Robert J. Perez
Sr., MCJ
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Doña Ana Community College, New Mexico State University
Robert J. Perez Sr. is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Doña Ana Community College (DACC). A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, he was raised in the Mesilla Valley and graduated from Las Cruces High School before earning a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from New Mexico State University in 1992. He later completed a Master of Criminal Justice degree from Boston University in 2004.
Prior to entering higher education, Professor Perez served two decades in law enforcement, working as both a police officer and sheriff’s deputy in New Mexico. Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience in patrol operations, investigations, supervision, and interagency collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations. His passion for investigative work led him to the rank of Detective, where he advanced through leadership positions including Detective Corporal and Detective Sergeant.
Professor Perez specialized in major case and death investigations and participated in numerous multi-jurisdictional task forces addressing violent crime, narcotics trafficking, crimes against children, and child exploitation. His investigative experience spans a wide range of criminal offenses, including homicide, domestic violence, sex crimes, white-collar crime, property crime, computer crime, and crimes involving vulnerable populations. Throughout his law enforcement career, he supervised detectives, crime scene personnel, and civilian staff while also serving as an instructor in police academy and community education programs. His instructional areas included criminal investigations, interview and interrogation techniques, domestic violence response, and police operations.
Following his retirement from active law enforcement service, Professor Perez continued his commitment to public safety and professional development through several specialized roles. He serves as a Hearing Officer for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification Board (Misconduct Division) and the New Mexico Concealed Carry Review Board. He also maintains licensure as a New Mexico Private Investigator and holds certifications as a law enforcement firearms instructor and private security instructor in New Mexico and Arizona.
At Doña Ana Community College, Professor Perez is dedicated to preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals through a student-centered approach that combines academic rigor with real-world application. Drawing upon extensive investigative and leadership experience, he emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, professional communication, and practical problem-solving skills. He actively supports law enforcement recruitment initiatives and fosters partnerships that connect students with career opportunities in criminal justice, law enforcement, and related fields. Professor Perez considers it both a privilege and a responsibility to share his professional experiences with students while contributing to the educational and public service mission of DACC and NMSU.