Sugar Land City Manager Michael Goodrum selected Poland after an extensive, nationwide search, according to a Sept. 30 announcement. He will replace Eric Robins, who announced his retirement in May, and served his last day as chief in July after 33 years of public service that included 30 at the Sugar Land Police Department, with four years as chief. Poland is expected to begin the position Nov. 1.
Poland most recently served as undersheriff for Virginia's largest full-service sheriff's department, where he supervised 841 law enforcement officers and civilians and managed a $111 million budget, according to the announcement.
"I am looking forward to joining the Sugar Land team and working together to ensure we remain among the nation's safest cities," Poland said in the announcement. "I am a hard-working leader who demands professionalism from law enforcement individuals. I also believe as a law enforcement official, leaders within our profession must continue to expand our knowledge and grow as professionals to keep ahead of ever-changing trends in crime."
Poland will come to the city of Sugar Land with a 26-year law enforcement career that includes implementing a public-private partnership involving numerous community stakeholders working toward the resettlement of Afghan refugees.
During his time with Loudoun County, Poland served as a patrol deputy, before promotions to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel and undersheriff/colonel.
