Instructor Biography

Paul Sandman (retired)

Chief Paul Sandman (retired) has served in law enforcement since 1999.  He recently retired as chief of the Highland Park, Texas, Department of Public Safety, where he was responsible for leading and directing cross-trained police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) operations personnel for the Dallas, Texas, suburb of Highland Park. Chief Sandman began his law enforcement career as a military policeman serving five years on the Presidential Security Detail, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, in the U.S. Marine Corps. He entered municipal law enforcement as a patrol officer for the Arlington, Texas, Police Department. After joining the Highland Park Department of Public Safety, Chief Sandman served 12 years, rising through the ranks to lieutenant and commanding the Criminal Investigations Division. After taking a two-year hiatus from the cross-trained environment to become assistant chief of the Rowlett, Texas, Police Department, he returned to Highland Park as the assistant chief. In August 2020, he was promoted to chief and served in this position until his retirement. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and his master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (criminal justice/behavioral analysis) from the University of North Texas. Having received awards and specialized training in multiple disciplines, Chief Sandman most highly values opportunities to invest his unique combination of experience and training into the lives of fellow public servants.