Rate My Professor Paul Jefferson

Paul Jefferson serves as Professor of Administration of Justice and Department Chair of Public Safety Programs at Mt. San Antonio College, where he has been a faculty member since 2001. With a distinguished 32-year career in law enforcement, Jefferson brings unparalleled practical expertise to his academic role, educating students on the principles and practices of the justice system. His extensive background equips him to provide real-world insights into law enforcement operations, leadership, and public safety administration.

Jefferson began his professional journey with the Los Angeles Police Department, accumulating diverse experience across multiple specialized units. His assignments included traffic control, patrol duties, vice operations, SWAT team service, anti-terrorist division work, gang enforcement, narcotics investigations, community relations, internal affairs, and training division responsibilities. He rose through the ranks to retire as a Captain. Subsequently, he served seven years as Chief of Police for the City of Modesto, California, managing a department of 400 employees, including 262 sworn officers. In this executive position, he oversaw daily operations, policy development, personnel management, and community safety initiatives in a dynamic urban environment. At Mt. San Antonio College, Jefferson currently teaches foundational courses such as ADJU 1: The Administration of Justice System and ADJU 2: Justice System Principles and Procedures. As Department Chair, he leads the Public Safety Programs department, which offers career-oriented programs in Administration of Justice, Fire Technology, Wildland Fire Technology, and Paramedic training. He also serves as the primary contact for high school articulation agreements in Administration of Justice, facilitating seamless transitions for students into college-level coursework. Jefferson's transition from high-level police command to academic leadership highlights his dedication to mentoring future professionals in criminal justice and public safety fields.