John Perez

Chief John Perez (Ret.)

John Perez grew up in East Los Angeles and served with the Pasadena Police Department from 1985-2022.  His assignments included Patrol, Field Training Coordinator, Community Relations, Internal Affairs, SWAT, Gang Enforcement, Counterterrorism, and Narcotics before serving as Chief of Police from 2018-2022.  Over the years, John served as a policing instructor and mutual aid coordinator for the Los Angeles region.  In 2001, immediately after the tragedy of the World Trade Center, John was appointed as the counter-terrorism liaison, developing several homeland security and safety initiatives for the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl, and other large crowd events.  In 2020, just prior to the global pandemic and social justice movement, John led the Department’s reorganization, replacing antiquated policing models with intelligence led units and problem-oriented policing models to reduce crime.   

John possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, and a Doctoral Degree in Public Administration.  Chief Perez is currently also an FBI-LEEDA instructor teaching Supervisory Leadership, Command Leadership, and Executive Leadership courses around the United States.   

Course taught:  Next Level Leadership