2008 Officer of the Year

Officer Roland Ruiz—2008 Officer of the Year

UCLA PD is proud to announce that Officer Roland Ruiz is the Police Officer of the Year for 2008. Selection criteria for this prestigious award is based on the individual's performance of duties that demonstrate the highest standards of competence and professionalism, their contribution to the department and commitment to the principles of Community Oriented Policing.

Roland Ruiz, a Southern California native graduated from Walnut High School in 1996 and subsequently attended Mt. San Antonio Junior College in Walnut, California. Roland received his Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in 2001. In 2003, Roland was hired as a Public Safety Officer with the USC Department of Public Safety. In 2005, Roland graduated at the top of his class from the Rio Hondo Police Academy. Shortly after graduating the academy, Roland earned an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Rio Hondo College and was hired as a Police Officer with the UCLA Police Department.

During his tenure at UCLA PD, Officer Roland Ruiz has worked in a number of assignments where he has demonstrated a high level of excellence as a patrol officer, Bike Team member, Field Training Officer, Pre-Academy Instructor and Traffic Investigator.

Officer Ruiz is respected and admired by his fellow officers, supervisors and community members. Roland shared that he has always wanted to be a Police Officer since he was young and that one of the aspects he enjoys most about his job is the unpredictable excitement associated with law enforcement. Roland also finds satisfaction in providing a sense of well-being and safety to the UCLA Community.

Annually, UCLA PD Sergeants, the direct supervisors of the officers, participate in the Officer of the Year selection process. Their choice receives the approval of the senior managers before being publicly announced. UCLA PD's Chief of Police, Karl T. Ross, notes that, “Being selected as Officer of the Year is an exemplary achievement. Officer Roland Ruiz is a valuable member of the UCPD team, willingly taking on a multitude of assignments for the benefit of the campus community. Professionalism, safety and service are some of the many qualities we look for in our officers and Officer Ruiz exemplifies those attributes.”

When Officer Ruiz is not on duty, he enjoys running, weight training and watching his favorite sports teams on television. Roland is also an avid golfer and is considered by many within the department to be the “top gun” on the golf course. Roland is a dedicated family man who has been married to his wife Jenny for 5 years and they enjoy spending time with their one year old son, Roman. They are eagerly anticipating their second child later this year. Congratulations Roland on a job well done!