ANTHONY J. POLI
Itasca,Illinois
Summary
Highly accomplished law enforcement and security professional with over 30 years of experience in public safety, criminal investigations, tactical operations, K-9 deployments, school security, and emergency response. Retired police officer with extensive expertise in patrol operations, investigations, juvenile matters, crisis intervention, tactical response, and canine handling. Proven ability to build strong relationships with community members, school administrators, security personnel, and law enforcement partners while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and public service. Experienced in explosive detection, firearm detection, critical infrastructure protection, threat assessment, emergency management, and campus safety operations. Recognized for strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to perform under pressure in dynamic environments.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Explosive & Firearm Detection Canine Handler (EDC/FDC K-9)
Allied Universal / MSA Security
Chicago, Illinois
01.2026 - Current
- Deploy certified explosive and firearm detection canine at a major public venue with thousands of daily visitors.
- Conduct proactive security sweeps of public spaces, loading docks, delivery vehicles, special events, and critical infrastructure areas.
- Detect and deter potential threats through systematic canine screening operations.
- Coordinate with security personnel, client representatives, and law enforcement agencies during security incidents and investigations.
- Maintain canine certification standards, training records, operational readiness, and animal welfare requirements.
- Prepare reports and document canine deployments, alerts, and security-related incidents.
- Support emergency response operations and security planning initiatives.
Campus Safety & Security Officer
York Community High School - Elmhurst CUSD 205
Elmhurst, Illinois
08.2025 - 02.2026
- Maintained a safe and secure learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
- Monitored school buildings, grounds, parking lots, and security camera systems.
- Conducted visitor screening through the Raptor Visitor Management System.
- Assisted administrators with student investigations, behavioral incidents, and crisis response.
- Responded to emergencies, disturbances, and safety concerns while utilizing de-escalation techniques.
- Supported emergency drills, reunification planning, and campus security initiatives.
- Prepared reports and maintained effective communication with school personnel and law enforcement agencies.
Police Officer
Village of Western Springs Police Department
Western Springs, Illinois
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Conducted patrol operations and investigated criminal offenses, traffic violations, and public safety incidents.
- Performed interviews, interrogations, evidence collection, and report preparation.
- Investigated juvenile offenses and coordinated with the Department of Children and Family Services.
- Served as a Certified Juvenile Officer.
- Assigned to the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) Containment Team.
- Participated in tactical operations, search warrants, high-risk incidents, and regional emergency response activities.
- Maintained positive community relationships through proactive policing and problem-solving initiatives.
Police Officer / Tactical Patrol Officer / Instructor / K-9 Handler
City of Elmhurst Police Department
Elmhurst, Illinois
09.1995 - 07.2024
- Served honorably for nearly 30 years in progressively responsible law enforcement assignments.
- Investigated major crimes including robbery, burglary, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and narcotics offenses.
- Conducted witness, victim, and suspect interviews and prepared comprehensive investigative reports.
- Testified in criminal and civil court proceedings.
- Collaborated with federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
- Served as a Field Training Officer and Evidence Technician.
- Trained and evaluated probationary police officers.
- Served 16 years as a Police K-9 Handler, deploying certified dual-purpose police service dogs for narcotics detection, suspect tracking, evidence recovery, building searches, and officer protection.
- Assigned to the Elmhurst Response Team (ERT) and participated in tactical operations, warrant service, barricaded subject incidents, and critical incident response.
- Served as Tactical Patrol Officer and Instructor, providing training in tactical operations, officer safety, trauma management, and emergency response procedures.
- Collected, documented, and preserved evidence for criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Education
Criminal Justice and Public Administration
Judson University
Elgin, ILCertified Police Officer -
Illinois State Police Academy
Springfield, IL09-1995
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Triton College
River Grove, IllinoisDiploma - undefined
Elmwood Park High School
Skills
- Law Enforcement Operations
- Campus & School Security
- Explosive Detection Canine Operations
- Firearm Detection Canine Operations
- Criminal Investigations
- Juvenile Investigations
- Tactical Response Operations
- Emergency Management
- Threat Assessment
- Public Safety & Community Policing
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Evidence Collection & Preservation
- Incident Command Support
- Interview & Interrogation Techniques
- Crowd Management
- Security Operations
- Report Writing & Documentation
- Interagency Collaboration
- Leadership & Training
Accomplishments
- Over 30 years of public safety and law enforcement service.
- 16 years of police K-9 operational experience.
- Extensive experience in school security and campus safety operations.
- Regional tactical operations experience through NIPAS and Elmhurst Response Team assignments.
- Current Explosive and Firearm Detection Canine Handler supporting critical infrastructure and public venue security operations.
- Proven leadership, training, and mentoring experience in law enforcement and security environments.
Certification
- Illinois Certified Police Officer (Retired)
- Juvenile Officer Certification
- Field Training Officer
- Police K-9 Handler
- Explosive Detection Canine Handler
- Firearm Detection Canine Handler
- Tactical Operations / SWAT Training
- Incident Command & Emergency Response
- Evidence Technician
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Training
- NIPAS Tactical Operations Experience
Timeline
Explosive & Firearm Detection Canine Handler (EDC/FDC K-9)
Allied Universal / MSA Security
01.2026 - Current
Campus Safety & Security Officer
York Community High School - Elmhurst CUSD 205
08.2025 - 02.2026
Police Officer
Village of Western Springs Police Department
08.2024 - 07.2025
Police Officer / Tactical Patrol Officer / Instructor / K-9 Handler
City of Elmhurst Police Department
09.1995 - 07.2024
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Triton College
Diploma - undefined
Elmwood Park High School
Criminal Justice and Public Administration
Judson University
Certified Police Officer -
Illinois State Police Academy