Police Chief Paul Cordova joined the HISD Police Department as assistant chief in August 2017. A product of HISD and son of a retired HISD principal, Cordova will be tasked with providing general oversight of daily operations, as well asreviewing current policies and procedures, building relationships with surrounding law enforcement agencies, and focusing on the changing needs of school policing.
Cordova began his career in 1982, when he joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. There, he spent 32 years serving in almost every department — detentions, courts, inmate processing, transportation, records, patrol, warrants, criminal investigations, homeland security and emergency management — before retiring as senior captain.
He then joined the Rice University Police Department, where he spent three years as captain. During his tenure, he managed patrol operations, emergency dispatch operations, criminal investigations, special events, dignitary protection, accreditation, and training and background investigations. He also participated in a variety of community outreach programs designed to increase trust and understanding between police officers and the communities they serve. He also served on several university committees designed to enhance public safety for students, faculty, and staff members.
Cordova has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College. He also is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Association, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Houston Area Chiefs of Police Organization, and serves on Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Commission Against Gun Violence under the School Safety, Community Safety, and Weapons Safety and Access subcommittees.