December 13, 2011

(Santa Ana) - Rancho Santiago Community College District has named John Finch as assistant dean of criminal justice at Santa Ana College. As assistant dean, Finch is responsible for the planning, development, delivery, staffing and evaluation of the college’s criminal justice programs and services.

Since 1970, Santa Ana College has provided the Criminal Justice Academy in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), the Academy provides the required 952 hours of training to be considered as a California Peace Officer. In addition, the college offers training in campus law enforcement and, in conjunction with O.C. Parks, the Park Ranger Academy.

Finch has served as the interim assistant dean since March 2010. Prior to that, he served as program facilitator for criminal justice at Santa Ana College. Earlier, he served as a Criminal Justice Academy instructor providing training in community policing, community partnerships, police/community communication, crime prevention, and long-term problem solving.

Previously, he enjoyed a 30-year career with the Downey Police Department where he ended his tenure as chief of police. Beginning in 1975 as a police officer, he progressed up the ranks to sergeant, lieutenant, and then captain.

Finch holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, a B.A. in management from University of Redlands, and an associate degree in administration of justice from Cerritos College. He is also an FBI National Academy graduate.

About the Rancho Santiago Community College District
The mission of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is to respond to the educational needs of an ever-changing community and to provide programs and services that reflect academic excellence. Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College are public community colleges of RSCCD, which serve the residents of Anaheim Hills, East Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin and Villa Park. Both colleges provide education for academic transfer and careers, courses for personal and professional development, customized training for business and industry, and programs to train nurses, firefighters and law enforcement personnel.

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