Paul Cappitelli is an honorably-retired career law enforcement professional with over 35 years of experience. He is now a Special Law Enforcement Consultant for various entities and individuals. In November 2007, Paul was appointed as Executive Director for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Paul served the POST Commission in this capacity for 5 years up until his retirement in December, 2012. Prior to his POST appointment, Paul served the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) for 29 years and retired at the rank of Captain. During his tenure with SBSD, his command assignments included: Adelanto Detention Center, West Valley Detention Center, Sheriff’s Regional Training Center, and Commander/Chief of Police of the Chino Hills Police and Sheriff’s Station. Paul’s interest in law enforcement began as an Explorer Scout with SBSD in 1973 at the age of 15. In 1977 at the age of 19, he was appointed Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Orange County (California) Sheriff’s Department. He worked in various capacities during his law enforcement career including patrol, traffic, custody, homicide investigation, public affairs, gang enforcement and academy director to name a few.
In 2007, Paul was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve on the 12-Member Public Employee Post-Employment Benefits Commission (PEBC) as the sole representative for California Public Safety Management, including both police and fire service. (http://www.pebc.ca.gov)
Since 1990, Paul has been an active member of the California Peace Officers’ Association (CPOA) serving in various leadership capacities including Association President in 2006-2007. He continued to serve CPOA as a member of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2012. In May 2009, Paul was recognized by CPOA with the prestigious Micki Rainey Memorial Award for his ongoing contribution to the Association.
Paul has also been an active member of various professional network groups and associations (detailed list to follow). He possesses a POST Management Certificate and he successfully completed various POST courses during his career including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI), the Executive Development Course, and the Academy Coordinator/Director’s Course. Paul is a graduate of POST Command College Class 40 where he was bestowed with the prestigious Hank Koehn peer-nominated leadership award.
Paul holds an A.A. Degree in the Administration of Justice, a B.S. Degree in Business and Management, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA).
