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On Monday, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim announced that Armando “AJ” Perez, who has spent the last more than two-and-a-half years running the department, will serve as the City of Bridgeport’s Chief of Police.
The appointment follows an extensive search and selection process that included community forums and feedback along with candidate written and oral tests and panel interviews.
“Chief Perez has been dedicated to improving public safety and community relations in our city,” said Ganim. “Over the last few years, he has proven to be a leader in bringing the department efficiency through technology in emergency communications, police equipment, and most importantly he has returned to the fundamentals of training and community policing that our city needs to build a department that residents can trust.”
Perez has served the City of Bridgeport in the police department for almost 36 years. He is a highly decorated officer with vast experience and has overseen a variety of units within the police department.
“I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as the leader of a great police department," Perez said. "Under the leadership of Mayor Ganim, with all the talented men and women of the Bridgeport police force, we have taken great steps and made positive impacts that will make our city safer. I look forward to continuing this mission in my capacity as Police Chief.”
The hunt for a new police chief started with 17 contenders that was narrowed to three finalists including, Perez; New Haven Assistant Police Chief Luiz Casanova, and Bridgeport Police Captain Roderick Porter, the department’s highest-ranking black officer.
Ganim will officially swear in Perez as Bridgeport’s Chief of Police at a public ceremony that will be hosted in the City Council Chambers at a date to be announced.
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