2 minute read
Partners not in crime
Eduardo Razo / Roundup
Patrolling the campus, handing out tickets for parking violators, and ensuring that nothing unusual occurs, cadets Javier Gutierrez and Al Guerrero are always on the lookout.
“I didn’t really know law enforcement as a whole, but when I [became a cadet] I learned how to use a radio, and about dispatching since we also work in the office,” said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez has been working as a cadet for two years.
Before assuming his position as a campus cadet and moving into law enforcement, he was a criminal justice major.
Handing out citations is an important task for cadets. During the mornings and afternoons Gutierrez and his partner, Cadet Al Guerrero, patrol Pierce during its busy hours, when students are coming and going to class.
Gutierrez was Guerrero’s training officer when he first started out.
“It’s kind of like having a big brother. We know each other’s moves,” said Guerrero, who has been patrolling alongside Gutierrez for a year and a half. “He taught me everything I know.”
The pair patrol the parking lots car by car, making sure students are not parked in staff parking and checking if each one has a parking permit.
“A couple this one time was making out and they didn’t have a parking permit, so we kindly put the citation in front of their windshield where they can see it,” said Guerrero.
Giving out citations isn’t the only task Gutierrez performs. He also provides assistance by opening classroom doors for professors, escorting students to their car and assisting sheriff officers in some situations.
“I have a blast here; everyone I work with is really cool. I love coming to work,” said Gutierrez. “I am lucky to love coming to work. It doesn’t even feel like work.”
Gutierrez has recently been accepted into The Los Angeles Police Academy to further his training, according to Senior Lead Deputy Ron Nohles.
