posted 10-19-2010 02:41 PM         

Robertson has most recently served the Centerville Police Department as Captain (Deputy Chief) and Line Commander and will begin his new duties on Jan. 14, 2011, following the retirement of Chief Stephen Walker.

The senior staff position responsibilities include management and supervision of 41 sworn officers, communications and support staff. Robertson will become the fifth Police Chief serving Centerville since it became a city in 1968, following the distinguished service of Jim Smith, William Randolph, Bill Lickert, and current chief Stephen Walker, who recently announced his upcoming retirement.

"We are pleased and honored to have Captain Bruce Robertson serve our community as Chief of Police," said Horn. "His skills and experience as well as his vast knowledge of Centerville are a great fit for our community."

Robertson started his career with Centerville in 1978, when he graduated first in his class from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. Since that time he has garnered numerous awards and earned many academic achievements.

He was recently selected by the Department of Homeland Security to attend the Naval Postgraduate School, an 18-month master's degree program. Robertson received a bachelor's degree from Wright State University. He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, Ohio's Police Executive Leadership College, and Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.

His leadership positions include involvement with the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU), a consortium of eight local police departments. Robertson has served as chair of the TCSU Joint-Training Committee, and supervises as well as serves as one of four TCSU Expert Polygraphists.

He was Accreditation Manager for the Centerville Police Department and serves as a Team Leader with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. A trained Public Information Officer, Robertson served in that role for six years with the Centerville Police Department. He has served as a Hostage Negotiator since 1988.

Robertson received the Outstanding Graduate award from The National Training Center of Polygraphists and is a Distinguished Fellow in the Academy of Certified Polygraphists, also serving that organization as president and vice-president. He has held numerous leadership positions with The American Association of Police Polygraphists and the Ohio Association of Polygraph Examiners and is a member of the American Polygraph Association.

A state-certified instructor through the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy, Capt. Robertson is an instructor and presenter on several topics involving investigations, interviewing and interrogations. He has had several articles published in national polygraph periodicals.

Robertson and his wife Beckie have three children, Amanda, Lynn, and David. He has coached men's basketball through high school varsity and girls' AAU basketball. He trains and participates in local and national marathons and other local races to raise funds for charitable organizations.


CONGRATS BRUCE!