Associate Professor
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Dr. Rick Ornelas, DBH, MSW, is an Associate Professor of Social Work Practicum Education at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. He co-leads the USC Social Work and Public Safety Program, collaborating closely with the legal system to deliver education, training, and services that address complex social challenges through a multidisciplinary approach.
A retired Los Angeles School Police Department sergeant with 34 years in law enforcement, Dr. Ornelas spent 25 years focused on law enforcement education. He teaches public safety professionals in leadership, crisis intervention, procedural justice, implicit bias, and building community trust. He also contributes to curriculum development for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), focusing on mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation, and communication skills.
Dr. Ornelas has co-developed innovative programs, including the USC Law Enforcement Advanced Development (LEAD) Program and Police Response to People with Mental Illness courses. His work emphasizes cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and trust-building between public safety agencies and communities.
As a subject matter expert and consultant, Dr. Ornelas supports first responders and their families, promoting organizational growth and best practices in public safety. He is dedicated to improving public safety through leadership, collaboration, and training that enhances effective communication and reduces the stigma surrounding social issues. He also aids organizations in reimagining public safety on both local and national levels.
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