The faculty for the Masters in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership are experienced instructor practitioners, who hold advanced degrees and possess extensive experience in law enforcement. The diversity of experience the instructors’ possess is striking as they hold positions such as Commander in the DA office’s Bureau of Investigation, Chief of Police, Deputy District Attorney, Chief Probation Officer and US Marine Lt. Colonel.
Erik Fritsvold serves as the Academic Director for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership program. He was the founding faculty member for the program and part of the team that shepherded it from concept through launch – a process that included three years of research and collaboration with law enforcement. Prof. Fritsvold personally directs all aspects of program academics, including curriculum, faculty, admissions, accreditation, and any issues related to students.
Prof. Fritsvold’s primary expertise is applying core tenets of academic criminology and criminal justice to dynamic, modern-day law enforcement. The cutting-edge nature of the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership program requires Prof. Fritsvold to be meaningfully engaged with an array of academic and practitioner-centric specialties including leadership, organizational theory, Constitutional Law, communications, data-driven and intelligence-led policing, law enforcement and criminal justice policy, conflict resolution, and law enforcement best practices.
Prof. Fritsvold has been a full-time faculty member at USD in various capacities since 2005. He formerly served as an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Crime, Justice, Law & Society Concentration, teaching an array of undergraduate courses in sociology, criminology, and criminal justice. He has also served as both a Department Chair and Interim Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences. In 2013, Prof. Fritsvold was recognized by Princeton Review as one of America’s “Best 300 Professors” in a book by the same name.
Erik earned his B.A. in Sociology from the University of San Diego in 2000, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Criminology, Law & Society Department at the University of California at Irvine in 2003 and 2006 respectively.
| “Dr. Fritsvold is absolutely fantastic. He is very thoughtful and very concerned about his students well-being and the overall course value and effectiveness. He is a very engaged and excellent professor. The students are lucky to be under his tutelage.” – Summer ’20 Student |
| “Dr. Fritsvold is an excellent instructor. One of the best I have had over about 30 years of learning, from undergraduate to professional learning.” – Summer ’20 Student |
| “Dr. Fritsvold is amazing, brilliant and insightful. He’s also responsive and available. I tell my colleagues here that he’s “the real deal”. I appreciate that he took time to host virtual office hours. His evaluations of my work were spot on (even the criticisms) and he clearly took the time to read every submission and post, understand them and give feedback where appropriate. His efforts are noticed and appreciated.” – Summer ’20 Student |
| “Dr. Fritsvold is truly incredible. I have been so overwhelmed by what has been happening across the country and unfortunately have not been able to get a lot of free time, and when I do I try to spend as much as I can with my family. Dr. Fritsvold took it upon himself to adjust the coursework to remove some of the strain we were all facing. I cannot say how much this meant to me, I was ready to accept I wouldn’t be able to complete the assignments and likely have to take the class again. By removing some of the demands, it allowed me to regroup and truly see how much Dr. Fritsvold and USD faculty care about me. This has been a challenging last 6 months, I have witnessed firsthand how Dr. Fritsvold has navigated the program and feel fortunate to learn from such an incredible leader. ” – Summer ’20 Student |
| “Dr. Fritsvold provided superior guidance throughout the course and is a consummate professional in his field.” – Summer ’20 Student |
| “I was looking forward to having the mastermind of this unique, outstanding, and highly rated program as my instructor. He is definitely as advertised and even better. Dr. Fritsvold is a great instructor with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and understanding and provides valuable feedback and excellent instructions. I am incredibly impressed with his compassion, flexibility, and adaptability during these uncertain times. It was an honor and privilege to learn from him.” – Spring ’20 Student |
| “Dr. Fritsvold, always made the topic interesting and facilitated a quality learning environment. In addition, he made it clear that he would work with us to make adjustments as needed based upon the national pandemic. To know that he truly understands and appreciates what we are dealing with as law enforcement leaders has tremendous value to us as students.” – Spring ’20 Student |
| “Erik is an incredible professor. I have had several classes with him now and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He is passionate and fair in his grading and the efforts he puts into his students and the course.” – Spring ’20 Student |
| “Professor Fritsvold was always actively engaged with all students throughout the discussion board which always brought more substance to the discussions. It was nice to have a professor involved as much as Professor Fritsvold was. He also responded to all emails quickly and fully. The grading was always done in a fast manner and provided plenty of quality feedback to students to strengthen their assignment and their writing style.” – Spring ’20 Student |
| “I was fortunate to have Erik Fritsvold as my section instructor. Although it has been over ten years since my last formal education, I cannot remember a more engaged instructor since my high school days in the late ’70s and early ’80s. His commentary in the discussion boards encouraged participation through thoughtful questions that showed he cared about what the authors were writing. His encouragement made me want to do better with each assignment.” – Spring ’20 Student |
| “Professor Erik Fritsvold provided prompt feedback to questions and our discussions to include emails with relevant references. I found all the material to be relevant and fresh with current Law Enforcement issues. I couldn’t be happier to have joined USD.” -Summer ’19 Student |
| “I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Fritsvold. He provided informative feedback on my discussion board comments and written assignments. He’s extremely knowledgeable on course-related topics. USD should be pleased to have an instructor of his high caliber.” – Summer ’19 Student |
| “Professor Fritsvold brought a lot of interesting discussion to each of the modules. He provided feedback, as well as additional reference material.” -Summer ’19 Student |
| “Prof. Fritsvold is an absolute asset to USD and this program. He deeply cares about each students success and is engaged to make sure we are getting everything possible from the class experience. I am very pleased with my decision to enroll in this program and look forward to many more similar class experiences!!” – Summer ’19 Student |
| “Professor Fritsvold is an exceptional instructor and facilitator, and has done an outstanding job with the research, development and implementation of this entire program.” -Spring ’19 Student |
| “Once again, it has been a pleasure to be a student in one of Professor Fritsvold’s courses. I appreciate his timely and detailed feedback on coursework as well as his optimistic and enthusiastic attitude. His teaching style makes me try harder.” – Spring ’19 Student |
| “I think I just enjoy his deep wisdom and ability to ask questions, from an academic perspective, in attempts at learning our police culture.” – Spring ’19 Student |
| “It was a pleasure to finally have Professor Fritsvold as an instructor. Professor Fritsvold was always attentive to the student questions and his research background and insight contributed a great deal to our DB conversations.” – Spring ’19 Student |
Chief Kristine Allison started her law enforcement career in 1992 as a Cadet with the Oregon State Police. In 1995, she was hired by the Phoenix Police Department as a reserve officer and in 1996 as a full-time police officer. Thereafter, Chief Allison worked for the Phoenix Police Department, the Lincoln City Police Department, and the Central Point Police Department in Oregon.
Since joining the Central Point Police Department, Chief Allison has held the position of patrol officer, field training officer, detective, lieutenant, captain, support commander, and operations commander. She is currently active in a variety of law enforcement organizations and in her community. Chief Allison serves as the Past President for the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, a board member of the Oregon Department of Public Standards and Training (Oregon Police Academy), and the Police Policy Committee.
Chief Allison sits on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, the Addiction Recovery Center and the Restoring Our Community Recovery Center. Moreover, she has recently worked with the Jackson County Continuum of Care in support of individuals experiencing homelessness and other social issues in Jackson County, Oregon.
Chief Allison has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University. In addition to being a graduate of the FBI National Academy, she holds a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia, an Executive Certificate from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, and has completed more than 3,000 hours of professional training.
Lieutenant Elisabeth Albanese has 17 years of law enforcement experience with the Beverly Hills Police Department. She is currently assigned as the Executive Officer for the Department, managing Community and Media Relations, the Professional Standards Unit and Personnel and Training Bureau. Her previous assignments included overseeing investigations involving crimes against persons, juvenile victims and juvenile offenders, where she directly supervised eight detectives and was responsible for liaising with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office on criminal cases and logistical matters. Lt. Albanese earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge and her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. In addition to her experience in law enforcement, Lt. Albanese has worked on a pro-bono basis for the Los Angeles Domestic Violence Project, providing no-cost legal consultation and completion of restraining orders for victims of domestic violence.
Michael Begovich is currently an Attorney with the specialty civil law firm of Bobbitt, Pinckard & Fields. Mr. Begovich is an AV-Rated trial attorney with a complex practice in public sector labor law, collective bargaining, federal and state criminal defense, adverse administrative actions and judicial proceedings litigation, and appellate/legislative advocacy. Mr. Begovich served as a San Diego County deputy public defender for 31 years and tried 172 trials to verdict, including 12 murder cases. He has also participated in several trials regarding the 4th Amendment use of digital communications, which will likely influence the legality of body worn cameras and digital communications in law enforcement. Mr. Begovich earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of California – Hastings and has taught criminal justice, federal evidence and trial advocacy courses at several universities across San Diego, including the USD School of Law.
| “I genuinely thought this class was one if the best experiences I have ever had in higher education. Professor Begovich was clear, concise, and his material was as relevant as one could ask for. I LOVED THIS CLASS and would have taken it even it had no credit!” -Spring ’17 Student |
Samantha Begovich is an experienced trial lawyer, a former U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division federal prosecutor and a former County of San Diego Deputy District Attorney.
Ms. Begovich’s successful, complex litigation experience includes over 50 jury trials along with appeals court advocacy. She has practiced in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties, Washington, DC, Charleston, SC, and Birmingham, AL.
Ms. Begovich was most recently an appellate lawyer that argued significant cases before the California Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court involving first-degree murder, sexual assault, jurisdiction, ineffective assistance of counsel and sentencing issues resulting in published decisions.
Ms. Begovich has taught Courtroom Procedure, in a mock trial setting, to thousands of San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy recruits since 1995. She speaks to youth and community groups, law enforcement organizations, and a variety of legal institutions about the criminal justice system. She has taught jury selection, closing arguments, sexual assault, domestic violence, professionalism in the courtroom, narcotics trafficking, and Fourth Amendment law.
She was re-elected three times as Chairwoman of the San Diego County Employees’ Retirement Association, a $13.5 Billion trust fund for 48,000 County of San Diego members.
Ms. Begovich is a past Chair of the Stanford Law Society of San Diego, Co-Chair, Malin Burnham San Diego Center of Civic Engagement Leadership Council, Vice-Chair, San Diego Foundation’s Leadership Fund Steering Committee, Advisory Board Member, Kim Center for Social Balance and Executive Board Member, at Access Youth Academy.
Ms. Begovich received her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego and her law degree from Stanford Law School with Distinction.
| “Professor Begovich is extremely intelligent and engaging! I thoroughly enjoyed her insight and responses to my submitted course work…I hope to take another course from professor Begovich in this program.” -Spring ’19 Student |
Jay Bishop completed initial officer training at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia and Artillery Officer Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He deployed three times, twice to combat in Iraq. He served as a Battalion Executive Officer, Battery Commander, Fire Support Coordination Officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). While not with the operating forces Jay served as Aide-de-Camp to three General Officers. He earned a Master’s of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development from the Naval Postgraduate School and served as an adjunct professor teaching leadership at the United States Naval Academy.
Jay’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 4 Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Jay now works with Marine Corps Community Services at Camp Pendleton, California. He served two years as the operations officer coordinating the work of ten divisions with more than 2,000 employees. Currently, he is the Director of the Food, Leisure, Hospitality and Services Division, overseeing a broad range of business models and activities ranging from contracted fast food franchises and lodging facilities (government hotels) to horse stables and a marina.
| “A tremendous leader with quality instructional insight and experience.” -Spring ’20 Student |
| “Professor Bishop was extremely engaged and showed care and concern with everything that was going on in my command and Department during this course. I felt he genuinely cared about all the students and was willing to help me be successful in this course.” -Spring ’19 Student |
| “Amazing interaction with students and superb critiques with writing assignments. I truly learned so much from my professor.” -Spring ’19 Student |
Tyler Blondi retired from the Beverly Hills Police Department after a 12-year career that included roles such as Field Training Officer, operator on the SWAT team in the sniper cadre, background investigator/recruiter, bike officer, defensive tactics instructor, and polygraph examiner. He also spent many years as BHPD’s Team Captain for their Baker to Vegas race team and served two terms on the POA board as Vice President and Director. Tyler is currently working for Fusus, a software company specializing in law enforcement’s ability to integrate city, business and residential camera systems, making instant real-time intelligence available to law enforcement personnel throughout the city. His passions include his family, developing future leaders in LE, and coaching high school football.
| “Professor Blondi was an absolute pleasure to have as an instructor, he reaches out and offers help to every student, and checks in just to see how the student is progressing and if they have any questions or need anything. He has unique and vast knowledge and experience in our profession which enhances the course material and the learning experience. Professor Blondi has made my experience of obtaining a masters degree while juggling a crazy work schedule and family an absolute pleasure, he worked with each of us to make sure we understood and were able to complete all the work accordingly and I’ve learned a lot.” -Spring ’20 Student |
| “Professor Blondi was awesome! He was quick to respond to our questions and provided very good feedback. Professor Blondi not only made himself available for our coursework, but for any subject related to our careers. I would recommend him to other students!” -Spring ’20 Student |
| “Professor Blondi was excellent through his discussion. You could also sense his devotion and respect for us and how we were doing in the class.” -Spring ’20 Student |
| “I enjoyed having Professor Blondi for my first online course. His feedback on the discussion boards and on my papers was valuable for my learning and understanding of the material.” -Spring ’19 Student |
| “Professor Blondi has done an excellent job communicating with us and has offered valuable insight.” -Spring ’19 Student |
| “Tyler Blondi was fantastic as a section instructor. He was very engaged and enthusiastic in the facilitation of our learning. His feedback was detailed and thoughtful and opened us up to new ways of looking at certain subjects.” -Spring ’19 Student |
Denton Carlson began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. In 2007, Denton joined the newly formed San Ramon Police Department. Denton has previously served as a Detective, Academy Recruit Training Officer, Public Information Officer, Professional Standards and Training Supervisor, Social Media Outreach Coordinator, and Operations Division Commander. In addition, he has well over a decade of SWAT experience as an operator, sniper, sniper team leader, and ultimately the Commander of a multi-agency regional SWAT Team. Currently, Denton is the Commander of the San Ramon Police Department’s Support Services Bureau and the Director of the City of San Ramon’s Office of Emergency Preparedness.
Denton holds a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and is a graduate of the California POST Command College, where he was awarded the Dorothy Harris Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. He also sits as an Advisory Council Member with California State University, East Bay, for their Executive Certificate Program on Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times.
| “Very good instructor. He had a lot of information to add and was vested in the material and message.” -Spring ’19 Student |
Tom Chaplin served as the Police Chief for the city of Walnut Creek from 2013 until his retirement in 2020. Prior to his appointment, he served with the Citrus Heights Police Department for seven years, where he served as a lieutenant in the Patrol Division and the Investigative Services Division. He also served as commander in the Patrol Division and Investigative Services Division. In addition to being a member of the department start-up team, he spent nine months in the role of deputy chief of police.
Chief Chaplin spent five years with the California Department of Justice. During this time frame, he was assigned as special agent on the Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, California Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Regional Office; a special agent supervisor for the Investigative Support Team – California Attorney General’s Office – Northern California; and a special agent in charge for the Mission Support Branch, overseeing the Professional Standards Group, Background Investigations Group, and Litigation Unit.
Chief Chaplin started his law enforcement career with the Sacramento Police Department. In the Sacramento Police Department, Chaplin served as a community services officer, a patrol officer, field training officer, neighborhood police officer, detective, academy instructor, and other assignments. Chief Chaplin served as an instructor at the police academy and for in-house training in the following areas: expert testimony, surveillance, VICE, informant management, search warrant preparation, investigations, proactive child sexual exploitation investigations, and undercover operations.
Chief Chaplin holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational studies and a Master’s degree in emergency services administration, both from California State University, Long Beach. He is an Executive Fellow for the National Police Foundation.
He is a graduate of the 44th class of the California Command College and has published an article in the California Journal of Law Enforcement titled “Cybercriminals have Passed Law Enforcement By. Let’s Catch Back Up!”
| “Chief Chaplin, made me feel as if I was in the front row and provided rich dialog with quality feedback to all my assignments. I have a feeling he made every student in this course feel the same way, as observed from his discussion replies and questions.” -Spring ’20 Student |
Bernie Colon has worked with the San Diego Police Department since 1989. In 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief, with oversight of the Neighborhood Policing Divison. In that role, he has responsibility for addressing the city’s homelessness issues through outreach and enforcement. Prior to his promotion, he served as Captain of the Investigations 1 Division which includes Narcotics, Narcotics Task Force, Sex Crimes, Sex Registrants Unit, Child Abuse, Internet Crimes Against Children, Vice, Human Trafficking and the Domestic Violence Unit.
Chief Colon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Public Administration, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class 265. He has extensive teaching experience both on-campus and online since 2003, as well as teaching at the Regional Training Academy since 1996.
Chief Colon grew up in the Chicago area and moved to San Diego after high school to attend college. He is married and has 5 kids as part of a blended family. He stays busy with work and family, but really enjoys teaching and hearing different perspectives in each class.
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