New school police chief must adjust to culture shock

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 | 9:31 a.m.

It was Hector Garcia's first day of work Monday, and the new chief of the Clark County School District Police acknowledged he was a long way from the familiar surroundings of his south Florida hometown.

"There's a little bit of culture shock, but I'll get over it," said Garcia, in his first interview since the Clark County School Board approved his hiring last month. "I'm looking forward to getting started."

His first stop was at the Greer Education Center on East Flamingo Road for a meeting with Superintendent Carlos Garcia. The superintendent said Friday he didn't plan to flood the new chief with suggestions or advice.

"It's his job to tell us where he sees areas for improvement," Garcia said. "He'll have the next few months to start outlining his vision for the department and carrying it out."

Hector Garcia, who turns 39 next month, said he planned to visit schools and meet with administrators and staff from a variety of departments in order to get a better understanding of the district.

"I'm arriving with an open agenda," Garcia said. "I'm going to speak to as many people as I can. My first responsibilities are to look and to listen."

Garcia is only the second police chief since the department was created five years ago. He replaces Elliot Phelps, who was fired in October after district officials determined he had not met the state's police officer certification requirements.

The new chief said acquiring the Nevada Peace Officers Standards and Training certification is his "top priority." He will be expected to complete the required class work by early spring. He must also pass a physical agility test.

Prior to joining Clark County, Garcia was hired to develop a school police force for the Sarasota School District, serving as director of safety and security. He also spent 14 years with the Palm Beach County School Police, working his way up the ranks from patrol to administration.

He joined the Palm Beach school police after a stint as a municipal officer, viewing the move as an opportunity to do be more "proactive."

A native of northern New Jersey, Garcia moved to Florida at age 19 and earned his associate's degree in criminal justice. He later returned to college to complete his bachelor's degree at Florida-Atlantic University and a master's of science degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton.

Garcia's family will join him in Las Vegas when the school year ends. His wife, Kristy, works as a paralegal. Married 10 years, they have a daughter, 9, and a son, 3.