There’s one thing that Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Oprah and members of the Georgia Tech community all have in common — Alex Gutierrez has played a role in ensuring their safety.     

“Years ago, I provided executive protection for everyone from royalty from countries that I had no idea still had royal families, three U.S. presidents and many other celebrities,” said Gutierrez, who is a crime prevention officer in the Tech Police Department. “I had a blast working in that industry.”

About seven years ago, Gutierrez made the move from New York City to Atlanta to be closer to his now-wife, Alba.

He spent five years as a patrol officer at Tech, where he became interested in searching for, deciphering and cleaning up graffiti on campus. This work with graffiti lead to Gutierrez’s current work in crime prevention.  

Recently, The Whistle sat down with Gutierrez to learn more about him and his time at Tech. Here’s what we learned:

What does your job entail? What is something people don’t know about your job that you’d like to share?
I spend my days responding to inquiries about safety and security at Tech and presenting on topics ranging from crime prevention to drug awareness. My presentations aren’t mandatory, so a lot of students and employees don’t get a chance to hear what I have to say about safety and security. I want people to know that anyone can contact me to set up a presentation — I’ll even tailor the topic to your needs.

What do you enjoy most and least about your job?    
I enjoy meeting new people almost every day. The worst part is to find out that folks aren’t practicing safety precautions and are making it easy for criminals to target them. So, every time I meet an individual I see it as an opportunity to educate them about safety.  

What is the one piece of technology you couldn’t live without?
My Droid phone.       

What are three things that everyone should do while working at Tech?
Register your bicycle and/or laptop with the Tech Police Department (if you have one), visit our website and Facebook page, and always report suspicious activity.

Where is the best place to grab lunch?
It was Junior’s Grill, and I’d get a cheeseburger and fries. I was sad to see them close.  

What are a few nonwork-related accomplishments that you’re most proud of?
Getting married, completing the New York City Marathon and being a mentor to young adults.

Tell us more about your mentoring work.
In partnership with Wheeler High School in Marietta, I became a mentor to a senior  for a semester. It was really rewarding to show him the reality of the job.

Tell us something unusual about yourself.
I’m shy. Also, I’ve worked in jobs ranging from being a mortician’s assistant to doing everything from ushering and serving as a tour guide for “The Lion King” on Broadway and Cirque de Soleil.

If you weren’t in your current line of work, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be in the entertainment/hospitality industry.