David Ferrero
Assistant Director
Since joining the UT System ODOP family in 2008, David has held the position of Inspector, Inspector II and Assistant Director ad interim. This has allowed him to enjoy the joint responsibility for Basic Peace Officer and In-Service Academy training, conducting staff management inspections at the fifteen UT System institutions, coordinating criminal/administrative complaint investigations, performing executive protection duties for Board of Regents and other dignitaries and recommending best practice policy/procedure for System employees in areas including use of force, firearms, wellness/fitness. He is grateful to have shared knowledge and experiences through instructing law enforcement officers for over thirty years on a municipal, county and state level.
A native of San Antonio, David graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. From 1978 to 1984, he served with the Texas City and League City Police Departments as a Patrol Officer, Detective and Sergeant. David instructed in area law enforcement academies and was recognized for excellence in presentations before the Grand Jury.
In 1984, David began employment with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He held positions of Agent, Senior Agent Training Division, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief of Enforcement ad interim. His tenure included upper/senior management positions both at the Staff and Field level. Upon retirement in 2007, successes include development and implementation of both in house and outreach resources focusing on public safety with underage drinking and intoxication concerns, appearance and testimony in a variety of venues including Senate/House Committees and criminal/civil procedures, as a guest on national syndicated “The Sally Show” to explain underage-drinking initiative, and expert witness for the Commission in use of force trial.
David is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College Class #50, holds a TCLEOSE Master Peace Officer Certification, recognized in the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame, member First United Methodist Church Round Rock, Eagle Scout, and active in Boy Scout Troop 157. David is married to Leesa and both are proud parents of four children.
Kenneth Baptiste
Senior Inspector, Academy Commander
Senior Inspector Kenneth Baptiste has proudly served with the University of Texas System Police for over 25 years. He began his career at UT Houston Police Department in 1992. At UT Houston PD he was a strong supporter of community-based policing and was assigned as the UT Houston PD liaison Officer to the McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston. In addition, as a Crime Prevention specialist, he had the privilege of working in the Universities diverse community, with a devotion to understanding the unique needs of the community.
In 1998, he moved to Franklin, Tennessee, serving with the Franklin Police Department in the Patrol Division.
In 2001, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, and served with the UT Southwestern Medical Center Police Department from 2001 to 2016. He held the rank of Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Patrol Division. Kenneth also served as the UT Southwestern Medical Center PD Hospitals liaison Sergeant to Clements and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals. He also served as the Commander of the Dignitary Protection Team responsible for planning and managing security operations for dignitaries and special events.
In 2016, Kenneth moved to Austin, Texas, and accepted the position of Inspector II with the University of Texas System Police, Office of the Director of Police. During his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to innovative in-service and cadet instruction and training. Kenneth created and developed the UT System Police Advancer Officer Training Program designed to enhance officer’s skills and knowledge. In 2023, he was promoted to Senior Inspector and Police Academy Commander. He currently leads the Academy team and oversees the operations and training. In addition, he was appointed as the UT System Police Training Coordinator in 2023. Commander Baptiste is responsible for ensuring all UT System Police and Telecommunicators licensees are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Academy Commander Baptiste earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. Kenneth also earned his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas.
Prior to becoming a police officer, Academy Commander Baptiste received an honorable discharge after serving five years of active duty in the United States Air Force. Kenneth also retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E9) from the Texas Air National Guard in December 2022 with a combined 33 years of total military service. He has been the recipient of numerous military and department commendations and awards.
Robert DeRohn
Police Inspector II
Robert DeRohn began his law enforcement career with his graduation from the University of Texas Police Academy in 2010 as officer at the UTSA Police Department. Duty assignments were patrol and instructor. At the inception of the UT System Rapid Response Team (SRRT) in 2011, Robert served as the San Antonio squad leader and overall team leader for SRRT. He became a Sergeant Investigator with the Office of the Attorney General’s Office (OAG), Fugitive Apprehension Unit – Austin, which served felony warrants covering 118 counties in the Austin team’s operational area. Additional duties included planning operations and supporting local, state, and federal agencies within Texas. These included training, warrant service, missing persons, sex offender registration among other duties. Robert returned to UTSA Police on a part-time basis in 2018. He joined ODOP in April 2020 accepting a position as the ARREST, Firearms program manager, range master, and senior team leader for SRRT. Robert is also an adjunct instructor for the ALERRT program conducting training in active shooter response nationally.
Robert retired honorably from the U.S. Army in 2009 as an airborne infantryman serving in various light infantry and special operations units. He deployed worldwide in support of combat operations in Iraq (3) and Kosovo (1) among multiple training deployments and exercises. After being wounded on his third deployment on Christmas day 2006, Robert was given a retirement after fighting for 2 years to remain on active duty.
Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice Administration, master’s degree in management with a focus on Organizational Management, and a master’s peace officer license. He holds several instructor certifications and has attended several courses to enhance technical and tactical proficiency. Robert is a big proponent of knowledge transfer and being a lifelong student.
Alexander L. Eastman, MD, MPH, FACS, FAEMS
Inspector and Medical Director, The University of Texas System Police
Medical Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Lieutenant and Chief Medical Officer, Dallas Police Department
Dr. Alexander Eastman serves as the Senior Medical Officer at the United States Department of Homeland Security. Responsible for protecting the United States from all threats foreign and domestic, his responsibilities are headquartered in the new Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. There he works in the coordination/provision of operational medicine across DHS components as well as countering threats to the U.S. worldwide and is a Title 19 Cross Designated LEO with Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
A graduate with distinction of the George Washington University School of Medicine, he completed his general surgery and two fellowships at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School/Parkland Memorial Hospital. He is board-certified in General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Medical Services and has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from The University of Texas Health Science Center--Houston. Dr. Eastman is the former Chief of the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is still a practicing trauma surgeon. His research interests include the prehospital care of the injured, application of stress inoculation/mitigation techniques to surgical training, novel methods of hemostasis, cost effective wound care and the interface between medicine, law enforcement and public health.
In addition to the above, Dr. Eastman remains an active Dallas Police Department lieutenant and is currently assigned to their SWAT unit and as the Department’s lead medical officer. He is actively involved in national planning for law enforcement medical support through The USDOJ’s Officer Safety and Wellness Group, the Committee on Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, and The Hartford Consensus Working Group. He serves as the Medical Director for the Major Cities Chiefs Association and is a Special Deputy United States Marshal, assigned as a Task Force Officer to the Fugitive Task Force in the Northern District of Texas.
Dr. Eastman was recently awarded the Dallas Police Department Medal of Valor for actions taken during the July 7, 2016 police ambush and has been previously honored as an Outstanding Young Alumni (2014) from The University of Texas at Austin, the Joe C. Jones Reserve Officer of the Year (2013) and Officer of the Year (2014) from the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Police Association.
Darrell Armstead
Police Inspector II
Darrell Armstead started his law enforcement journey in 2006 after obtaining a full-ride football scholarship at New Mexico Military Institute. Armstead transferred to Sam Houston State University on another full-ride football scholarship to continue his passion for the SHSU Criminal Justice program. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, Armstead was hired at UTMB—Galveston Police Department. He was then selected to attend the University of Texas Police Academy in 2015, where he earned the Top Driver award. In 2016, Armstead tried out for the System Rapid Response Team (SRRT), where he was selected as a team member. In 2017 Armstead was awarded a life-saving award following an incident that involved an intoxicated driver. In 2018 Armstead was recognized by the Galveston 50 Club award as Officer of the Year. Armstead continued to climb the ranks from patrol officer to corporal, where he served as a field training officer and then Sergeant. Armstead served as the patrol and professional standards Sergeant, responsible for internal investigations, recruiting, and training. Armstead's roles included:
- the department's training coordinator,
- firearm proficiency officer,
- Rangemaster, and
- instructor on several topics.
During Armstead's time on SRRT, he attended Austin's Police Department's basic SWAT course, TX DPS Texas Ranger Division Special Response Team course, and several Texas Tactical Police Officer Association courses, including the Basic Sniper course and Sniper Team Leader. Additionally, Armstead served as the UTMB—Galveston Team Leader and is currently the SRRT Assistant Team Leader and Sniper Team Leader.
Armstead accepted the position at ODOP's Police Academy as a BPOC Instructor and Fitness Program Manager. Most of Armstead's free time is spent with his family or studying while attending Sam Houston State's master's degree program.
Chad Garton
Police Inspector II
Chad Garton started his law enforcement career in 2008 working for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in San Jose, CA. Garton attended the Santa Clara County Justice Training Center in Morgan Hill, CA, graduating first in his agency from the Academy, and attaining the “TOP GUN” marksmanship award for highest overall marksman scores.
Garton was first assigned to Court Security from July 2008 to August 2009, and then completed Patrol FTO in December 2009. From January 2010 until September 2010, Garton was again assigned to Court Security where he was the shift leader for Holding Cell #3 underneath the courthouse.
From September 2010 to December 2011, Garton was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn in Iraq (US Army) as a Battalion Intelligence Officer. During his time in Iraq, Garton was tasked with Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Force Protection missions. Garton was awarded a Combat Action Badge for being engaged by hostile enemy fire in the course of his duties. Garton and his team created, disseminated, and briefed more than 600 intelligence reports that were viewed by hundreds of Soldiers and Civilians theater wide.
From January 2011-July 2017 Garton was assigned as a Patrol Deputy to the West Valley Patrol Division and was assigned as a School Resource Officer for all Saratoga (City and Private) Schools from January 2015 until July 2017. During his assignment at West Valley Patrol Division, Garton had several collateral duties including Crowd Control Team Member (October 2008-March 2014), POST Certified Firearms Instructor (May 2014 to July 2017), and Tactical Flight Observer (Helicopter) Crewmember from July 2013 to July 2017. While assigned to the Patrol Division at West Valley, Garton was awarded the American Legion Award for Valor for rescuing two individuals from a vehicle accident where both vehicles were on fire in 2014.
As a School Resource Officer, Garton designed, planned and implemented Crime Prevention and Emergency Response training and education classes. Garton acted as the lead point of contact for all criminal and Emergency Response matters for schools located in Saratoga, CA. Garton investigated crimes and conducted law enforcement services for 6 School districts, 10 schools, and over 6,000 students, faculty, staff and parents. Garton trained more than 20 different topics to over 30,000 individuals in presentations and events. Garton was awarded Public Safety Officer of the Year 2017, a US Congressional Commendation and a County of Santa Clara Commendation for his work with the community.
From July 2017 to March 2018, Garton worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety in the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division/ Texas Joint Crime Information Center as a Crime Analyst. As a Crime Analyst Garton performed highly complex (senior-level) research/analytical work to collect, process, and disseminate a wide variety of data and information. Garton conducted assessments of criminal activity, as well as assessments of threats and vulnerabilities to the state's critical infrastructure. Garton supported state counterterrorism initiatives by conducting research and providing analytical assessments related to threats from domestic and international groups. Garton analyzed intelligence information on organized crime, gambling, and related criminal activities.
From March 2018 until February 2023, Garton worked for The University of Texas at Austin Police Department. Garton was assigned as a Patrol Officer, Training Officer, and Intelligence Detective. Garton was promoted to Sergeant in March of 2020 and was assigned as a Patrol Supervisor working midnights and day shift until June 2022. Garton was then assigned as the Intelligence and Dignitary Protection Detective Sergeant where he managed and supervised Detectives working a variety of intelligence related investigations and Federal Counterterrorism Task Force investigations. Garton provided and coordinated protection details for Federal and State Senators, Congressmen, cabinet level dignitaries and military dignitaries.
Garton has over 400 hours of terrorism specific trainings from being AT/FP (Anti-terrorism/Force Protection) certified officer for the US Army, to attending advanced level classes in Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological (CBRN) dispersion and awareness courses. Garton has focused his knowledge on learning High Value Target (HVT), Critical Infrastructure (CI) and Transit related terrorism.
Garton has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Military Science from California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo and spends his time reading Counter/Anti-terrorism and Intelligence blogs.
Bobby Harper
Senior Police Inspector II
Senior Inspector Bobby Harper joined ODOP in 2010. Bobby was formerly a Lieutenant with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He served with DPS in various capacities including the Highway Patrol, Governors Security Detail, Intelligence Service, Special Weapons and Tactics Team and Internal Affairs. Most recently, he was employed by the National Response and Rescue Training Center at Texas A&M University assisting with homeland security training and exercises. Bobby is a tactical firearms/combatives instructor and a karate black belt. He is a TCOLE Master Peace Officer and is a graduate of the 190th session of the FBI National Academy.
Bobby serves as the first commanding officer of the University of Texas System Rapid Response Team (SRRT) established for an airmobile capable tactical response to acts of terrorism and border violence and is responsible for oversight of UT System tactical operations. He also is the intelligence/counterterrorism fusion center liaison between University of Texas System Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety and manages the UT System 1033, executive protection and special projects programs.
Michael Funke
Police Inspector II
Inspector Michael Funke has had a distinguished career in law enforcement, marked by extensive training and expertise in various areas. He began his journey in 2001 in Powell, Wyoming, following his service in the United States Marine Corps. His tenure in Wyoming saw him take on roles as a field training officer and a defensive tactics instructor.
In 2011, Michael transitioned to the University of Texas System Police, specifically working with UT Health San Antonio. During his time there, he continued to excel, taking on multiple responsibilities such as field training officer, department training officer, and instructor roles for baton, taser, and defensive tactics.
In 2015 Michael completed the 40-hour Force Science Analyst course. In 2016 Michael was accepted into the Force Science Advanced Specialist program, after graduating the 500+ hour school, Michael became the 2nd police officer in the state of Texas to ever do so.
Michael was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2021, where he served as the night shift patrol supervisor. In April 2024, Funke joined the Office of the Director of Police (ODOP) as an Inspector II.
Michael holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with academic honors.
Geoffrey Merritt
Deputy Academy Commander
Geoffrey Merritt has been in law enforcement since 1997. He has served on three different college campuses ranging from small private institutions to large public universities. He has served as a patrol officer, field training supervisor, patrol supervisor, department recruiter and crime prevention unit supervisor. He has presented at state and regional conferences for Texans Standing Tall and the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission’s College Alcohol Symposium on alcohol enforcement issues. He also presented at the 12th annual U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Leadership National Conference. Inspector Merritt has presented nationally on webinars for Campus Outreach Services on the topic of sexual assault. He is an Advanced Instructor for the Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigator’s Course (SAFVIC) that teaches police officers to effectively investigate sexual assault and family violence cases. He was selected by the cadets of the 92nd University of Texas System Police Academy as the Instructor of the Year in 2011. Geoffrey Merritt has a Bachelor of Science degree and has a master peace officer license from the State of Texas. He is a certified TCLEOSE police instructor and basic Hostage Negotiator. Geoffrey Merritt is a member of the Texas Municipal Police Association and the Texas CrimeDe Prevention Association. He became a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist in 2010.
Dr. Jeff Metzger
SRRT Police Surgeon
Medical:
Medical School
The University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA - MD
Graduate School (Business)
The University of Texas at Dallas - Master’s in Business Administration (Anticipated Graduation December 2013)
Residency
Emergency Medicine - Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Fellowship
Government Emergency Medical Security Services (GEMSS) - The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX
Law Enforcement:
Tactical Medicine
CONTOMS EMT-T Course Basic SWAT Medic Certification Course (TTPOA) Instructor Self-Aid/Buddy-Aid (TTPOA) Instructor
Law Enforcement
Basic Peace Officer
Basic SWAT (TTPOA)
High Risk Warrant (DPD)
Barricaded Persons (DPD)
WMD Tactical Operations (LSU Course)
Covert Lock Defeating (TTPOA)
FEMA IS100, 200, 700, 800
TSA LEO Flying Armed
CIT Training (DPD)
Terrorism – Threats, Tactics and Training (DHS)
Paul Shepherd
Senior Police Inspector II
Inspector Shepherd retired as a 30-year law enforcement professional from the Odessa Police Department in September of 2010. He was the supervisor of the Criminal Intelligence Unit after completing a 10 year assignment as supervisor of the Homicide Unit and the Crimes Against Persons Unit. He has served in the numerous capacities within the department including, Patrol Services, Community Relations, Training Division, Crimes Against Property, Crimes Against Persons Unit (homicide) and was also a Sergeant with the Internal Affairs Unit. He has over 23 years of intense investigative experience in violent crimes. He holds a “Masters Peace Officer” certification as well as an “Instructor’s” with TCLEOSE.
He has approximately 25 years experience in crisis negotiations and responsible for the development, training, and implementation of a multi-agency negotiation response team at his former agency. He is a 2007 graduate of the FBI’s “National Hostage Negotiation Course,” in Quantico, Virginia as well as a 2008 graduate from the Metropolitan Police “National Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Course” in Hendon, England. In each of these, he served as a mentor and student. He has trained over 400 state, local, and federal officers in crisis negotiations and was utilized to train US military personnel in Hostage Negotiations and Hostage Survival, prior to their deployment to Iraq.
In 2010, he received recognition from Director Robert Mueller, III for his negotiation efforts in face to face negotiations with prisoners and obtaining the safe release of two hostages during the Pecos Prison Riots of December 2008. In September of 2010, Inspector Shepherd was invited by the “Black Swan Group” to participate in training the first Crisis Negotiation team from the United Arab Emirates.
In November of 2010, Inspector Shepherd was presented with a “Lifetime Membership Award” from the “Texas Association of Hostage Negotiator’s” and in February of 2011, Inspector Shepherd was presented with an appointment as an “Honorary Texas Ranger,” to Company “E” of El Paso by Texas Ranger Captain Brooks Long.
Rey Treviño
Senior Police Inspector II
Senior Police Inspector II Treviño started his commitment to public service by enlisting in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. His objectives included capturing and deterring enemy forces, reconnaissance, and deploying on numerous combat missions as the U.S. Army premier ground combat force. He was first assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Germany and subsequently deployed to Macedonia as part of a United Nations (UN) Peace Keeping Mission. While in Macedonia, he was the Infantry Platoon Rifleman and served on the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) during military operations.
He was next assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of a NATO Peace Keeping Mission. His Platoon was responsible for capturing and detaining several Bosnia Rebels along with their weapons and munitions. His unit also enforced riot control procedures when confronted with an unruly mob after weapons were seized from a Bosnian Muslim cantonment site in the town of Celic. Upon successful completion of his military enlistment, Senior Inspector Treviño returned to South Texas and joined the UT Brownsville Police Department.
While attending the UT System Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) in 2001 the tragic events of September 11, 2001, occurred. In response to this act of terrorism, his U.S. Army Reserve Unit was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon completing the BPOC, he received military orders to report to the 528th Special Operations Support Command Unit in Fort Bragg, NC. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he conducted security operations for Special Operation Units. In September 2003, he successfully completed his deployment and returned to the UT Brownsville PD. Senior Inspector Treviño was the first UT System employee and UTSP Police Officer to be activated for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While at UT Brownsville PD, he held the rank of Operations Commander and was the Acting Assistant Chief of Police.
Senior Inspector Treviño received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and holds a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. He is a Master Peace Officer and holds several Instructor Certifications. These include an Advanced Instructor Certification, TCLEOSE Firearms Instructor, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Reactive Shooting Instructor. He has also attended various advanced Military and Law Enforcement training courses throughout his career, which include the US Army Combat LifeSaver Course, SWAT Operator Course, and the DPS Ranger Division Advanced Special Response Team Operator Course. He also completed the Precision/Sniper Rifle Operator course- where he received the title of Top Shooter.
He a 2011 founding member of UT System Rapid Response Team (SRRT) and has served in several capacities to include the first Designated Marksman/ Police Sniper and UTRGV SRRT Team Leader. He currently serves as the SRRT Assistant Commander overseeing strategic planning, operations, and tactical technology. While on SRRT, he has deployed on several occasions in support of UT System Police Tactical Operations around the State.
In 2016, he accepted the position of Police Academy Commander for UT System Police and joined the Office of the Director of Police. During his tenure as Police Academy Commander, each Basic Peace Officer Course under his command successfully passed the state licensing exam with a 100% passing rate. With the 105th BPOC graduating class, Commander Treviño commemorated the 20th consecutive class of UT System Police Cadets to have maintained a 100% pass rate on the state licensing exam – a notable milestone for UT System and UTSP Police.
While serving as Police Academy Commander, he oversaw the creation and implementation of the Advanced Officer Course (AOT) and the Armed Rapid Response Emergency Scenario Training (ARREST). He also led the effort to successfully pass several Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Comprehensive Academy Program Evaluations and Academy Training Provider Renewal Contract for the UT System Training Academy. Commander Treviño also served as the UTSP Rangemaster and wrote the police policy to integrate the pistol miniature red-dot sighting system- recognizing UT System Police as the First State Law Enforcement Agency to adopt this technology.
In 2023, Senior Inspector Treviño was promoted to create and lead a new division at the Office of the Director of Police- Futures Programming. Future Programming is a comprehensive approach aimed at preparing and equipping UTSP with Law Enforcement relevant technologies. This entails researching, testing, and integrating new Law Enforcement specific software, hardware, and tactics- to include public safety drones, learning management systems, and record management systems. As the Future Programming Division Manager, Senior Inspector Treviño is also tasked with leading the creation, design, and development of a new UT System Police Training Academy, while seeking CALEA Accreditation for the current UTSP Training Academy.
Senior Police Inspector II Treviño enjoys spending Family Time with his wife Annabel and their 2 kids. His hobbies include building Legos with the kids, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
Administrative Staff
Irene Benavides
Administrative Coordinator
Irene began employment with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department in July of 1993. While at UTPD, Irene constantly sought out and obtained positions with increasing levels of responsibility within the PD giving her a unique skill set. After 28 years of calling UT Austin Police Department her second home in July of 2021 she accepted the position of Administrative Coordinator with The University of Texas System Police-Office of the Director of Police. Her various assignments held, experience and 28 years of service working within a component of the University of Texas System Police made her a strong candidate.
In this position, Irene's duties include supporting the day-to-day administrative, financial and operational functions by working collaboratively with administrative staff and executive staff. Primarily, she works closely with the Director and assist with managing his schedule, travel and correspondence. Review and updates, policies, annual budget, departmental purchasing, purchase orders, contracts and human resource related functions. She’ll also assist with the UTSP Promotional Process; Reviews- Inspections, Investigations, Use of Force and Pursuit reports. She also is responsible for the design and maintenance of the ODOP Website. She will also monitor the UT System- Aircraft System and coordinates Aircraft System Dignitary Transportation. She’s the designated ODOP Departmental Safety Liaison and acts as UT System Notary Public.
Originally from Houston, Texas, she and her husband of 33 years moved to Austin as newlyweds. Irene loves spending time with her family, watching Hallmark movies, baking and cooking for family and friends.
Leslie Garza
Administrative Associate
Leslie began her employment with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017 as an administrative assistant working with both the Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound Lyford and Raymondville TRiO programs, serving the Willacy County area. She served her programs in many capacities in order to guarantee the success of those she served, as the target population was first generation, low-income students. Furthering the extension of her support, she was elected as Treasurer for the Texas TRiO Association. The Texas TRiO Association is the representative body for TRIO professionals from colleges, universities and agencies that host federally funded TRIO educational opportunity programs in the state of Texas. TX-TRIO is dedicated to advocating for the TRIO movement by creating opportunities for TRIO professionals and participants with professional development and support.
Originally from McAllen, Tx, Leslie relocated to Dripping Springs in January 2023 when she accepted the position of Administrative Associate with the University of Texas System – Office of the Director of Police. Her role will provide administrative support in the daily operations and functions of ODOP and the UT System Police Academy. She will assist with the planning processes of the Academy including, but not limited to, planning processes for in-service training courses and events, serving as a coordinator and a liaison for federal Department of Veterans Affairs programming, coordination and execution of the Police Academy graduation, inventory management, and manage communication with external stakeholders.
Leslie loves spending time with her family, travelling, golfing, and watching shows such as The Office and True Crime documentaries
Lisa M. Hayes
Sr. Accounting Associate
Lisa Hayes, fondly known as an “Administrative Warrior Princess,” specializes in Accounting and State Purchasing. She began her career at the UT System in 2013 with Accounting and Purchasing Services in the Controller’s Office. After six years, she transitioned to Facilities Management, where she served as the building accountant and unofficial liaison between Accounting Services, Real Estate, and Facilities.
Lisa then joined the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at UT Austin, where she supported her team in engaging K-12 and collegiate students statewide in participation and understanding the importance of civic life and community leadership. A highlight of her tenure was meeting and supporting three cohorts of Texas Civic Ambassadors (college students from across Texas) who participated in a year-long program. They planned and executed civic leadership projects and events in their home communities, such as the Houston Youth Voters Conference and the State of the Rio Grande Valley Conference, where local and state leaders addressed the student body and answered questions about current legislation impacting their communities.
In 2022, Lisa “came back home” to UT System, serving as IT Purchasing and HR Liaison for the Office of the Chief Information Office. She has now returned to her lifelong passion for accounting and Microsoft Excel with the Office of the Director of Police as their Senior Accounting Associate.
Lisa is a self-proclaimed “big ol’ nerd.” Her wide-ranging passions include a love for reading that keeps her up late at night, strategic board games, PC gaming (with 7 Days to Die and Stardew Valley being her favorites), and role-playing tabletop gaming. She also enjoys making candles, baking her feelings, and cooking for her family, coworkers, friends, and just about everyone she meets.
Lydia Navarro
Sr. Administrative Associate
Lydia began her employment with The University of Texas as a clerk-typist at the UT Austin Police Department in October of 1981. She transferred to The University of Texas System Police-Office of the Director of Police in January of 2001 to work as an Administrative Assistant. She recently returned to ODOP after a short retirement.
Lydia's duties in ODOP include: Police personnel records manager for licensing, training, certifications, promotions, complaints and awards, TCOLE liaison to include: report of training, submission of police personnel new hires, terminations, education, and TCLEDDS access, provides administrative support for police academy BPOC classes to include cadet packet preparation, guest instructor letters, Veteran Affairs liaison, weekly brief, graduation planning, Crime Statistician for Annual Report and Racial Profiling report, and various duties as required.
