Chief Paul M Pazen
On Monday, July 9, 2018, Paul M. Pazen was sworn in as the 70th Chief of Police for the Denver Police Department. Chief Pazen began serving the Denver community as a police officer in 1995 and his experience includes 12 years of command level experience in several areas of police operations. For the six years prior to his appointment to Chief of Police, Chief Pazen was the Commander of District One, during which he led an ambitious effort to enhance police services, create an environment of team building, collaboration, and fostering innovative crime prevention strategies, while instituting transparency and accountability, and empowering residents and sustainable community/police relations.
Chief Pazen is a proud Denver native and graduate of Denver’s North High School, after which he served with the United States Marine Corps and is a Gulf War Veteran. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University-Global and graduated with magna cum laude honors. Chief Pazen continues building his skills through training and education including the Senior Management Institute for Police, Police Executive Forum at Boston University, Federal Bureau of Investigation-National Academy (FBINA), West Point Military Academy-Leadership in Police Organizations Instructor, Criminal Justice Certificate from University of Virginia, and 2018 Fellow at University of Denver, Latino Leadership Institute.
Chief Pazen has received various high-level department awards and commendations for managing critical incidents, implementing strategic planning and full-scale preparedness exercises, execution and evaluation. Commendations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Leadership Award, Superior Tactics and Response Award, Police Merit and Department Service Award.
Deputy Chief Barb Archer
Deputy Chief Barb Archer is a proud Denver native and graduate of George Washington High School who began serving the City and County of Denver as a civilian employee in 1986 before becoming a Denver police officer in 1990.
During her 28-year career as a police officer, Deputy Chief Archer has served in numerous leadership roles, including: Commander of the Major Crimes Bureau and Operations Support Division; Lieutenant in District One patrol and Chief of Staff for the Deputy Chief of Operations; Sergeant in the Crimes Against Persons Bureau and District Two Patrol; Detective in the Crimes Against Persons Bureau; and as a patrol officer in District Two.
Division Chief Ron Thomas
A former Department of Safety cadet and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School; Division Chief of Patrol Ron Thomas joined the Denver Police Department in 1989, continuing the family tradition of public service to the Denver community. Since then, Division Chief Thomas has held numerous assignments in patrol, investigations, and special operations, including assignments as Commander of Police District 2, Police District 5 and the Denver Police Internal Affairs Bureau.
Though steadfastly committed to the citizens of Denver and the mission of the Denver Police Department, Commander Thomas is also man avid sports fan, engages in several outdoor activities, and enjoys coaching and mentoring young people.
Division Chief Joe Montoya
Division Chief of Investigations Joe Montoya was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Denver Abraham Lincoln High School in 1981. He began his law enforcement career with the Northglenn Police Department, from 1984 to 1991. In April of 1991, he joined the Denver Police Department.
Division Chief Montoya has held several leadership roles within the Denver Police Department. The command-level assignments he has held within the Denver Police department include Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau, District 3, District 4, Crimes Against Persons Bureau, and a Lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Division Chief Aaron Sanchez
Bio coming soon.