Many students that attend a community college are undecided on a major and unsure of a career in which to utilize their talents; yet there are also students who have it all figured out.

Randy Amaro, a 19-year-old criminal justice major, is a Cadet out of the Oxnard College Campus Police Department. His work consists of much more than the daily tasks of issuing parking citations and riding around the college on a golf cart.


Officer Jesus Fernandez is one of Amaro’s supervisors who has been a vital asset to the preliminary training that Amaro has undergone. Fernandez has given him some of the experience beneficial to carry into the Police Academy.


”They patrol the campus, if there is anything unusual they give us a call,” Fernandez said. “We allow them to ride with us in our vehicles and they participate in the traffic stop by running the plate or running the person.”


In addition to preparing to be a Canine Officer, Amaro has only one more semester before graduating from Ventura College with his degree in Criminal Justice. From that point, he plans to transfer to a University and continue on with the Port Hueneme Police Explorer Program until he enters the Police Academy.

Amaro’s determination and passion for law enforcement can be a result of the influence and support he’s had from various family members. One of his relatives is an ex-Police Chief of Port Hueneme. Several others also serve and protect in law enforcement.


”My family supports me all the way … just growing up and seeing what they do made me want it even more,” explained Amaro


Lieutenant Beckley adopted a set of principles from the Student Worker Program during his service at the Los Angeles Police Department, and holds his cadets to the same high standards.

“In that respect, Randy has lived up to that standard,” said Beckley. “He maintains a professional appearance, he goes about his work diligently, and he’s dependable.”

Cadet Amaro observes Officer Fernandez and Cadet Talili in action (Photo By Raeana Reed)