The longtime San Bernardino County officer and current executive director of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training got an early start in law enforcement as an Explorer Scout at age 15 in 1973. By 19, Paul Cappitelli was a reserve deputy sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Cappitelli holds an associate’s degree in administration of justice and a bachelor of science degree in business and management. He received a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino in 2002.

Cappitelli served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 29 years, beginning in 1978. Career responsibilities have included patrol, traffic, custody, homicide, public affairs, gang enforcement and academy director. Cappitelli’s command assignments included the Adelanto Detention Center, the West Valley Detention Center and the Sheriff’s Regional Training Center. He was commander/chief of police of the Chino Hills Police and Sheriff’s Station.

Cappitelli was appointed POST’s executive director in November 2007 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger after retiring from the sheriff's department as a captain.

He has held various positions with the California Peace Officer’s Association since 1990, was its president in 2006-2007 and currently sits on its board of directors.

Paul Cappitelli’s Experience (LinkedIn)

Biography: Paul Cappitelli (POST website)