References

Associations

Chief Frank M. deGraffenried, Auburn Alabama Police Department
(334) 501-3110, fdegraffenried@auburnalabama.org
 “As Police Chief for the City of Auburn, Alabama, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Brian Polansky on two different occasions as he spoke to our state police chiefs’ association members about communication skills for the Chief Executive. I was so impressed with the quality of the message he presented and his enthusiastic delivery of that message, that I asked him to come to Auburn and present a classes in March 2008 to all of my officers on “Communication Excellence for Law Enforcement”. I was not disappointed. He quickly gained the attention of every person in the auditorium, provided them with communication (and life) skills they could use immediately, and had the entire class giving him what he wanted (enthusiastic applause) when the session ended.  I actually had many officers come to me afterwards and express gratitude for having Dr. Polansky provide this training. He is definitely a “high-octane” motivator and educator and will offer a boost to any department’s professionalism and morale! With law enforcement responsibility for fifty thousand citizens and over twenty-four thousand Auburn University students, communication skills are the greatest tool an officer can have in his/her toolbox!!  (As a side note, Dr. Polansky allowed me to invite officers from our sister city, Opelika, and Deputies from Lee County to attend the presentation at no additional cost.)”

Detective Allen O'Keefe, Hillsboro County Sheriffs Office, Tampa Florida
Vice President, Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators
(813) 247-8115, tokeefe@hcso.tampa.florida.us
"Dr. Polansky, I would like to again thank you for an outstanding presentation you provided to the attendees of the 2009 Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators Conference.  The FAHN Executive Board has only heard positive feedback, which is refreshing when attempting to please150 individuals.  Thank you again and much success in your endeavors."

Chief Sterling Owen, Knoxville Tennessee Police Department
(865) 215-7229, sowen@cityofknoxville.org
"Brian Polansky provided an informative and entertaining interactive presentation to the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police annual meeting on the topic of Leadership and Communicative Skills.  The quality of the presentation was evident when the room remained full near the end of the day.  Additionally, his book was available to reinforce and enhance the topic."   

Dennis Lowe, President
Ohio Narcotics Association of Regional Coordinating Officers
740-837-5085, dlowe@ohionarco.org  
"Dr. Polansky’s presentation, Verbal Fitness for Narcotic Officers, was an absolute home run at our annual conference in October, 2009.  Having not seen Brian present, we were not sure what we had signed up for, but all I can say is Wow!  Dr. Polansky was able to connect with a group that is normally difficult at best.  His delivery style and the substance of his program were spot on.  Our attendees raved about his class and want him to come back.  Well done.”

Commander Samuel A Farina, Jr., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Staff Services Bureau, Rochester, New York
President, New York Association of Hostage Negotiators
(585) 753-4755 sfarina@monroecounty.gov   
”Brian, I wanted to reach out and advise you of the vast number of accolades provided in the critiques of your presentation.  I continue to receive compliments from those in attendance and you now have the reputation of being our “outstanding closer.”  Just wanted to thank you for the information and assure you that you had a profound affect on those in attendance.  Your book is also very good, and I am recommending that our Peer Support Counselors in our agency buy it.  Continue what you are doing.  You are making a difference.” 

Detective Dana Farbacher, Columbus Ohio Division of Police
Hostage Negotiation Team Leader, Midwest Crisis Negotiators
(614) 645-4036, dfarbacher@columbuspolice.org
“Two of our hostage negotiators saw Dr. Polansky speak at a conference in Kansas and immediately recommended him to speak at the Midwest Crisis Negotiators Conference.  Our department has co-hosted this conference for the past fourteen years and we have had numerous speakers talk about their theories on communication techniques.  Dr. Polansky’s presentation was excellent!  His use of humor kept the audience, three hundred law enforcement and corrections officers, interested and entertained.  The information that he taught can be applied daily to any situation on the job or at home.  The critiques that the attendees filled out after his presentation were overwhelmingly positive, and I personally spoke to several officers who were very impressed with his teaching techniques and the information that was relayed to us.”

Bruce Isaacson, Investigator, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Centennial, Colorado
President, Rocky Mountain Hostage Negotiators Association
(720) 874-4033, gisaacson@arapahoe.co.us
"Dr. Polansky was recommended to our organization as an excellent speaker.  We booked him on these recommendations but only scheduled him for a half-day because none of our board members had seen his presentation.  To our delight Dr. Polansky's presentation was informative, interactive, relevant and most importantly kept the attention of our entire audience.  Our only regret is that we didn't schedule his presentation for an entire day.  We will be inviting Dr. Polansky to speak at our conference in the near future and he will be our keynote speaker." 

Patrick L. Bradley, Chairman, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association Training Committee
Executive Director, Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions
(410) 875-3603, pbradley@dpscs.state.md.us
" Dr. Brian Polansky was the marquee presenter for the Maryland Chiefs of Police Conference.  His outstanding presentation on Leadership in Communication provided the motivation for both personal reflection and universal application.  Attendees wanted more lessons.  His book is still being recommended chief-to-chief as a “must read.”

Commander Keith Turney, Secretary, Illinois Crisis Negotiations Association
Joliet Illionois Police Department Operations Division
kturney@jolietcity.org
“Dr. Polansky is not only energetic and entertaining, but also has the ability to truly relate to police officers, no matter what their rank and or time on the job.  He truly had all of us deeply involved in his message.”

Karlyn Campbell, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police
(503) 314-1411, karlyn@victorygrp.com
"Many of our attendees have mentioned how much they enjoyed your presentation.  It was amazing how many times your message was "parroted" that evening and throughout the next day.  That means they paid attention and actually put into practice some of your tips!"

Agencies

Sergeant Laurie Sorenson, Endicott New York Police Department, Community Services
(607) ((757-2471, lsorensen@endicottpd.org
Dr.Polansky’s class on Communication Excellence in Law Enforcement was full of useful and pertinent information for both patrol and administrative officers.   One of our patrol veteran’s of nearly 20 years gave feedback after the class of, “I wished I’d learned some of these principles 20 years ago,  I could have saved myself a great deal of trouble”.   Not only is the information that Dr.Polansky provides critical to the overall success of anyone who wishes to have a career in law enforcement,  the manner in which he delivers the principles of successful communication is captivating.   Due to the importance of refined communication skills to our officer’s success in the field, Dr.Polansky was the first professional speaker our agency has hosted in our 100 year history.  It was money well spent and we look forward to hosting him again.

Chief Ed Boyd, Albany Oregon Police Department
(541) 917-3203, ed.boyd@cityofalbany.net
"I first heard Dr. Polansky speak to our state police chief’s association a couple years ago and was very impressed with the content of his material as well as his high energy style that kept the attention of everyone present.  Like most departments, we send our personnel to different training courses related to leadership and communication throughout the course of any given year and most of them are pretty good.  The downside is that all trainings are different and we end up having many personnel receiving different messages as to what is important and what is not.  I wanted to bring one instructor in for all my supervisory and command personnel so that everyone received the same information/message at the same time.  Brian was my choice as that instructor and in November, 2009, we did a full day training on “Leadership and Communication Excellence” for my supervisory/command staff.  Additionally, I invited the supervisory and command personnel from our Fire Department and other Department Heads to attend.  Without exception, I heard nothing but praise and appreciation for Dr. Polansky’s instruction and the material presented to the group.  It was readily apparent to me that Brian connected with everyone in the auditorium and provided us with quality instruction on how to improve in our communication with others.  I will be seeking to bring Dr. Polansky back to my area so that my line staff will also benefit from his message. "  

Richard Winstanley, Assistant Chief, Hurst Texas Police Department
(817) 788-7129, richardw@ci.hurst.tx.us
“As an agency we have embraced your "Communication Excellence" program throughout our entire agency and list your book as promotional resource testing material at all promotional levels. As an administrator, coach and counselor, I have put your program into practice to manage appropriate and inappropriate behavior with great success. Everyone who attends your program can relate to, ‘Who are you? Why is this happening? What's in it for me? What is going to happen? Am I OK?’ Applying your universal principals of, "everyone wants to be important, no one wants to look stupid, everyone wants to be appreciated; never criticize, condemn or complain, and how can I help you", creates a successful outcome time and time again. Thanks Dr. Polansky!” 

Chief Kenneth M. Truver, Castle Shannon Borough
(412) 885-9252, ktruver@borough.castle-shannon.pa.us
"Dr. Polansky came highly recommended to our group from other Law Enforcement Professionals.  His presentation lived up to every expectation, and then some.  His unique perspective and presentation style make for an exciting training session filled with information and enlightening theories of communication.  Our group included street level patrol officers and law enforcement executives.  Everyone walked away with useful information to put into practice immediately.  This is a must see, must attend session for anyone who desires to improve their communication skills." 

Chief J.M. Booker, Decatur Georgia Police Department
(404) 373-6551, mike.booker@decaturga.com
“We truly enjoyed having you here in February 2008 to teach Communication and Ethics.  Your teaching methods relate well, not just with cops, but with "civilians" as well.  Employees were extremely pleased with the information we received and we ordered your book for all of our supervisors to read.  The communication portion was extremely useful and informative.  Your teachings got through to many of our employees and have made a positive impact.  Well worth the expense to have you here.”

Chief Charles Wiley, Galveston Texas Police Department
(409) 765-3790, cwiley@cityofgalveston.org
"The Brian Polansky seminars are both useful and cost effective.  The training offered fit in nicely with our reorganization and renewed emphasis on empowering our supervisors and managers.  This training combined with other efforts has made our department stronger and more responsive to community needs.  Mr. Polansky will be invited back to Galveston in the near future."

Chief David Cathcart, Conyers Georgia Police Department
(770) 929-4201,  david.cathcart@conyersga.com
Dr. Brian Polansky offers an entertaining and very informative seminar in how to deal with people. Dr. Polansky gives many good tips and insights in dealing with difficult people in these seminars while wrapping them in an entertaining narrative style which keeps the listener engaged. My staff got a great deal of useful ideas from his seminar, and many people who went into the seminar thinking it would not help them were surprised to find out that it did. Overall, I would highly recommend Dr. Polansky's seminars as a way to get your staff thinking about different ways to communicate and handle difficult people.

Chief Mark R. Beckner, Boulder Colorado Police Department
(303) 441-3310, becknerm@bouldercolorado.gov
"Brian Polansky does a great job of explaining the importance in how we communicate with others.  He provides a variety of interactive skills that can be used by both officers working the street and by administrators in dealing with conflict and personnel issues.  I believe everyone attending his training will walk away with at least one skill he/she can use in improving their communications on the job and in their personal life.  Not only are his training classes informative, but they are entertaining as well."

Chief Jeff Groth, Sherwood Oregon Police Department
(503) 625-5523, grothj@ci.sherwood.or.us 
“Dr. Polansky came to our police department and helped us improve the quality of our leadership and communication. Our staff really enjoyed his style and the information he presented. I would certainly use Mr. Polansky again in the future and would highly recommend him to any law enforcement agency.” 

Chief Kenneth D. Collier, Decatur Alabama Police Department
(256) 341-4600, kdcollier@decatur-al.gov
“Dr. Polansky taught a class at a recent conference of Alabama Police Chiefs.   I, along with everyone else was very impressed and recognized how helpful it would be for our supervisory staff to be exposed to this training.  We were fortunate to be able to bring Dr. Polansky to North Alabama in 2008 to teach his two-day course on “Leadership and Communication Excellence. My staff and other command officers from nearby agencies rated his training as excellent.”

Roger A. Richards, Director, Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission
Mobile Team Training Unit #14
"Our Mobile Training Unit has been using Dr. Polansky as an instructor since 2007, after we booked him for a Sheriff's Management Retreat. His seminar was excellent!  He made such an impression with those who attended his seminar, that we now have Dr.Polansky come into our Region every six to nine months.  We always find him to be an excellent instructor, using humor and practical examples to reinforce his learning objectives.  While there are many instructors who teach the topic of communications, there are few as effective as Dr. Polansky. He truly is ‘Law Enforcement’s Communication Professor’ ."

Alan Bragg, Chief of Police, Spring Texas ISD Police Department
(281) 587-3901
“Dr. Polansky, Thank you so much for the OUTSTANDING "Verbal Fitness" session you
presented to my department! Throughout the afternoon it was nice to hear the laughter, positive
comments and literally see and hear the attitude adjustments taking place right before my eyes!  Your message is clear and always right on target! Since this was my third trip through the "Polansky Experience" I knew this was just what my officers needed too. I dont have a sound file to attach to this E-mail but please accept the line below as one more "THANK YOU"  for all you did for us!
[APPLAUSE]   [APPLAUSE]   [APPLAUSE]     {STANDING OVATION}    
[APPLAUSE]   [APPLAUSE]   [APPLAUSE]  [APPLAUSE]   [APPLAUSE]  “

Chief David Cathcart, Conyers Georgia Police Department
(770) 929-4201, david.cathcart@conyersga.com
Dr. Brian Polansky offers an entertaining and very informative seminar in how to deal with people. Dr. Polansky gives many good tips and insights in dealing with difficult people in these seminars while wrapping them in an entertaining narrative style which keeps the listener engaged. My staff got a great deal of useful ideas from his seminar, and many people who went into the seminar thinking it would not help them were surprised to find out that it did. Overall, I would highly recommend Dr. Polansky's seminars as a way to get your staff thinking about different ways to communicate and handle difficult people.

Chief Stephen Rhodes, Cedar Hill Texas Police Department
(972) 291-5181 Ext. 2018, stephen.rhodes@cedarhilltx.com 
Dr. Brian Polansky’s training material is fresh and relative to all facets of police contacts with internal and external customers. Police officers are the toughest crowd to engage and train.  I have observed him connect with police officers at all command levels with his “real life” story applications, humor and genuine caring style.  Although entertaining when he says, “I am a doctor and I am here to help you,” Dr. Polansky really means it.

Sgt. Fred Fletcher, Training Division, Austin Texas Police Department
(512)974-8585
"For the past several years Dr. Brian Polansky has served as a distinguished guest lecturer for cadet training at the Austin (TX) Police Department.  Dr. Polansky has helped the Austin Police Department live up to our motto that "We Build the Finest Police Officers in the Nation."  Dr. Polansky brings a unique combination of wit, charm and academic rigor to the increasingly important field of communications in law enforcement.   He lives up to the training adage that in order for a student to learn the student first be interested.  Few instructors can engage a student's interest as well as Dr. Polansky.  That Dr. Polansky does so while providing distinct tools for the student is truly impressive.  Personally, I have acquired numerous tools from Dr. Polansky that have made my job easier and safer and helped me provide better service to my community."

Donald Cole, Training Officer, Wichita Falls Texas Police Department
(940) 720-5039, donald.cole@wfpd.net
"I have had the pleasure of attending Dr. Polansky’s Persuasive Skills for Law Enforcement.  I was entertained and educated at the same time.  I was able to re-visit some of the skills I had forgotten and learned a few new techniques to help me in communicating with others.  One of my biggest questions about how officers can learn so many communication skills then have trouble communicating with their own family was answered.  I recommend this seminar for both officers and command staff.  Remember; Brian is a doctor and is here to help you."

Sergeant Kevin Webb, Arkansas State Police, Training Supervisor
(501) 618-8871, 23bb@asp.arkansas.gov
“Dr. Polansky delivers an outstanding educational seminar in a powerful and entertaining manner.  We were pleased to have him present at the Arkansas Crisis Negotiators Conference in June, and are pleased to announce that his Verbal Fitness seminar has been added to our State Police Academy training.” Sgt. Kevin Webb  

Sgt. Kenny L Van Buren, Louisiana State Police
(318) 484-2427
“Dr. Polansky, I was pleased with your style, not only as a presenter but as an educator as well. In my opinion, those who opt not to capitalize on your seminar are dealing themselves and their departments a tremendous injustice.  I would simply like to say thank you for sharing and giving us the tools to become both better communicators and supervisors.  I’ve attended many seminars during my career, but none compared to yours in practical serviceability.”

Detective R. W. Ralston, State College Pennsylvania Police Department
(814) 278-4742, rralston@statecollegepa.us
"I must say that I walked away from your presentation with a better understanding about communications.  I have been a negotiator since 1989 and I have never received training like this.  My department spends quite a bit on training each year and I can honestly say this is one of the most important skills that goes undeveloped in most officers.  Every police officer should be exposed to your curriculum so they can utilize this valuable asset on the street, at home and in the workplace."

Chief Michael Wynnyk, University Park Maryland Police Department
(301) 277-0050
" Leadership in Communication presented by Dr. Brian Polansky at the Maryland Chief's of Police Association Conference was by far one of the most compelling training sessions I have attended in quite some time.  It influenced me enough to purchase his book and actually use it as a reference for the skill that is most basic in our personal and professional life, "Communication". Dr. Polansky captivated his audience and allowed us to put ourselves in his position and determine what influenced us throughout our communication development.  The utilization of very basic concepts, with a slight twist, was an excellent way to translate his message into a usable approach.  All of these concepts are simple yet brilliant.  I have implemented them as often as I can and have found myself re-educating myself with his philosophy when preparing a speech, interacting with a difficult situation or even talking to my wife. Dr. Polansky was an excellent presenter of valuable information.  He could return to our conference again for the next phase of training and I know I wouldn't miss a second of it."