Chief John E. Perez, B.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Associate

Chief of Police, City of Pasadena Police Department

John E. Perez has served as the Chief of Police for the City of Pasadena (CA) since 2018 and has been with the Department since 1985. His 35 years of public safety experience includes an array of specialized assignments in enforcement, special tactics, administration, and community initiatives. He served as the Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Officer immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attack in developing security/safety measures for Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade, Rose Bowl, and special events. After serving as the Special Enforcement Section Sergeant and developing policing initiatives in lowering gang violence while improving community trust and confidence, he was appointed by California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to provide best practices on developing statewide initiatives. He is the recipient of Mayor’s Special Service Award for his work in developing community initiatives and has been twice awarded with the Police Chief’s Excellence in Policing merit award. Chief Perez has served in the various ranks of the Department to include Deputy Chief of Police from 2016-2018.

Chief Perez led the development of several internal initiatives that decreased the use of force by 50% through immersive training and self-improvement from use of Body-Worn Camera (BWC), as well other initiatives to increase community awareness of policing challenges through programs such as “Policing 101” and “Community Conversations” – each intended to develop and educate community members, youth, and the media on policing topics as well as learning from the community.

Chief Perez serves on the Pasadena Educational Foundation, Patron Saints Foundation, and is a graduate of the California Peace Officers and Standards Executive Management School as well as holding a POST executive certificate. Chief Perez possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Behavior Science, and a PhD in Public Administration. He serves on the board of the California Police Chiefs Association and the National Police Foundation.