2022 CACP Annual Conference Speaker in the Spotlight: Denver Police Chief, Paul Pazen

On Tuesday morning, July 12, Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen will bring his perspective on the crime trends in Colorado and his philosophy going forward.

Chief Pazen has led the creation or expansion of innovative programs with a focus on sustainable, holistic approaches to complex issues. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Program to break the cycle of violence and get individuals the help they need to prevent domestic violence; a comprehensive suite of alternative response models including Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), mental health clinician co-responders, Support Team Assisted Response (STAR), and Outreach Case Coordinators; and the implementation of a progressive use-of-force policy and training curriculum through community engagement. Chief Pazen has also demonstrated compassion for Denver Police officers and professional staff by expanding the department’s Resiliency and Wellness program to ensure full, productive careers and personal lives for those who serve their community.

Chief Pazen graduated magna cum laude from Colorado State University – Global with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA) and the Senior Management Institute for Police through the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Chief Pazen served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Gulf War veteran prior to beginning his Denver Police career in 1995. He has received numerous department awards and commendations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Leadership Award, Superior Tactics and Response Award, Police Merit, and Department Service Award.