J.M. "Jesse" Torrez

J.M. “Jesse” Torrez is a lifelong Arizona resident who grew up in central Phoenix with a large extended family. He began his career while attending Arizona State University, working with the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department. After graduating from the police academy, he served with distinction at both the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the City of Scottsdale Police Department, taking on notable assignments in the Special Assignment Unit (SWAT) and Honor Guard.

Jesse's law enforcement career spanned various roles, including the Highway Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Advanced Training Division. His dedication to public service provided him with a strong background in threat assessment, strategic planning, and effective teamwork.

In 1998, following over 10 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Jesse founded Torrez & Associates, Inc., where he led as President and CEO for two decades. In this role, he oversaw daily investigations and security operations, developed strategic armed security protocols, and led conflict resolution strategies for a diverse range of clients. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in supporting high-profile clients, including Avnet, University of Phoenix, Boeing, Honeywell, Wells Fargo, CBS, National Geographic, SRP, and more. Jesse also provided expert witness testimony in both private and governmental sectors and took on specialty assignments in locations such as Cartagena, Colombia, and various cities in Mexico.

Throughout his career in private practice, Jesse managed security and private investigations for Arizona residents, politicians, and corporations. His work often involved high-risk coverage for prominent figures, demonstrating his expertise in managing complex security challenges. Most recently, he served as Head of Security for a significant political campaign, drawing on his extensive experience to ensure the safety of key figures in dynamic environments.

Now, as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Jesse continues to contribute to the safety and well-being of Arizona's communities through his dedicated support of public safety initiatives. His commitment to serving others is reflected in his ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety across the state, highlighting his lifelong dedication to protecting and serving the people of Arizona.