Deputy Chief Sean Faris
Deputy Chief of Police Sean Faris
Deputy Chief Faris was raised in Denver and is a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 35 years of experience. He joins us from the Denver Police Department, where he most recently served as Lieutenant in the Patrol Division. Over 26 years with DPD, the Deputy Chief worked his way up through the ranks, serving as Patrolman, Technician, Corporal, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and Investigative Sergeant prior to becoming Lieutenant. He also served in DPD’s Domestic Violence Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, Major Crimes Division, Internal Affairs Bureau, Office of Emergency Management, and the Colorado Information Analysis Center.
Prior to joining DPD, Deputy Chief Faris was a Deputy Sheriff for nine years for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a Detention Deputy, Patrol Deputy, and Field Training Officer. He is a decorated veteran of both agencies, having received 18 official commendations, including a Distinguished Service Cross and a Medal of Valor.
If the Deputy Chief’s name is familiar, it is because he has worked closely with RTDPD for many years. He worked secondary employment for our department for more than a decade and most recently managed the DPD secondary employment program for RTD. Deputy Chief Faris also held an integral role in the Reclaiming Denver Union Station Steering Committee that met in 2022, working alongside many to address the policing and enforcement issues affecting RTD employees, customers, neighbors, businesses, and visitors to our region.
The Deputy Chief is a graduate of the Colorado State University Global Campus, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. He earned certificates from the University of Denver in Public Safety Leadership Development, as well as from the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations training program. He is a recipient of the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, where he was voted class president by his peers.
Deputy Chief Faris brings deep knowledge of law enforcement, the Denver metro area, and RTD’s approach to operations and policing. The Deputy Chief is passionate about serving the community by developing effective strategies that reduce crime, enhance public safety, and improve quality of life for citizens. He recognizes that a strong leader must not only be capable of making tough decisions and enforcing the law, but also lead with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to serving the community. He believes that law enforcement leaders must ensure their organizational culture is rooted in integrity, accountability, and servanthood by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.