Founder/ CEO- William Santiago Jr.

William Santiago Jr, is the owner and founder of Paladin Security and Investigations Company, based in Chicago, IL. With over three decades of experience in military and civilian law enforcement, investigations, security and firearms training, he has built a career in protection of people and safeguarding assets.

Mr. Santiago began his professional journey by becoming a Private Investigator, then earning an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement Studies follow by earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. His path took him through various roles in the U.S. Army and the Illinois Army National Guard, where he served in the Infantry, Recon/ Scout Sniper team, the Military Police Corps as a Military Police Officer and retired as an Ammunition Chief Warrant Officer 3 in March 2024, after 30 years of honorable service. Throughout his military service, Mr. Santiago mastered his skills in firearms, weapons, tactics, security, and munitions logistics as well as leadership skills, in tactical operations and missions, with five deployments overseas.

In 2010, Mr. Santiago, joined the Department of Homeland Security as a Physical Security Specialist, Law Enforcement Officer, (1801) where he performed various tasks in facility security assessments, safety and protection of Federal buildings, recommending security assets to enhance the security posture of federal buildings from undesirable events and for the safety of employees and visitors alike. Mr. Santiago also managed contract security officers throughout federal buildings.

In 2016, Mr. Santiago became a Special Agent (1811) with the Department of Homeland Security, performing criminal investigations and engaged in high-stakes security & investigation operations. This role allowed him to attain skills and experience in interviews of suspects, victims, witnesses, plan, organize, and administer oaths during affidavits, carry firearms; serve arrest warrants and make arrests when required, created threat assessments reports, conducted covert surveillance, and collaborative efforts in participating in information sharing, and build partnerships with other, State, Local and Federal Agencies as well as Private entities. Mr. Santiago is currently federally certified as a Firearms Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, Evidence Technician, and in the Covert Security Testing program.