Commander Chris Buchanan was born and raised in San Diego.  He joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Office in December 1997 and graduated from the 30th Corrections Academy in February of 1998. He was assigned to the old Central Detention Facility (CDF) and after its' opening, the new San Diego Central Jail, where he spent time as a line deputy, court deputy, training officer/corporal. In August of 2002, he was assigned to the Detentions/Court Services Academy as a training officer/corporal. In April of 2005, Chris was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the George Bailey Detention Facility (GBDF), where he spent time as a team sergeant, facility training/compliance sergeant, and facility administrative sergeant. In July of 2009 he was transferred to East Mesa Detention Facility (EMDF) before being selected to work for the Sheriff's Internal Affairs (IA) Unit.

In 2013, Chris was transferred to the SDCJ as a team sergeant.  Later in the year he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, returning to GBDF and spending four years as a team watch commander and administrative lieutenant. In August of 2018, he was assigned as the Lieutenant for the Detention Support Division (DSD).  In December of 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. As a Captain, Chris remained at DSD before stints at the George Bailey Detention Facility, San Diego Central Jail, and the Medical Services Division.

In August of 2021, Chris was promoted to the rank of Commander and assigned to manage Area 1 of the Detention Services Bureau. 

Chris and his wife Kelly (Lieutenant) met at and graduated from Grossmont High School. They attended the same academy, have two young children, daughter Kayleigh, son Cameron and currently reside in South County.