Bernard K. Melekian's Bio

Bernard K. Melekian - Director

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
U.S. Department of Justice

Bernard K. Melekian was announced as the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services by Attorney General Eric Holder on October 5, 2009. During the announcement, Attorney General Holder praised Director Melekian’s experience and commitment to addressing issues confronting state and local law enforcement.

Mr. Melekian was the Police Chief for the City of Pasadena, California for over 13 years before assuming leadership of the COPS Office. He also served with the Santa Monica Police Department for 23 years where he was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1978 and the Medal of Courage in 1980.

Director Melekian has been the recipient of numerous other leadership and service awards, and is recognized within the law enforcement field as a leader whose commitment to the advancement of community policing is built equally on years of patrol and SWAT experience, and a strong record of incorporating the needs of the community into police operations.

Melekian has served as the acting Fire Chief and Interim City Manager for the City of Pasadena.  He was Chairman of the California Attorney General’s Blue Ribbon Committee on SWAT Policy, and is the former President of the 2007 Los Angeles County and California Police Chiefs Associations.  Mr. Melekian also served on the National Board of Directors for the Police Executive Research Forum.

Director Melekian holds a Bachelor’s degree in American History and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from California State University, Northridge. He is currently a Doctoral candidate in Public Policy at the University of Southern California.  He is a graduate of the 150th session of the FBI National Academy and the 20th class of the California Command College.

Director Melekian served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970.  As a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve, he was called to active duty in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and served in Saudi Arabia. Melekian served a second tour of active duty in 2003.  He retired from the Coast Guard Reserves in 2009, after 26 years of service.