Chief Paul Lebaron (Ret) — Instructor Profile

About Chief Paul Lebaron (Ret)

Paul LeBaron is a retired 32-year veteran of the law enforcement profession, serving with the Long Beach Police Department for over 27 years, rising to the rank of Commander. In 2020, Paul was hired by the Hermosa Beach Police Department as Chief of Police, a position he held for over five years, retiring in April 2025. During his tenure as Chief, Paul prioritized employee wellness and organizational culture. While Paul served as chief, the Hermosa Beach Police Department maintained full staffing and 100% employee retention through an employee-led culture of innovation and excellence.


Paul is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in Communication Studies. He earned his graduate degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from American Military University and holds a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia. He graduated from the Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class #177), USC Executive Leadership Class (Class #1), and the FBI National Academy Class (Session #261).

Paul speaks fluent Spanish and currently teaches in the Criminal Justice Department at CSU Long Beach and serves as an adjunct staff member for the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance.