Edward Poulson: Innovation Within the Oakland Police Department

For more than 20 years, Edward Poulson experienced considerable and notable success as a career law enforcement professional within the Oakland Police Department. From very early on in his career, Edward Poulson demonstrated a knack for innovation and efficiency, two qualities that helped to continually lead him towards positions of increased influence and impact within the department.

Edward Poulson, who served the OPD in multiple positions and ranks throughout his career, became known for his ability to both design and implement programs that improved department efficiency and established him as an effective staff manager. In 2008, Edward Poulson served the department as a Police Lieutenant, a position that charged him with the responsibility of managing a crew of up to 55 people at any given time. His performance as a Police Lieutenant eventually earned him a promotion to Captain of Police.

As Police Lieutenant, Edward Poulson was charged with the responsibility of developing a new and efficient schedule for the rank and file officers under his management. At the request of the OPD Chief of Police, Edward Poulson developed a schedule that called for officers to work twelve hour shifts during every two week period; an effort to deploy officers in a more efficient manner than earlier shift models. This innovative idea was presented for and received approval from both the Mayor of Oakland and the Chief of Police.

Edward Poulson successfully defended the new schedule plan during arbitration between the department and the Oakland Police Officers Union. The innovative schedule was later implemented by the OPD.