Q&A with Police Chief Michael Trevis

Chief Michael Trevis is originally from East Los Angeles. He has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement and during those years of experience, he’s been chief of police in Bell, Huntington Park and Maywood. He’s been married for 38 years and has one daughter. A place he likes to visit is Honolulu, Hawaii.

WL: Where did you get your education?
CT: I have an AA in Administrative Justice from East Los Angeles College. My bachelor’s is in Public Administration and my master’s is in Organizational Leadership from La Verne. Right now I am currently working on my doctorate.

WL: What did being named chief of police mean to you?
CT: It meant I am in a position to develop a partnership – a team concept between people. I’m giving hope to people and finding a way to improve the quality of life and not live in fear.

WL: Who are some of the people that inspired you to get to this position?
CT: It was local leaders. One person was Chief Heidke. He was the chief of Maywood in the ‘80s and is no longer with us. I like the way he communicated with people. For example, normally we would probably do this interview while I sit behind the desk. Heidke taught me to break that “psychological barrier” and simply sit with people and talk. There is also Chief Ed Ballinger who is still living and has since retired.

WL: When did you know that you wanted to be in law enforcement?
CT: When I was five years old, I watched a series called “Highway Patrol.” I knew I wanted to be in law enforcement from watching that show.

WL: What’s the best thing about being the chief of police at El Camino?
CT: Having the ability to network with students and faculty on this campus. El Camino has helpful people working at a proud organization for students’ success.

WL: When you’re done being chief, what do you want to be your greatest accomplishment?
CT: I want to leave knowing I helped the human race and made a difference in society.

WL: How many more years do you want to be chief?
CT: As long as I can keep my health I’ve got about 10 to 15 more years left in me.

WL: Any new changes coming to help with safety on campus?
CT: Yes, we want to get some more cameras installed here and at the El Camino Compton campus – more blue poles set up and of course just do good old fashioned police work. Prevention is the key. Students and staff seeing things and saying something, being a voice (mean a lot). We all play a part in helping keep the campus safe.

WL: What’s your favorite food?
CT: You mean besides coffee and doughnuts? Grilled chicken salad.