My name is Edwin “Eddie” James Brock and I currently serve as the Administrative Captain at the San Gabriel Police Department. Prior to coming to San Gabriel, I served as Chief of Police in Arvin, California for eighteen months. I began my law enforcement career in San Diego County where I served for 27 years with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. I enjoyed a full career, and I held many positions such as detentions, patrol, traffic, motors, weapons training, K9 court services, emergency services, and special investigations. I honorably retired at the rank of Lieutenant. In 2012, I graduated from the FBI National Academy, Class #250. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from National University. Additionally, I am a proud member of the inaugural cohort at the University of San Diego’s Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership program where I earned a Master of Science degree. My commitment to our profession is to enhance the true title of law enforcement professionals which is peace officer. My way of achieving this is through training, education, accountability, and development. I believe that working towards this end covers a myriad of constructs of what the “cops” should be doing. Officers under my charge will always be encouraged to be proactive on calls, address all issues discovered, and help people protect their dignity. Above all, my officers will be made to know human life is the most precious commodity and we are privileged with an opportunity to protect it. I enjoy reading, football, music, BBQ/smoking, socializing, and several other activities. I have been married to my loving and supportive wife, for twenty-two years and together we have two children.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I promote my experiences with LEPSL every chance I get. I enjoy the opportunities I get to mentor my staff members or anyone who is looking to add to their professional value. Becoming an ambassador through this program is a formalized way to make myself available when someone is looking for testimony related to the value of this program. I consider this a privilege to be among those who have completed the curriculum.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose LEPSL because of the backstory of how it all came together. Also, the idea of bringing academia and law enforcement together appeared to be the anecdote to the downward trend our profession was on. The class format and the capstone project at the end of our studies were also attractive opposed to producing a voluminous paper that may never be read by anyone other than a review board. In my opinion, the capstone is a much better teach-back for the students and I found they are usable in the workforce.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
USD has always had a very stoic reputation and I admit to being a little intimidated by it. I was also concerned that work would interfere with the type of effort required for graduate studies. I quickly learned it is all about the sacrifice and commitment of the student.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
Achieving a graduate degree certainly exposed me to several things that are considered basic in the management world. It has increased my peer group in terms of qualifications and expertise, increased my pool of individuals whom I consider to be resources, and has helped me to receive promotions and other exclusive access and considerations.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
For prospective LEPSL applicants, I would say conduct a serious self-analysis and do not be afraid of what you find. Be honest with yourself and understand the level of commitment that is asked of the students. It is best to cut out anything you may be involved in that will interfere with the commitment needed to study at this level. All of the sacrifices are worth it!
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
My favorite part of the program was the capstone project. Not only was it the final piece, but making that journey back to week one of year one and creating a collection of synopses of the program was an effective way to take a final inventory of the work I had completed. We all went back to the workforce armed with current laws, policy suggestions, and new constructs needed to stay ahead of emerging topics. The hyper scrutiny that today’s leaders face can only be mitigated by an educated use of well-vetted resources and access to a cohort of like-minded, courageous leaders produced by LEPSL.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
At the time, my family life included my wife and two school-aged children; one in high school and one in grade school, kid’s sports and activities, coaching high school football, and of course work. In retrospect, I’d sit out the year or two of coaching in favor of studying harder and resting more. Work, family stuff, and “daddy duties” are non-negotiable.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
In a strange way, I found the format a little taxing but highly addictive. There was a heavy emphasis on being accurate and concise, and because that was new to me, I worked hard trying to get better at producing that type of work until I got it right. Also, when I struggled, I’d read the biographies of people in positions I aspired to hold. Most of them held graduate degrees and they obtained them by staying the course. I kept this fact in front of me and kept it going.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2017