Craig Polen
Bellefonte,PA
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement leader and educator with over thirty years of diverse experience in roles such as Trooper, Corporal, and Sergeant. Recognized for exceptional professionalism and management skills, successfully served as Education Officer across multiple State Police Troops, overseeing the implementation and training of advanced technology programs, including Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) and Mobile Office. A Certified Drug Recognition Expert with a proven track record of over 450 DUI arrests and more than 100 drug evaluations. Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively during large-scale manhunts and significant events, showcasing a commitment to public safety and community service.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sergeant – Station Commander
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
02.2023 - Current
- Command, Supervise, and direct all patrol and crime resources for the Selinsgrove State Police Barracks.
- Oversee and direct all daily operations for the Station.
- Oversee and direct all Troop resources when assigned as the Officer of the Day.
- Create, update, implement the schedule for all members and civilians assigned to the Selinsgrove Barracks.
- Serve as Agency Lead for all Police Operations in Snyder County.
- Be the lead instructor for CPR/AED/First Aid training in the southern tier of Troop F.
- Designated Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), providing expert level service to officers in the field relative to all illicit drugs and court testimony in support of prosecutorial efforts.
- Patrol Section Lead Station Inspector for Southern Tier of Troop F.
Sergeant – TraCS Program Manager / Mobile Office Supervisor/Radio Implementation Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
10.2014 - 02.2023
- Supervise and direct all business process operations for the Mobile Office, Radio Communications, the Mobile Command Unit, and TraCS Units assigned throughout the State Police.
- Oversee all TraCS installation and operations within local law enforcement agencies utilizing the platform for traffic ticket issuance, reporting to state motor vehicle department and courts.
- Create, update, implement and conduct training curriculum and courses for the TraCS to Local’s Program, including the quarterly TraCS release training.
- Serve as Agency Lead in a variety of Departmental projects related to vehicle-based computer programs.
- Responsible for all testing and implementation of the Criminal Complaint, Fatal Crash Report, Contact Data Report, Warrant Service Form, Non-Traffic Citation and Vehicle Safety Inspection System into TraCS.
- Tasked with serving as the Business Lead between the Pennsylvania State Police and TraCS relative to TraCS Update Server operations.
- Establish TraCS and Mobile Office business requirements and implementation of programs, hardware and peripherals.
- Establish, Create, and conduct training for the TraCS unit, Mobile Office Unit, and Radio Unit.
Sergeant – Staff Services Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
07.2013 - 10.2014
- Tasked with oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Troop, including conducting line inspections, supervising administrative functions, and other supervisory duties required during each work shift.
- Assigned to supervise a variety of special details, including Penn State Football game coverage by the State Police.
- Served as a First Line Supervisor during the 2014 48-day statewide manhunt for Eric Frein, who was being sought in connection with an attack on a Pennsylvania State Police Barracks, killing one Trooper.
Corporal – Patrol Unit Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Milton, Pennsylvania
02.2009 - 07.2013
- Responsible for supervision of the day-to-day patrol operations of a Troop of professional law enforcement officers charged with enforcing state and local criminal laws, traffic enforcement, response to automobile accidents and medical emergencies, and other calls for emergency and non-emergency police services within a specified geographic area.
- Created a computerized database used to document and complete all required reports for warrants, leading to a reduction in time required to complete each task and a quantifiable methodology to track and audit warrant files.
- Led and supervised the implementation of NMS Labs equipment and testing modalities for DUI arrests in the Southern Tier of Troop F, as well as the expansion of breath testing for DUI arrests within three (3) counties in an effort to promote best practices and comply with nationally recognized standards.
- Designated Lead Instructor for the TraCS system at the Northeast Training Center.
- Led Troop F in DUI arrests during calendar year 2011.
Corporal / Unit Patrol Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Newport, Pennsylvania
03.2008 - 02.2009
Corporal – Patrol Unit Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
08.2008
- Oversaw the day-to-day operations of a contingent of professional law enforcement officers assigned to road patrol duties.
- Created a computerized database utilized to document all required reports related to warrants, facilitating a reduction in time required to complete each task and a quantifiable methodology to track and audit warrant files.
- Conducted mandatory In-Service Training for all Troop F staff at the Wellsboro National Guard Training Center.
Trooper / Patrol Unit
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Montoursville, Pennsylvania
02.2005 - 03.2008
- Enforced traffic laws to ensure public safety and compliance.
- Responded to emergency calls, providing assistance and support as needed.
- Documented incidents accurately in reports for legal and administrative purposes.
- Collaborated with other troopers, sharing information and supporting each other during challenging situations.
- Performed vehicle stops for violations such as speeding or driving under the influence, ensuring roadways remained safe for all users.
- Provided a visible presence in the community, promoting trust and deterring potential criminal activities.
- Reduced criminal activities by performing thorough investigations and apprehending suspects when necessary.
- Acted calmly and efficiently in emergency and serious situations such as high-speed vehicle chases and standoffs.
- Participated in specialized training programs to maintain a high level of proficiency in law enforcement techniques and procedures.
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports and inspected squad vehicles and weapons.
- Testified in court as needed, providing accurate and detailed accounts of investigations or incidents that occurred on duty.
- Searched vehicles, buildings, homes and properties for evidence and stolen property.
Trooper / Patrol Unit
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
07.2004 - 02.2005
- Conducted investigations into accidents, crimes, and suspicious activities.
- Collaborated with community organizations to promote safety initiatives.
Trooper / Patrol Unit / Education Officer
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
Everett, Pennsylvania
07.2002 - 07.2004
Patrol Sergeant
PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
09.2000 - 01.2002
Patrol Officer
PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
07.1996 - 09.2000
Education
Associate’s Degree Program - Criminal Justice
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OhioNorthwestern University School of Police Staff And Command
Chicago, ILPennsylvania State Trooper Certification - Pennsylvania State Trooper Curriculum
Pennsylvania State Police Academy
Hershey, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania State Law Enforcement Certification - Municipal Police Training Act 120 Curriculum
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PennsylvaniaSkills
- Team management
- Mentoring
- Employee engagement
- Staff scheduling
- Staff development
- Policy implementation
- Operational efficiency
- Drug Recognition Expert
- Supervising Large Manhunts
- Supervising large scale events
- Community engagement
- Enforcing traffic laws
Affiliations
- LEO-Only – President
- Fraternal Order of Police - Member
- Masonic Blue Lodge – Member
Certification
- Dive Master Certification though PADI
- First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Instructor Certification
- Clinton County District Attorney’s Office – Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Protection From Abuse Act
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Institute – Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training for Police, Prosecutors, and Victim Advocates STOP Grant Sites Training
- International Association of Nitrox & Technical Divers – Enriched Air Nitrox Diver Certification
- Public Agency Training Council Investigation and Intervention of Family & Domestic Violence Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Death & Homicide Investigation Advanced Hostage Negotiations
- Law Enforcement Officer’s Training School / Federal Bureau of Investigation – Intercounty Detective School
- Pennsylvania State Police – Basic Leadership Cognitive Interviewing Operation S.H.I.E.L.D. Statement Analysis
- TSA – Law Enforcement Flying Armed Certification
- On-Scene Collision Investigation Level 1 Training
- Mass Shooter Training Early Indicators
- Pennsylvania State Police Web-Based Training Identifying and Preventing Workplace Harassment Officer and Communications Lean Awareness Diversity Message from Commissioner Frank Noonan ScenePD Training
- Pennsylvania State Police TraCS Traffic Enforcement Module Instructive Training Pennsylvania State Police Instructor Development
- Pennsylvania State Police Basic PowerPoint Presentation and Design
- Pennsylvania State Police Datamaster DMT Operator Certification Pennsylvania State Police Datamaster DMT 8 Hour Update MD410.10 Equal Employment Opportunity Police Review and Acknowledgement MD205.34 Acceptable Use Police Review & Acknowledgement Pennsylvania State Police Drug Recognition Expert Recertification Course Pennsylvania State Police DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Training
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Evaluation and Classification Program Preliminary Training Drug Recognition Expert Certification
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Traffic Institute for Police Services Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Procedures Vehicle Search and Seizure
- Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission General Topics Law Enforcement Instructor Special Law Enforcement Instructor Certification
- TASER Training Academy Electronic Control Device Instructor Certification
- U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Fire Academy all ICS training up through ICS 400, includingICS-300, Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents IS-00100.c Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 IS-00800.c National Response Framework, An Introduction
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Traffic Institute for Police Services Fundamentals of On-Scene Traffic Collision The Enforcement of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Inspection Regulations
- Rapid Deployment to Critical Incidents Exercise
- John E. Reid and Associates The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Investigation Advanced Course on The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation
- Pennsylvania University for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command
Timeline
Sergeant – Station Commander
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
02.2023 - Current
Sergeant – TraCS Program Manager / Mobile Office Supervisor/Radio Implementation Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
10.2014 - 02.2023
Sergeant – Staff Services Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
07.2013 - 10.2014
Corporal – Patrol Unit Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
02.2009 - 07.2013
Corporal – Patrol Unit Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
08.2008
Corporal / Unit Patrol Supervisor
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
03.2008 - 02.2009
Trooper / Patrol Unit
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
02.2005 - 03.2008
Trooper / Patrol Unit
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
07.2004 - 02.2005
Trooper / Patrol Unit / Education Officer
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
07.2002 - 07.2004
Patrol Sergeant
PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
09.2000 - 01.2002
Patrol Officer
PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
07.1996 - 09.2000
Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Certification - Municipal Police Training Act 120 Curriculum
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Associate’s Degree Program - Criminal Justice
Eastern Gateway Community College
Northwestern University School of Police Staff And Command
Pennsylvania State Trooper Certification - Pennsylvania State Trooper Curriculum
Pennsylvania State Police Academy
AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
Brotherhood for the Fallen – Distinguished Service Award – April 2019, Bureau Director’s Letter of Appreciation, Suicide Prevention BCIS – January 2019, Blue Lives Matter NYC, Unity Award – March 2017, Blue Line Across America, Officer of the Year – January 2015, New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, Certificate of Appreciation – January 2014, Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F Commanding Officer’s Award of Excellence Top Gun Award – January 2012, Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F Top DUI Enforcer - 2011, Pennsylvania State Police Meritorious Service Award – 20 Years of Service, Pennsylvania State Police Meritorious Service Award – 10 Years of Service