About GCC

Dr. John Satterfield

Dr. John Satterfield is an over 32 1/2-year retired veteran (1991-2024) of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). He has worked assignments in custody, court, and patrol operations, including: field training officer (FTO), arrest & control training (ACT), recruit training (RTO), advanced officer training (AOT), Sheriff’s Response Team (SRT), policy & procedure creation, hospital security management, public information officer (PIO), field & watch sergeant, watch commander, bureau captain, division commander, and served as LASD Chief of Staff. He has trained thousands of students over the course of his career.  He was awarded the Life-Saving Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Exemplary Service Medal, Meritorious Service Award, Unit Commander Award, 10851 Award, and numerous other awards, commendations, and letters of recognition.  Additionally, he taught courses as an adjunct instructor at Fullerton College (2012-2016) in the Administration of Justice Department, served/serves as a subject matter expert on multiple state committees, and teaches law enforcement-related subject matter all over the state.  On one occasion he taught police science as far away as the Chinese People’s Public Security University in Beijing, China. 

John is a combat veteran who served as an active duty U.S. Marine Corps infantry machine-gunner with the 7th Marine Regiment from 1985-1991.  He participated in numerous operations, several overseas deployments, and learned many leadership lessons while serving our nation for the six years that led up to and included the Gulf War. 

John has achieved the following educational goals:  

• Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree from the University of Southern California, with a focus in Organizational Change and Leadership*
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree from National University
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach
• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in Administration of Justice from East Los Angeles College
• Certificate in Less Lethal Weapons Technologies from Penn State University
• Certificate in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) from the Department of Homeland Security as a General Instructor
• Certificate in Executive Leadership (ELDP #39) - University of Southern California, Price School of Public Policy
• Master Instructor Certification Course (MICC #9) - California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST). 
• Executive Leadership Course (EDC 21-2) - California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST). 

*Dr. Satterfield's dissertation at USC was "Training in Law Enforcement: Infusing 21st Century Policing Concepts into the Organizational Culture"

Dr. Satterfield testifies in State and Federal Court as an expert in the areas of: use of force, search & seizure, police training, police procedures, strategy & tactics, and crowd control & civil unrest.  His curriculum vitae is available upon request.