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Student Success Story: Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen

  • December 4, 2021

DVC alum Tom Hansen is now the Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department. Photo courtesy of Tom Hansen.

Tom Hansen grew up in central Contra Costa County and enrolled at DVC immediately after graduating high school in 1985.

“I attended DVC for two years, and transferred to Sacramento State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I chose to attend DVC’s administration of justice program because it always had a great reputation and the instructors really motivated students to enter the profession. My first law enforcement job was working as a reserve police officer for the Walnut Creek Police Department,” said Hansen.

In 1995, Hansen joined the Brentwood Police Department. He worked his way up the ranks, and is now the Chief of Police.

“Over the past 27 years, I’ve spent more time in the City of Brentwood than any other city. I grew up in this organization. I feel it is a true honor and privilege to serve the great community of Brentwood,” said Hansen.

Hansen and the Brentwood Police Department have an on-going professional relationship with DVC.

“I am a big fan of community colleges, particularly Diablo Valley College. I have many staff members that attended DVC. We also partner with the DVC Administration of Justice program with their annual career fair, and in classroom lectures,” said Hansen.

Hansen highly recommends DVC for students interested in careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.

“The education and contacts you will make at DVC are tremendous. This profession needs good people who are willing to serve others. Yes, the profession is hard, complicated and dangerous, and not all are cut out to do the job. In my opinion, this is the most noble and self-satisfying profession one can enter. I would tell any young person interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or forensics to start that journey at Diablo Valley College,” said Hansen.

Learn more about the Administration of Justice program.



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