My name is Adam Perry and I have the distinction of serving as the University of Texas at Dallas’s newest Lieutenant over the Criminal Investigative Division. In February 2020, I closed a chapter of my life after retiring from the Richardson, TX Police Department and two weeks later opened a new chapter of my life at UTD.
I began my criminal justice career with the City of Richardson, TX Police Department in 1996 as a detention officer (jailer). I learned one of the most valuable lessons I could learn as a detention officer; that the majority of people we encounter in this profession are good people that made a bad decision, not that they are intrinsically bad people. If we treat every person with the dignity and respect he or she deserves it can do far more for the community relationship than anything else. After a year in the jail, I tested and promoted to the Patrol Division. While in patrol, I served as a Field Training Officer, Recruiter, TCOLE Instructor, Acting Sergeant, Honor Guard and SWAT operator. After eight rewarding years in patrol, I transferred to the Investigative Division where I served in the Vice and Narcotics Unit, Forgery and Fraud Unit, CAPERs Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Juvenile Crimes Unit, Internal Affairs Division, Tactical Information Center (TIC) team member, and Background and Recruiting Unit. I hold a Master Peace Officer license and was awarded Rookie of the Year and Detective of the Year.
I suppose you could say teaching is my hobby and passion. After I earned my Bachelor degree, I remained in college and obtained a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice- Criminal Behavior. Shortly thereafter, I began lecturing as a keynote speaker on child abuse awareness, a topic specific to my investigative specialty. This experience exposed me to a broader field of educators and professionals where I was able to transition lecturing into an Adjunct Professor position of Criminal Justice at Richland College in Dallas, the Dallas Caruth Police Institute, and the University of North Texas. Last year I was honored to be the recipient of the Richland College Adjunct Excellence in Teaching award as well as the District wide Adjunct Excellence in Teaching award.
I am also fortunate to be an instructor at the Basic Police Officer Academy where I have been teaching US and TX Constitution as well as CCP. I was recently awarded the Academy’s Excellence in Instructing commendation by BPOC Class 09. I am passionate about the US Constitution and ensuring every cadet that goes through the academy understands the importance of the history of the Constitution and can appreciate and apply the rights guaranteed to all people we are trusted to serve.
Lastly, I am a US Army veteran proudly serving in the Army Reserves and active duty. I entered the Army in 1992 as a Behavioral Science Specialist and later reenlisted as a member of the Army Special Operations Division. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2002-2003 and ended my final enlistment in 2004 holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.
I am grateful to Chief Zacharias and Assistant Chief Tourangeau for the trust they have in me to lead their Criminal Investigative Division and for allowing me to be a member of such an honorable and professional organization as the UT System.
