Dr. Joseph A. Cortez is a public safety researcher, professor, and practitioner with two decades of experience in law enforcement. He is currently the Commanding Officer and Director of Training for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Prior to joining the WCSO, Dr. Cortez served as a Police Lieutenant and Executive Officer in the Office of the Chief of Police for the Santa Monica Police Department and a Special Investigator for the Los Angeles Police Department. Throughout his career, Dr. Cortez has held numerous leadership roles, with a significant portion of his time dedicated to the special operations division.
Dr. Cortez is a respected figure in public safety education, having designed and implemented comprehensive training and education programs for police departments nationwide. As the Vice Chair of the Police Research Advancement Section at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Dr. Cortez bridges the gap between academia and practical application, contributing to evidence-based policing practices and policy development. He has fostered collaboration between researchers and practitioners, providing input, advice, and direction on various aspects of law enforcement policy research and evaluation.
Dr. Cortez holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University and an MA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from the College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. He earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California, focusing on juvenile justice and diversion programs. His research has set benchmarks for policy development and the creation of advanced police officer training curricula.
