Sugar Land welcomes new police chief to office

Sugar Land’s new Chief of Police Mark Poland has taken office, with a promise to provide professional police services to the community.

Sugar Land held a reception to welcome Poland ahead of the City Council meeting Nov. 1. Poland’s selection was announced Sept. 30 following an extensive, nationwide search to replace Eric Robins, who retired after 30 years of service at the Sugar Land Police Department with four as chief.

“We sent Chief Poland through a very arduous and rigorous selection process, and unanimously, overwhelmingly he was selected as the best of the best,” Assistant City Manager Doug Brinkley said. “I think all of us are so proud to have him here.”

Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman echoed Brinkley’s comments.

“He’s a great example of a leader,” Zimmerman said. “He’s going to be a great police chief. We're looking forward to the contributions that he's going to make to the city of Sugar Land.”

Poland most recently served as undersheriff for Virginia's largest full-service sheriff's department, responsible for the supervision of 841 law enforcement officers and civilians, and management of an $111 million budget.

“I promise to provide the most professional police services that I can,” Poland said. “I’m going to give you 100% every day of the week, every day of the year.”

He expressed pride at being considered a resident of Sugar Land now.

“This community is now my community, and I feel blessed to be here,” Poland said.