Edward Poulson: Trust But Verify

Edward Poulson is a veteran of the Oakland Police Department in California. He spent more than twenty years on the force, rising to the rank of Captain of Police, where his duties included managing the department's Internal Personnel Assessment System, a risk management system and program aimed at reducing problematic behavior of police officers and staff.

Edward Poulson is fond of a phrase usually associated with former President Ronald Reagan, "Trust, but verify." President Reagan often used the phrase when discussing U.S. relations with the former Soviet Union. The phrase is actually a translation of a Russian proverb, and is said to have often been used by Soviet revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. President Reagan's counterpart, Mikhail Gorbachev, once asked him why he used the phrase, to which Reagan replied, "I like it."

The phrase is usually interpreted to mean that while it is important to keep your guard up, you must also recognize the importance of working with others whose views may be at odds with your own. This, Edward Poulson knows, is at the heart of diplomacy, a skill he developed and used effectively during his years on the force Edward Poulson had a reputation for building relationships, motivating his staff and colleagues, and being able to influence them, even in situations where he may not have had full authority. He was also known as an innovative problem solver, known for his ability to find workable solutions to sometimes-complex issues, ensuring security and safety.

Edward Poulson holds a Master of Public Administration degree, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.