Vacaville selects Chris Polen as new chief of police

(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)

The City of Vacaville on Tuesday said it has appointed Vacaville Police Department Captain Chris Polen to lead the agency upon the retirement of current Police Chief Ian Scmutzler, who is stepping down at the end of the year.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be selected as the next Chief of Police in my hometown,” Polen said in a statement emailed to Solano NewsNet on Tuesday. “I am committed to serving our City, fostering relationships forged by my predecessors, and providing leadership to the police department. I am especially excited about the strides we are making in technology with the new Real Time Information Center (RTIC) that will be activated in the early part of next year. This new technology along with our well-trained police staff and the support of our esteemed community will continue to make Vacaville a safe place to live.”

Polen began his police career in 1998 with the Suisun City Police Department. He joined the Vacaville Police Department two years later, where he has served in numerous capacities, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Detective in the Investigative Services Section.

Polen holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from National University. In 2021, he was a finalist in the Chief of Police nationwide recruitment and multi-dimensional interview process.

“Chris’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to our community make him the ideal choice to lead the Vacaville Police Department into the future,” Aaron Busch, the City Manager of Vacaville, said on Tuesday. “I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to prioritize community safety and collaboration across all City departments to maintain and enhance Vacaville’s outstanding quality of life.”

“I am thrilled that Chris Polen will succeed me as the next Chief of Police,” Chief Schmutzler said. “Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Chris, and his passion for serving our community is unmatched. His leadership, work ethic, and empathy make him the perfect choice to guide the department and continue ensuring that Vacaville remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.”