Sean Mannix
Retired Cedar Park Police Chief
Sean Mannix is a distinguished law enforcement professional dedicated to 36 years of public safety. He held several key leadership positions throughout his career, including Assistant Chief of Police in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. His focus has always been on improving law enforcement practices, implementing progressive training programs, and building strong, positive relationships within the community. After retiring in 2020, Sean continued his commitment to public service 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 of five children. From an early age, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement. His law enforcement officer's father inspired him to take the same path. At 18, Sean joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which helped him build essential leadership skills and instilled a strong work ethic and values he would carry throughout his career.
Educational Background
Sean holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College, where he graduated with honors. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from American Military University. His commitment to leadership development is reflected in his attendance at the FBI National Academy, the Leadership Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Sean also completed the LAPD West Point Leadership Program, an additional accomplishment that further honed his leadership abilities.
Starting His Law Enforcement Career
Joining the Alameda Police Department
After finishing his service in the Marine Corps, Sean Mannix returned to his hometown of Alameda, California, to begin his law enforcement career. At 20, he became the youngest officer to join the Alameda Police Department. His early years were spent learning the ropes of law enforcement, performing various patrol duties, and responding to emergencies, which laid a strong foundation for his future in policing.
Moving to the Austin Police Department
In 1993, Sean moved to Austin, Texas, where he joined the Austin Police Department. Over the next two decades, he climbed the ranks, beginning as a patrol officer and ultimately becoming Assistant Chief. Sean worked on several significant initiatives throughout his tenure, including implementing the COMPSTAT model to reduce crime and enhance community outreach programs. His efforts also focused on fostering strong relationships with federal agencies, such as the FBI and DEA, to combat crime more effectively.
Sean served in multiple divisions, including the Organized Crime Division, where he led efforts to dismantle large-scale criminal activities, and the Central Bureau, which focused on crime prevention and enhancing community safety. His leadership in these roles was key in shaping Austin's approach to policing and public safety.
Becoming Chief of Police
In 2013, Sean took on the role of Chief of Police for the Cedar Park Police Department. During his time as Chief, Sean worked tirelessly to set the department on a path of growth and success. His primary focus was improving officers' training programs, with a special emphasis on community policing. This strategy prioritizes building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring that officers are seen as partners in maintaining public safety.
Under his leadership, the Cedar Park Police Department implemented innovative programs such as de-escalation training, the adoption of body-worn cameras, and a wellness program for officers that received national recognition. These initiatives helped transform Cedar Park into one of the most sought-after police departments to work for in the region, with a diverse, highly skilled workforce and a reputation for strong community engagement.
Recognition Across the Nation
Sean has received recognition from national law enforcement organizations throughout his career. Under his leadership, the Cedar Park Police Department earned dual accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Additionally, the department became well-known for participating in National Night Out. This event connects police departments nationwide with their communities to foster relationships and promote safety. Under Sean's guidance, Cedar Park consistently ranked first or second in Texas for National Night Out participation.
Retirement and Life After Law Enforcement
After over three decades of service, he retired as Chief of Police in Cedar Park in 2020. While his active law enforcement career ended, Sean remained deeply involved in the public safety community. He serves on the board of Sigma Tactical Wellness, an organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of first responders. His work with Sigma promotes cardiac health and wellness programs for police officers and other emergency responders. In addition, Sean continues to support Williamson County Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization that helps solve crimes and improve public safety.
Beyond the Spotlight
Outside of his career, Sean is a devoted family man. He has been happily married to his wife, Eileen, for many years, and they have four daughters. In September 2025, Sean and Eileen will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, marking two decades of love and mutual support.
Sean enjoys various hobbies, including aviation, fishing, and outdoor activities. These activities provide a welcome reprieve from the high-stress roles he has held throughout his career. He is also an avid reader and values lifelong learning. Whether it's a book on law enforcement or a novel for leisure, Sean believes that continued personal development is essential for staying engaged and sharp in all areas of life.
Sean Mannix’s legacy as a law enforcement leader is defined by his dedication to public safety, commitment to community engagement, and focus on continuous personal and professional growth. Sean remains active in his community even in retirement, meaningfully serving the public and first responders. His work and life reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge, making him an influential figure in law enforcement and beyond.
Childhood and Family
Born in California, he grew up in a family of five children. From an early age, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement. His law enforcement officer's father inspired him to take the same path. At 18, Sean joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which helped him build essential leadership skills and instilled a strong work ethic and values he would carry throughout his career.
Educational Background
Sean holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College, where he graduated with honors. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from American Military University. His commitment to leadership development is reflected in his attendance at the FBI National Academy, the Leadership Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Sean also completed the LAPD West Point Leadership Program, an additional accomplishment that further honed his leadership abilities.
Starting His Law Enforcement Career
Joining the Alameda Police Department
After finishing his service in the Marine Corps, Sean Mannix returned to his hometown of Alameda, California, to begin his law enforcement career. At 20, he became the youngest officer to join the Alameda Police Department. His early years were spent learning the ropes of law enforcement, performing various patrol duties, and responding to emergencies, which laid a strong foundation for his future in policing.
Moving to the Austin Police Department
In 1993, Sean moved to Austin, Texas, where he joined the Austin Police Department. Over the next two decades, he climbed the ranks, beginning as a patrol officer and ultimately becoming Assistant Chief. Sean worked on several significant initiatives throughout his tenure, including implementing the COMPSTAT model to reduce crime and enhance community outreach programs. His efforts also focused on fostering strong relationships with federal agencies, such as the FBI and DEA, to combat crime more effectively.
Sean served in multiple divisions, including the Organized Crime Division, where he led efforts to dismantle large-scale criminal activities, and the Central Bureau, which focused on crime prevention and enhancing community safety. His leadership in these roles was key in shaping Austin's approach to policing and public safety.
Becoming Chief of Police
In 2013, Sean took on the role of Chief of Police for the Cedar Park Police Department. During his time as Chief, Sean worked tirelessly to set the department on a path of growth and success. His primary focus was improving officers' training programs, with a special emphasis on community policing. This strategy prioritizes building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring that officers are seen as partners in maintaining public safety.
Under his leadership, the Cedar Park Police Department implemented innovative programs such as de-escalation training, the adoption of body-worn cameras, and a wellness program for officers that received national recognition. These initiatives helped transform Cedar Park into one of the most sought-after police departments to work for in the region, with a diverse, highly skilled workforce and a reputation for strong community engagement.
Recognition Across the Nation
Sean has received recognition from national law enforcement organizations throughout his career. Under his leadership, the Cedar Park Police Department earned dual accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Additionally, the department became well-known for participating in National Night Out. This event connects police departments nationwide with their communities to foster relationships and promote safety. Under Sean's guidance, Cedar Park consistently ranked first or second in Texas for National Night Out participation.
Retirement and Life After Law Enforcement
After over three decades of service, he retired as Chief of Police in Cedar Park in 2020. While his active law enforcement career ended, Sean remained deeply involved in the public safety community. He serves on the board of Sigma Tactical Wellness, an organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of first responders. His work with Sigma promotes cardiac health and wellness programs for police officers and other emergency responders. In addition, Sean continues to support Williamson County Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization that helps solve crimes and improve public safety.
Beyond the Spotlight
Outside of his career, Sean is a devoted family man. He has been happily married to his wife, Eileen, for many years, and they have four daughters. In September 2025, Sean and Eileen will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, marking two decades of love and mutual support.
Sean enjoys various hobbies, including aviation, fishing, and outdoor activities. These activities provide a welcome reprieve from the high-stress roles he has held throughout his career. He is also an avid reader and values lifelong learning. Whether it's a book on law enforcement or a novel for leisure, Sean believes that continued personal development is essential for staying engaged and sharp in all areas of life.
Sean Mannix’s legacy as a law enforcement leader is defined by his dedication to public safety, commitment to community engagement, and focus on continuous personal and professional growth. Sean remains active in his community even in retirement, meaningfully serving the public and first responders. His work and life reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge, making him an influential figure in law enforcement and beyond.
