LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Moises Arellano

Position: School Police Officer
School: San Diego Unified School District
School District: San Diego Unified School District
City, State: San Diego, CA

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Moises Arellano was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Officer Arellano makes a positive impact in the lives of students, families, staff, and school communities on a daily basis. He is a patrol officer who responds to calls for assistance, covering all schools within five high school clusters. He answers each call with care and respect for all members involved. Officer Arellano resolves conflicts, concerns, and incidents from a restorative practices approach, connecting students and families with programs and services needed. He continuously makes a beneficial difference in the lives of students. He regularly recognizes the need to lead at-risk students down the path to a successful future.

"His ability to make a difference in the lives of students has been demonstrated time and time again," the nominator said. "One such instance is when he began the 'True Blue Buddies Program' through grant funding. This program connects the school police officers with elementary students to create a buddy system. There are several events the buddies experience together, including back to school shopping, family thanksgiving dinner, a bike giveaway/rodeo, and a field trip to the Harbor Police Department. These events not only have a positive impact on students and their families, but they enrich our district's atmosphere."

Officer Arellano demonstrates leadership at his various school sites and at the district level. He makes a positive impact at every school and presents to youth on various topics. Officer Arellano is always on the move, responding to calls, attending events, and serving his community. He attends community coffee with his fellow officers and interacts with families to strengthen community relations. He explains how school police officers make the school a safe place for students, provides resources for youth and their families, and identifies safety concerns. Officer Arellano also attends many district and county meetings that address school attendance and expulsions.

Officer Arellano has even written a proposal for the San Diego Unified Police Services Department to form an Honor Guard/Color Guard. As the founding member, he must demonstrate excellent performance in his profession. The Honor Guard includes a five-member detail of outstanding officers selected from the pool of sworn officers in the department. They assist other Police Departments with funerals and ceremonial missions as requested. Officer Arellano has proposed that this team of elite officers work directly with high school JROTC programs to mentor students in leading the Nation's Colors at school events, Board meetings, and other district level gatherings.

In addition, he is currently looking to begin a student explorers program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The program will teach many skills, including police training, report writing, computer skills, radio communication, and introduction to the penal code. Officer Arellano produces a nurturing atmosphere for all students by providing them with opportunities to have a successful future.

"Officer Arellano is a proven leader in his department as he adheres to the highest moral and ethical standards of the law enforcement profession," the nominator said. "He takes his position very seriously, and it shows in every interaction with him. I truly believe he should be honored for his daily commitment to students and their families, his dedication to his profession, and his service to our schools."

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Comments (6)

Katherine Posted over a year ago

I met Officer Arellano this past school year when he was collecting teddy bears for the regional law enforcement teddy bear drive to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. I was lucky enough to have attended the emotional event and watched as Officer Arellano gave teddy bears to the children and posed for pictures with each and every one. Since then, I have collaborated on several projects with Officer Arellano and have seen first hand what a dedicated, caring person he is. No better person to be named life changer of the year for the work he does on a daily basis. Additionally, I’m a parent of a 12 year old girl that attends middle school in San Diego Unified. Recently, her school received threats via social media. Obviously, I was extremely concerned for her safety but Officer Arellano took the time to assure me and explain everything the School Police Department does in dealing with those situations, putting my mind at ease. It would be wonderful for Officer Arellano to be the recipient of the Life Changer of the Year Award! He is so deserving of this recognition.

Vanessa Joy Posted over a year ago

Officer Arellano came to visit Golden Hill K8 School last week and presented in our 4th and 5th grade classroom. My students loved asking him questions and learning about his job. His way of communicating with students made them excited to learn more and was a very positive experience for them. It was very inspiring for students to hear about his path into his field and the high level of commitment and work ethic it took to get to his current role.

Fernando Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Officer Arellano, a well-deserved recognition for your dedication in mentoring many young students in San Diego and Imperial County. Always there when kids, and adults are in need of guidance and help.

Nicole Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Officer Arellano for 5 years and his dedication to the department is inspiring. On top of his normal duties as a patrol officer he dedicates so much of his time to training other officers, color guard, true blue buddies and many other special programs. Officer Arellano leaves a positive impact on everyone he comes in contact with and is always willing to help. We're so lucky to have him here.

Cesar Posted over a year ago

Besides being a police officer an exceptional coworker and friend, always there to assist on any situation on and off work. Great person and parent.

Jose Diaz Posted over a year ago

I have known Officer Arellano for many years. Throughout the years, I noticed something particular about him. He knows how to get things done. Whether it's doing his job with a professional attitude or switching roles at a drop of a dime for the benefit of a student, he is able to handle this transition with flying colors. His positive attitude, no doubt, carries over to the next person he assists in making a situation better. His utmost respect for people is definitely another quality he possesses. His cool and collective demeanor is displayed time and time again, no matter what circumstances he faces. I definitely can support any of his many ideas he introduces for the benefit of the community, especially our adolescent population. Officer Arellano definitely has the success of his students at the forefront and does not show any signs of time and energy he will put forth towards his future endeavors.