By Amanda Alaniz

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Police Department recently named UTRGV Police Assistant Chief Adan Cruz as their new chief of police, following former chief Raul Munguia’s retirement.

Cruz, a Los Fresnos native, began his new role as chief of police on Feb. 21, 2020.

Before joining the UTRGV Police Department in January 2017, he worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety for more than 26 years. He entered the academy in September 1989 and graduated in February 1990. He worked within different departments ranging from highway patrol to narcotics to criminal investigations. What drew him to law enforcement, he said, was working with and helping the community.

“I really do like working with the people. When you’re younger, you’re looking for adventure. You want to chase bad guys. You want to do investigations. You want to do good,” he said. “As I’ve grown in the career, I really enjoy working with people. I like working with the younger officers. I like working with the community. That’s the most enjoyable part about law enforcement.”

Cruz earned his bachelor’s degree in 2006 in history with a minor in government from legacy institution UTB/TSC. He chose history because he has always had an interest in the subject.

ON HIS NEW ROLE

What he’s most looking forward to as police chief, he said, is continuing to build on the foundation and programs established by the department. One of the programs he wants to grow is bike patrol and hopes to implement more programs the officers find important, like the Color Guard.

He always wants to help officers grow their skills, consistency and potential, so that promotions can come from within the department.

“I hope to make this a place where a young officer can come in and know they have a career here, that it’s possible to come into the UTRGV police department and stay 20 years,” he said. “That’s really the environment, the culture I’m looking forward to building here.”

He thanked Munguia for being his mentor and police chief, and said he is grateful for all the advice Munguia gave him.

Now that Cruz is giving the advice, he hopes his officers communicate and engage with the UTRGV community.

“The advice is to get out there, patrol, do your work, be seen, talk to people. I think it’s very important for us to engage with the community so that they get to know us and we get to know them,” he said.

During the Badge Pinning Ceremony on March 10, Cruz accepted his new chief of police badge from UT System Director of Police Michael J. Heidingsfield. Cruz’s wife pinned the new badge on her husband’s uniform.