I am a conflict resolution and intelligence professional with 25 years of experience leading high-stakes negotiations, HUMINT operations, and interagency initiatives within federal law enforcement. I specialize in de-escalation, rapport-based influence, and mediation, and I train professionals in advanced communication strategies. I value collaboration across government, academia, and private sector partners and am passionate about translating complex concepts into practical tools that improve safety, resilience, and outcomes for teams facing challenging situations.…

Robert Polanco

PRO

I am a conflict resolution and intelligence professional with 25 years of experience leading high-stakes negotiations, HUMINT operations, and interagency initiatives within federal law enforcement. I specialize in de-escalation, rapport-based influence, and mediation, and I train professionals in advanced communication strategies. I value collaboration across government, academia, and private sector partners and am passionate about translating complex concepts into practical tools that improve safety, resilience, and outcomes for teams facing challenging situations.…

Available to hire

I am a conflict resolution and intelligence professional with 25 years of experience leading high-stakes negotiations, HUMINT operations, and interagency initiatives within federal law enforcement. I specialize in de-escalation, rapport-based influence, and mediation, and I train professionals in advanced communication strategies.

I value collaboration across government, academia, and private sector partners and am passionate about translating complex concepts into practical tools that improve safety, resilience, and outcomes for teams facing challenging situations.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Special Agent at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
September 1, 2007 - Present
Direct investigative and operational resources across high-priority national security programs, ensuring alignment of personnel, intelligence, and strategy. Lead HUMINT operations, cultivating sources and partnerships to identify and mitigate national security threats. Oversaw multi-agency counterintelligence task force, strengthening coordination and leveraging resources. Advised 14 Field Offices at FBI Headquarters, providing strategic guidance on operations, intelligence priorities, and resource deployment. Coordinated outreach initiatives bridging federal law enforcement with academia and private sector partners. Conducted complex investigations spanning civil rights, counterintelligence, and public corruption.
Crisis Negotiator at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
March 1, 2016 - September 1, 2025
Led negotiation teams during high-risk, time-sensitive incidents, achieving peaceful resolutions through rapport-based influence and behavioral analysis. Developed and instructed 40-hour crisis negotiation training programs, equipping personnel with advanced de-escalation and communication techniques.
Employee Assistance Peer at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
March 1, 2016 - Present
Provide confidential peer support to employees navigating mental health challenges and operational stress. Facilitate psychologically safe environments, strengthening resilience, trust, and team cohesion.
Police Officer at Arlington, Texas Police Department
July 1, 2001 - September 1, 2007
Resolved disputes through mediation and real-time de-escalation. Conducted criminal investigations contributing to public safety and case resolution across diverse offense types.
Police Officer at Arlington Police Department
July 1, 2001 - September 30, 2007
Resolved disputes through mediation and real-time de-escalation. Conducted criminal investigations contributing to public safety and case resolution across diverse offense types.
Special Agent at Federal Bureau of Investigation
September 1, 2007 - Present
Direct investigative and operational resources across high-priority national security programs, ensuring alignment of personnel, intelligence, and strategy. Lead HUMINT operations, cultivating sources and partnerships to identify and mitigate national security threats. Overseen multi-agency counterintelligence task force, strengthening coordination and leveraging resources. Advised 14 Field Offices at FBI Headquarters, providing strategic guidance on operations, intelligence priorities, and resource deployment. Coordinated outreach initiatives bridging federal law enforcement with academia and private sector partners. Conducted complex investigations spanning civil rights, counterintelligence, and public corruption.
Crisis Negotiator at Federal Bureau of Investigation
March 1, 2016 - September 30, 2025
Led negotiation teams during high-risk, time-sensitive incidents, achieving peaceful resolutions through rapport-based influence and behavioral analysis. Developed and instructed 40-hour crisis negotiation training programs, equipping personnel with advanced de-escalation and communication techniques.
Employee Assistance Peer at Federal Bureau of Investigation
March 1, 2016 - Present
Provide confidential peer support to employees navigating mental health challenges and operational stress. Facilitate psychologically safe environments, strengthening resilience, trust, and team cohesion.

Education

MS, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Creighton University
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
MS, Strategic Intelligence at American Military University
January 1, 2004 - June 30, 2006
BS, Electrical Engineering at Manhattan College
September 1, 1996 - May 31, 2000
MS at Creighton University
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
MS at American Military University
January 1, 2004 - June 30, 2006
BS at Manhattan College
September 1, 1996 - May 31, 2000
MS, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Creighton University
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
MS, Strategic Intelligence at American Military University
January 1, 2004 - June 30, 2006
BS, Electrical Engineering at Manhattan College
September 1, 1996 - May 31, 2000

Qualifications

Podcast Producer
January 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026
Ethical Influence Practitioner
September 1, 2023 - October 1, 2023
Custody Visitation
February 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022
Basic Mediation
January 1, 2022 - February 1, 2022
Mediator
June 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Crisis Counselor
January 1, 2019 - March 1, 2019
Podcast Producer
January 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
Ethical Influence Practitioner
September 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Custody Visitation
February 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022
Basic Mediation
January 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Mediator
June 1, 2019 - January 31, 2020
Crisis Counselor
January 1, 2019 - March 31, 2019
Podcast Producer
January 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
Ethical Influence Practitioner
September 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Custody Visitation
February 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022
Basic Mediation
January 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Mediator
June 1, 2019 - January 31, 2020
Crisis Counselor
January 1, 2019 - March 31, 2019

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education
    paper Blessed Be Podcast

    Our podcast focuses on helping people communicate their way out of a problem as opposed to into one. We interview subject matter experts and share their wisdom with our audience.