Paul C. Coleman, Chief of Police,

Chief Coleman was promoted to the rank of Chief of Police for the Supreme Court of the United States Police in December of 2020. As the Chief of Police, Chief Coleman reports to the Marshal of the Court and is responsible for directing the daily operations of the Supreme Court of the United States Police Department. Operational responsibilities include management of the police budget, policy development and implementation, performance, and discipline. Additional responsibilities include security of the Supreme Court building and grounds, protective security of the Justices, emergency planning, and securing high profile events.

The Chief of Police assists in formulating, coordinating and implementing procedures to afford maximum Supreme Court building and personnel security. He renders assistance and coordinates security for visits by high-ranking dignitaries. Ensures coordination, cooperation and continuity of effort in carrying out the various orders and objectives of the Police Force. Additionally, Chief Coleman maintains close liaisons with counterparts in law enforcement agencies of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government, along with independent establishments at the federal, state and local levels.

Chief Coleman joined the Supreme Court of the United States Police and graduated from the Uniformed Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia in 1995. As an officer, Chief Coleman was involved in various aspects of the department, to include: Firearms Instructor, Warehouse Team Leader, NBC Response Officer, Dignitary Protection Leader, Courtroom Security Officer and Arrest Team Leader. As a Corporal, Chief Coleman aided in the development and implementation of the Supreme Court Police’s Dignitary Protection Training Program and as a Sergeant, he became the Department’s first Dignitary Protection Supervisor. Later promoted to Lieutenant and then to Deputy Chief of Police, Chief Coleman has rose through the ranks to reach the principal law enforcement officer position of the Supreme Court Police.

A native of Topeka, Kansas, Chief Coleman graduated from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 1994. In his free time, Chief Coleman is an avid golfer.

Stephanie N. Whitam, Deputy Chief of Police,

Deputy Chief Whitam has served as the Deputy Chief of Police since August of 2021. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing building security for the Supreme Court building, personnel, and grounds and dignitary protection operations for Supreme Court Justices. Her operational responsibilities include oversight of the police budget, policy development, security initiatives, and strategic planning. Additionally, she oversees the operations of high-profile events, such as large demonstrations, Investitures of Supreme Court Justices, and funerals. She has coordinated the Court’s posture for numerous National Special Security Events, such as Presidential Inauguration and State of the Union. She regularly collaborates with local law enforcement partners in meeting operational and strategic goals.

Deputy Chief Whitam joined the Supreme Court of the United States Police and graduated from the Uniform Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia in 2008. Since then, she has served in the ranks of Private First Class, Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant. In these roles, she was involved with Courtroom security operations, dignitary protection, physical security, communications, and liaison officer duties. Prior to becoming the Deputy Chief of Police, she was the Commander of the Court’s Dignitary Protection Unit where she was responsible for the growth and development of the Unit.

Deputy Chief Whitam graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and obtained Master of Arts degrees in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University and Security Management from American Military University.

Michael R. Fortin, Captain, Uniformed Police Operations,

Captain Fortin has served as Captain of Uniformed Police Operations since December of 2021. In that role, he is responsible for assisting the Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police in managing and supervising the overall daily operations of the Supreme Court Police. Captain Fortin provides oversight for the security of the Supreme Court building, grounds and personnel. He assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that comport with Supreme Court tradition, decorum and protocol and with modern law enforcement guidelines and sound security practices. Additionally, he provides management and supervision to support operations, which include the NBC Unit, Technical Unit, Mail Screening Operations, Canine Unit, Background/Recruitment Unit, and Administration Operations.

Prior to his promotion to Captain, he was named Watch Commander in 2014. As Watch Commander, he was responsible for the supervision of 40 personnel, along with assuming the role of Incident Commander during major events occurring within the department’s jurisdiction. He also planned and coordinated large scale events involving the Supreme Court Police, such as Investitures of Supreme Court Justices, Presidential Inaugurations, State of the Union Addresses, and demonstrations.

Captain Fortin joined the Supreme Court of the United States Police and graduated from the Uniformed Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia in 2002. His recruit class were hired as a result of the events surrounding 9/11. As an Officer, he was involved with the Department’s Dignitary Protection Unit, Protective Intelligence Unit, Field Officer Training Division, Courtroom Security, as well as daily uniformed police responsibilities.

A native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Captain Fortin graduated from American International College in Springfield, MA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in 2000. He played baseball while in college and was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization prior to beginning his career in Law Enforcement.