations Captain Trejo and Lieutenant Perez!