Since working with Fresno PD, Primo Diaz has worked in the patrol bureau as a patrol officer and training officer. From 2017 to 2021, while assigned to the street violence bureau, Primo worked as a Night Detective, Felony Assault Detective, was temporarily assigned to the Homicide Unit on multiple occasions, and worked as a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations. Since his promotion to sergeant in 2022, Primo has worked as a patrol sergeant and is now the Northwest District’s DST (Tac) team supervisor. Additionally, Primo is assigned to the Fresno Regional Organized Retail Theft Task Force and is the Department’s Team Lead.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I want to encourage and challenge those who believe this is above them. I, too, thought that obtaining a master’s from a prestigious university was not feasible, but I got out of my comfort zone, pushed through, and accomplished something I did not think was achievable. Completing the LEPSL program has been transformational in my personal and work life; I’ve grown tremendously and enhanced my perspective on the challenges of working in law enforcement and how to overcome those challenges with what I’ve learned within the LEPSL program.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
After researching multiple universities that offered programs geared toward law enforcement, the decision was simple. It was apparent that USD was head and shoulders above other schools offering a similar education and experience.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Having attended college several years ago, working full-time in law enforcement, and managing work and home life, I thought attending USD online would be challenging, time-consuming, and an unattainable goal. That was all put to the wayside when I started the program. I was reinvigorated to finish the program at the encouragement of my professors and classmates.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
Starting and finishing the LESPL program allowed me to boost my confidence and drive to be promoted to sergeant and then seek positions within the Department that I didn’t think would be attainable if not for what I learned in the program and applied at work.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
One may think they are out of their league and that the LEPSL program may be difficult and time-consuming. My response would be that it can be if you allow it. You get out of it what you put into it, and when you finish, you feel a sense of accomplishment that you know you put your time and effort into it and join a law enforcement family that stretches across this country and around the world.
What was the most unexpected part of the LEPSL program?
What I didn’t expect from attending the LEPSL program was the relationships I built with professors and classmates I keep in touch with. Additionally, coming from humble beginnings and now having a job that I enjoy doing every day, finishing the LEPSL program set my sights on new heights while showing my three kids that hard work and determination can help you accomplish goals you did not think were at all possible.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I worked full-time as a training officer in a busy policing district, working swing shifts while balancing my personal life and family. I was then promoted to the rank of sergeant, all while attending the LEPSL program. It was challenging but worth it in the end.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Obtaining my master’s was something I’ve always wanted to do for personal and career reasons, knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The opportunity to graduate in front of my wife and kids, who would see me walk at USD, was a goal that I did not want to miss out on.
LEPSL Graduation Year:
2023