Biography of Sean Mannix

Sean Mannix is a distinguished law enforcement professional with more than 36 years of experience in the public safety sector. He has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including Assistant Chief of Police in Austin and Chief of Police in Cedar Park, Texas. His dedication to law enforcement has been marked by his focus on improving policing methods, implementing cutting-edge training programs, and fostering strong community leadership After retiring in 2020, he continued his service to the public as the Statewide Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Texas Department of Transportation

Childhood and Family

Born in California, he grew up in a family where law enforcement was a key influence He was one of five children, and from an early age, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, who served as a law enforcement officer. This familial legacy inspired his decision to pursue a career in public safety At 18, he joined the U S Marine Corps Reserve, which played a pivotal role in shaping his leadership abilities and work ethic.

Educational Background

Sean holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College and a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from American Military University He graduated with honors and furthered his expertise by attending several prestigious training programs, including the FBI National Academy, the Leadership Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Additionally, he completed the LAPD West Point Leadership Program.

Starting His Law Enforcement Career

Joining the Alameda Police Department

After completing his service in the Marine Corps, Sean Mannix returned to Alameda, California, to begin his law enforcement career At the young age of 20, he became the youngest officer at the Alameda Police Department He spent his early career years gaining hands-on experience, performing various patrol duties, and responding to critical emergencies.

Moving to the Austin Police Department

In 1993, he moved to Austin, Texas, to continue his law enforcement career, joining the Austin Police Department. His tenure there spanned two decades, during which he steadily rose through the ranks Starting as a patrol officer, he eventually became Assistant Chief of Police While in Austin, Sean worked on numerous high-profile initiatives, including crime reduction through implementing the COMPSTAT model, enhancing community outreach programs, and fostering partnerships with federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA

Sean’s leadership was instrumental in various key areas, including the Organized Crime Division, which targeted significant crimes, and the Central Bureau, which focused on crime prevention and community safety.

Becoming Chief of Police

In 2013, Sean took on the role of Chief of Police at the Cedar Park Police Department During his tenure, he implemented numerous reforms to modernize the department and improve its service to the community. He emphasized officer training, especially in community policing, which aims to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the public He also

introduced de-escalation training, body-worn cameras, and a nationally recognized wellness program for officers, all of which helped elevate the department’s reputation and efficiency. Under his leadership, Cedar Park became one of the most desirable police departments to work for, known for its diverse workforce and strong community trust.

Recognition Across the Nation

During his time as Chief, Sean’s efforts did not go unnoticed He earned national recognition for his leadership and the success of the Cedar Park Police Department The department earned dual accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Furthermore, under his guidance, Cedar Park was recognized for participating in National Night Out, an event fostering positive community-police relations nationwide. Cedar Park consistently ranked among the top departments in Texas for National Night Out participation

Retirement and Life After Law Enforcement

In 2020, after over three decades of dedicated service, he retired as Chief of Police from Cedar Park Despite his retirement from active law enforcement, he remains committed to the field He currently serves as a board member for Sigma Tactical Wellness, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and wellness of first responders, mainly through programs that promote cardiac health He also supports Williamson County Crime Stoppers, an organization that solves crimes and enhances public safety

Beyond the Spotlight

Outside of his professional life, he is a devoted family man He and his wife, Eileen, have been married for many years and have four daughters In September 2025, they will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, marking two decades of love and partnership.

Sean enjoys various hobbies, including aviation, fishing, and outdoor activities These interests provide him a much-needed balance to his high-stress roles throughout his career. Additionally, he has a passion for reading and continuous learning, believing that constant self-improvement is key to staying sharp and engaged in all areas of life. Whether reading a book on law enforcement or a novel for leisure, Sean remains committed to expanding his knowledge and sharing it with others

Retired Chief Sean Mannix's legacy as a law enforcement leader is marked by his commitment to improving public safety, building strong relationships between law enforcement and communities, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism. As he moves forward, he continues to serve the public in new capacities while embracing the joy of family and personal passions