Biography: Paul Cappitelli

In November 2007, Paul Cappitelli was appointed as POST's Executive Director. Prior to his appointment, he served the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBSD) for 29 years and retired at the rank of Captain. 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. He began his interest in law enforcement as an Explorer Scout with SBSD in 1973 at the age of 15 and, at the age of 19, he was appointed Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He worked in various capacities during his career including patrol, traffic, custody, homicide investigation, public affairs, gang enforcement, academy director, and more.

In 2007, Paul was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve on the 12-Member Public Employee Post-Employment Benefits Commission (PEBC). He was the sole representative for California Public Safety Management, including both police and fire service.

Paul has been an active member of the California Peace Officers' Association (CPOA) serving in various leadership capacities since becoming a member in 1990. He was the Association President in 2006-2007. He continues to serve CPOA as a member of the Board of Directors. In May 2009, he was recognized by CPOA with the Micki Rainey Memorial Award for his ongoing contribution to the Association.

Additionally, he is currently a member of various professional network groups and associations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), the Association of Emergency Response Law Enforcement Trainers (ALERT), the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). Paul also participates in IACP national committees including the Technical Advisory Panel, the Law Enforcement Safety Stops Subcommittee and the Alzheimer's Task Force. He also serves as representative to a number of advisory groups including the U.S. Attorney's Sacramento Regional Executive Committee, the Governor's Curriculum Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), and the Security Terrorism Threat Assessment Advisory Group (STTAAG). He is a member of the Advisory Board of the University of San Francisco (USF) International Institute of Criminal Justice Leadership. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Benefit Rodeo non-profit charitable organization, the Community Board of Trustees for the Chino Valley Medical Center and the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) Graduate School Public Administration Advisory Group.

Paul possesses a POST Management Certificate and has 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.  He 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 Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA).