Detective Mario Baeza has been a part of the Odessa Police Department for 27 years. Currently, he works in OPD's Children's Crime Unit. He is fluent in Spanish and can read and write in it, which makes him a great asset to our department!

As a Hispanic, Baeza loves the respect, values, beliefs, and the importance of religion in the culture. He also appreciates the Hispanic tradition of taking care of your parents when they get to an older age.

He loves all Latin foods. Enchiladas, green chile con carne, and champurrado are just a few that he enjoys!

Baeza says, "I love our culture, the colors, the music, the food, and PRIMARILY, the love that exists between family….Arriba!!!!"