Oscar Perez (MET’12), a graduate of what is now the BU MET Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, was recently named chief of police of the Providence Police Department in Rhode Island.
A native of Colombia who grew up in South Providence, Perez takes the job after nearly three decades of service in the department. In BU MET’s Criminal Justice program, he learned important lessons about how to solve modern policing challenges. Now, he cites qualities like listening among those most critical to his leadership approach. In addition to developing a robust police force, he also plans to take a nuanced approach to crime reduction.
“I’m a big believer in second chances, and I think that good policing with a true understanding of the socioeconomic situation can have great effects on people’s lives,” he told Providence Monthly.
Read more in Providence Monthly.