Commander Paul Van Meel

Paul began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1998 and joined the Santa Maria Police Department in 1999. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from California Coast University and a master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is a graduate of the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute and POST Command College.

Throughout his career, Paul has held a broad range of investigative, supervisory, and executive leadership assignments. His experience includes service as a detective, corporal with the Gang Suppression Team, sergeant overseeing the Narcotics Suppression Team and the Training Bureau, and Administrative Lieutenant.

Paul currently serves on the board of the Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County and has been appointed to the board of the Grizzly Youth Academy, where he has volunteered for several years.

Highlights