Major Paul Saunders is the commander of the Support Services Division for the Dayton Police Department. Major Saunders is a native of the City of Dayton and grew up in the Five Oaks Neighborhood.

Education

Major Paul Saunders graduated from Chaminade-Julienne High School and then served four years in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 2002, Major Saunders graduated from the Dayton Police Academy as a member of the 95th Academy Class. He began his career in the West Patrol Operations Division. During his tenure there, he filled a variety of assignments, including working as a member of the Special Enforcement Team, the Hostage Negotiation Team, and the Peer Support Team. In 2009, he was selected for a detective position in the Narcotics Bureau where he was deputized as a United States Department of Treasury - Task Force Officer.

Promotions

In 2011, Major Saunders was promoted to Sergeant and served in the West Patrol Operations Division as a patrol supervisor. In 2013, he was assigned as the Detective Supervisor for the West Patrol Operations Division - Detective and Crime Analysis Unit. In early 2018, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Operations where he reviewed and updated all investigative processes and procedures.

Saunders was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018 and was the Commander of the Strategic Planning Bureau. In 2020, he was promoted to Major and assigned as the Chief of Staff. In 2022, Major Saunders was named commander of the Support Services Division which oversees all administrative, budgetary, and strategic functions of the department.

Major Saunders has made other significant contributions such as assisting in researching, planning, and implementing our electronic administrative reporting system and implementing the department's body-worn camera system.

The Support Services Division oversees the following functions:

Strategic Planning Bureau

• Motor Vehicle Coordinator
• Court Detail
• Police Facilities Management
• Public Records Administrator
• Technology Services Unit

Administrative Services Bureau

• Property Room
• Records/Radio Information Unit
• LEADS Terminal Agency Coordinator
• Auto Recovery
• Tow Administration
• Abandoned Vehicle Unit

Police Fiscal Management

• Senior Business Manager
• Budget and Grants Administrator
• Business Analyst
• Payroll