An innovative fellowship program designed to expand diversity and excellence in law enforcement has selected UT Police at Houston Detective Marissa Trujillo as part of its new cohort class.

New Blue, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop “a new generation of law enforcement leaders by finding, coaching, and connecting a diverse network of equity-minded officers” offers the one-year fellowship program to law enforcement agencies from across the country.

“This program excited me because it is geared toward giving me the skills and knowledge to help me make a greater impact to my team,” Trujillo said. “I’m thrilled to have been selected for this unique and competitive program.”

The New Blue Fellowship accepts Twenty-five fellows yearly. For the upcoming cohort, New Blue allotted 15 slots for female police officers from 30x30 Initiative participating agencies – like UT Police – that have signed a pledge to increase the representation of women in policing.

"Marissa’s participation in this program will mean that the department can use her new experience to improve our services.”

Over the course of 12 months, Trujillo will have continuing exposure to leaders in the field. She will first participate in a virtual “100 Days Conferences” to observe the solutions and leadership models from the program’s partner agency in England, Police Now. This ‘induction’, conducted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, serves to build relationships between the participants. She will then interact regularly with her peers while working toward a capstone project.

Throughout, the cohorts will hear from leaders and thinkers from across government, education, and business sectors.

Trujillo has been serving with the department’s Office of Public Integrity since August 2016. She previously served as an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division. Trujillo is an Army veteran who started her law enforcement career with UT Police at Austin in 2005 and moved to UT Police at Houston in 2007.