After four years of keeping California Baptist University safe as director of safety services, John Freese, turns the page. His next chapter includes stepping into a new role, leaving behind a department he built and entrusting it to a longtime colleague, Christian Dinco.
When Freese arrived on campus in 2022, he brought 27 years of law enforcement experience, including previous work with the University of California, Riverside Police Department. His background in higher education prepared him to take on the role of director of safety services.
“I was able to quickly make connections and then begin to build my staff, and now, more than half of the people who work for my department are people that I’ve hired in the last four years,” Freese said.
Freese carefully recruited staff who reflected his philosophy on campus safety, and his dedication showed in the way he served the community. During his tenure, he modernized the university’s parking registration system, replacing physical stickers with a digital system.
“So I brought a digital parking management system here, which was not just for parking management, but it’s a safety tool in that it communicates with the license plate recognition cameras we have at each entrance,” Freese said.
In addition to implementing safety practices, Freese fostered a sense of community on campus and built relationships that extended beyond his job title.
“We’ve been able to improve the level of service that we provide the community and my officers enjoy seeing the opportunity to engage with students,” Freese said. “We have thousands of students that live on campus. This is their home and my officers interact with them and they feel like they’re part of the community, and I think that’s been a huge success that I’m really proud of.”
A familiar presence across campus, Freese consistently worked to bridge the gap between Safety Services and the CBU community. His communication kept faculty and students informed and contributed to campus safety, reflecting his faith-led philosophy.
“The connections I’ve made with students, with staff members; I never thought in four years time that I would make such close connections and really, I think that’s because we have a shared faith in Jesus and that’s been the most amazing part of my work here.”
While his time at CBU ended, Freese begins a new chapter as chief operating officer for Optimus Investigations, a private investigative company. The opportunity also allowed him to work alongside a longtime friend.
“It’s special to me because [Optimus Investigations] was started by my best friend that I’ve known for many years. He started this company. He saw a great need for organizations like universities and school districts–private companies–that need to investigate personnel matters.”
As Freese transitioned into his new role, Safety Services prepared for its own leadership change. Christian Dinco, former assistant director of safety services, was named director of safety services, effective Feb. 16, 2026.
With 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 27 years with the Riverside Police Department, Dinco was well known in the Riverside community. After working alongside Freese for the past four years, Dinco described him as a close friend.
“When I’ve been here over the last four years, it’s been wonderful working with John,” Dinco said. “We have very similar personalities when it comes to the working environment and our approach and attitudes so, it’s been a good fit.”
While leadership transitions often presented challenges, Safety Services aimed to ensure continuity and stability.
“[Dinco] knows every part of my operations and it will be a very smooth transition,” Freese said. “He’ll be an excellent director to carry on my philosophy of community engagement and really being here to support students and their success as students here.”
Over the past four years, Safety Services operated with a renewed emphasis on professionalism and faith-driven service under Freese’s leadership. Although Freese stepped away from his role at CBU, the impact of his work remained.
“In the short amount of time here, I’ve been blessed to experience wonderful relationships, community building, improving our level of service and really, it’s all due to our shared faith in Jesus that I can enjoy that experience here,” Freese said. “It’s been amazing.”
