Lt. Col. Deston Coleman

Highway Patrol Division

Lt. Col. Deston Coleman Jr. was promoted and appointed as the Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigations Division on March 21, 2020 and on July 2nd, 2022, Lt. Col. Coleman was appointed to the Assistant Director position in the Highway Patrol Division, where he now serves currently. The Highway Patrol Division provides law enforcement services throughout the state, assuring the safety and efficiency of the highway transportation system, in addition to providing support to local and county law enforcement agencies. The Highway Patrol Division also provides services and enforcement for commercial motor vehicles, tow trucks, student transportation, and safety programs.

In 1991, Lt. Col. Coleman began his career with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a cadet officer. After graduation, he worked in the Highway Patrol Division as a state trooper in Bullhead City. As a trooper, he completed assignments in Gila Bend and Metro Phoenix Patrol, the Vehicular Crimes Unit, and the State Gang Task Force.

Lt. Col. Coleman promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. He supervised the Vehicular Crimes Unit and was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of vehicular homicides throughout the State of Arizona. Additionally, he held supervisory assignments in the Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs.

After promoting to captain, Lt. Col. Coleman was assigned to Metro Phoenix Patrol, Shift Three. He also held command assignments in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau and Internal Affairs. Lt. Col. Coleman took command of the Gang Enforcement Bureau when he promoted to major, then served as the commander for the Metro Phoenix Patrol Bureau, prior to his appointment as the Chief of Staff of the Highway Patrol Division.

Lt. Col. Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 269), the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations, and the Arizona State University Certified Public Manager Program.