Garza New University Police Director at TAMIU

Texas A&M International University has a new family member with the addition of Felipe E. Garza as Director of University Police.

Garza, originally from Kingsville, is a veteran law enforcement professional who has 25-years of experience as police chief of the Kingsville Police Department. He joined A&M International upon retirement from the Kingsville Police Department and after having worked as senior investigator at the Office of Inspector General at the Texas Department of Human Services.

"I feel honored to have been chosen as University Police director at TAMIU," Garza said, "I have been pleased with the reception that I have gotten from everyone, from students to administrators. It has been truly an enjoyable experience and I would like to integrate myself into the University community and community at large."

Garza said he would like to continue to make University Police an active and integral part of the University community.

"We have 14 officers in all of the department and can make significant changes by creating awareness programs such as crime prevention and setting up a reward system for crucial information, similar to Crime Stoppers," Garza said.

Garza holds a master's of science degree in sociology and a bachelor's degree in public service, with a concentration in law enforcement, from Texas A&I University at Kingsville. He is also a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and holds a Master Peace Officer certification.

Joe García, vice president of Finance and Administration, said TAMIU is proud to welcome Garza to the active team of administrators and professionals making a difference at Laredo's hometown University.

"We are excited to have Felipe Garza with us. The University is experiencing historic growth and the experience Mr. Garza brings with him will be crucial in maintaining the safety of students and the entire University community," García said.

Garza can be contacted at the University Police Department at 326-2100 or visited in offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 002.

Additional information is available from the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu