Gregory Wright
Law Enforcement Sergeant
Dallas College Police Department
Mesquite, TX USA
“Don’t focus on what someone else is doing. Focus on what you want to do and it will come in its own time.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationGregory Wright
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I always dreamed of becoming a police officer and would talk about it with my brother but didn’t act on it.
As the oldest of three kids raised by a single mother, I started my career in grocery retail at 15 years old to help out—I ended up staying for 23 years.
I thought my chance of becoming a police officer had passed but when my brother was killed in a car accident, it felt urgent that I pursue my dream.
The day after my brother’s funeral, I went to the police academy to get started in law enforcement.
I earned my police certificate and started working for the Dallas College Police Department.
When I decided to fulfill another dream of mine and become the first male in my family to graduate from college, a fellow officer directed me to Rio Salado College.
I graduated with a degree in criminal justice technology from Rio Salado College.
I’ve been with the Dallas College Police Department for 14 years now and currently work as the police sergeant.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Certification/License
Basic Police Certificate, Criminal Justice/Police Science
Cedar Valley College
Basic Police Certificate, Criminal Justice/Police Science
Cedar Valley College
Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Rio Salado College
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Rio Salado College
Career
Law Enforcement Sergeant
I'm a patrolling police sergeant supervising other officers at a college campus.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Law
Government
Helping People
Day to Day
I start my morning with a debrief meeting with the other officers. I fill them in on anything significant that happened during the night shift. Then, as a patrolling sergeant, I spend my day patrolling the campus and supervising officers. I also schedule trainings for the officers—each officer needs to complete 40 hours of training each year to keep their license, so I make sure that happens.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
With the way that the law enforcement field has been progressing, you'll most likely need at least an associate degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. You can reach out to your local police academy to inquire about requirements as I did.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You can't become a police officer this late in life. You won't be able to finish the physical test. You won't be able to keep up with the schoolwork."
Challenges I Overcame
Raised By Single Parent
Interviewed By
Rio Salado College Roadtrip
Rio Salado College students and alumni
