Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
WESLACO, Texas – As a first-generation law enforcement officer, Weslaco Police Department Public Information Officer Heriberto Caraveo has dedicated his career to serving and protecting the community while inspiring others through his story of perseverance, discipline and purpose.
Caraveo graduated from the South Texas College (STC) Police Academy in 2018 and currently serves in multiple leadership roles within the department. In addition to serving as Public Information Officer (PIO), he oversees registered sex offender compliance within the city, coordinates Crime Stoppers initiatives and assists the department’s Community Division with outreach events designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents.
“When I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, I researched several local police academies,” he said. “STC stood out to me because of its reputation for being academically challenging and thorough in preparing cadets for real-world policing. I wanted to push myself and gain the knowledge and discipline necessary to be successful once I entered the field.”
Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, Caraveo witnessed family violence, drug activity and gun violence firsthand. Those experiences shaped his desire to become part of positive change within his community.
I didn’t want the environment I grew up in to determine the person I would become,” he said. “I wanted to help individuals and families living in similar conditions and serve as a voice of encouragement and support for those trying to better themselves.”
Although he once considered joining the military after watching films with his older brother as a child, he later realized his true calling was law enforcement.
Throughout his time at STC, Caraveo balanced the demands of a full-time job during the day while attending the police academy at night, all while maintaining family responsibilities and studying.
“The biggest challenge was balancing work, school and family for an entire year,” he said. “But those experiences taught me discipline, time management and sacrifice. They made me a better officer and better person overall.”
Caraveo says becoming a father motivated him to return to school and pursue his goals he had once placed aside.
Before attending the police academy, I was in a very comfortable position in life where I had set my education and personal goals aside,” he said. “It wasn’t until I became a father that I realized my children would one day look up to me and I wanted to set the best possible example for them. STC gave me the opportunity to reset, refocus and become the version of myself I wanted my children to see.”
He credits STC’s Police Academy for preparing him for the realities of the profession through both classroom instruction and hands-on training exercises alongside local law enforcement agencies.
“STC not only provides education, but also hands-on experience that reflects what it is truly like to be a police officer,” he said. “Those real-world scenarios helped prepare me for the responsibilities of this profession and made the transition into law enforcement so much smoother.”
Today, Caraveo continues to use his experiences to positively impact the community and mentor others.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this profession is being able to speak with people from different backgrounds and help guide them by sharing my own life experiences,” he said. “I enjoy helping others realize that behind the badge is a human being who genuinely cares.”
Caraveo hopes others considering a career in criminal justice understand the importance of integrity, compassion and service.
“This profession needs good people,” he said. “Selfless individuals who understand there is more to it than wearing a badge and carrying a gun. If it’s truly in you, we need you.”
For more information on STC’s Police Academy, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement/academy.html.
