From retired Fresno County Sheriff to Fresno City College professor; Eric Schmidt continues his passion of justice to now educate the next generation.
“I always had an interest in law enforcement, since I was 14,” Schmidt said. “After graduating from Fresno State, I went straight into the police academy. That’s just what you had to do to be certified in California. No break. Two weeks after graduating, I was in uniform.”
Schmidt spent 28 years in law enforcement plus 15 more years on a search and rescue team, climbing the ranks and taking on a wide range of roles, from patrol deputy to detective. His most rewarding work came during his time solving home invasion robberies and participating in search and rescue.
As FCC’s new adjunct professor in the Criminology department, Schmidt brings real-life experience, practical insight and a deep passion for criminal justice education to the classroom.
“I’ve seen a lot. Crime scenes, victims, suspects, death,” Schmidt said. “But over time, the job changes you. You go from a 22-year-old rookie who reacts emotionally, to someone who knows how to stay calm and just do the work.”
However, he didn’t just face challenges in the streets. In 2023, Schmidt was accused of misdemeanor battery against a lieutenant.
“It was a made-up story from within the department; an internal disagreement that escalated,” Schmidt said. “It was frustrating, but I believed the justice system would work. And it did. There was no evidence, no probable cause, and eventually, the truth came out.”
His teaching career started at the police academy in 2003, starting with scenario work before eventually leading classroom instruction in areas like report writing and weapons laws. With this hand-on experience it led to his pursuit for college level teaching.
“Being a crim major myself in college, I wanted to give back,” Schmidt said. “Teaching here is about guiding students who are genuinely interested in the field, and even those who are just curious.
He is currently teaching Criminal Concept (CRIM6), in which Schimdt covers everything from the legal foundations of crime to defense, homicides, sexual assault and incarceration.
Unlike traditional instructors, Schmidt ties his firsthand stories and real-world experiences with his lectures. The class gives very direct feedback, and is rooted in engagement over memorization.
“I give written exams. No open book, no online answers. So if they’re doing well, it means they’re truly learning,” Schimdt said. “And I’m seeing 80s and 90s. That tells me the material is clicking.”
Schmidt also leverages his law enforcement connections to help students get involved; whether it’s arranging ride-alongs, jail tours or introducing them to local recruitment opportunities from agencies like the Fresno PD.
Though much has changed in criminal justice; from sentencing laws to public expectations, Schmidt remains committed to teaching students not just how the system works but how to think critically about it.
Schmidt said whether students dream of becoming officers, probation workers, forensic experts or public defenders, he encourages students to put in the time and trust the process.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Schmidt said. “I didn’t come from a law enforcement family. I put myself through college, through the academy. If you want it, go for it. It’s not always like what you see on TV. But it’s worth it.”
