My name is Craig Goodman, and I have served the Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department since January 2019. Prior to my most recent assignment as Deputy Chief, I served as Chief of Police with the Brenham, Texas Police Department for a little more than two years and, prior to that assignment, in various capacities within the Pasadena, Texas Police Department, from June 1989 to September 2015.
A native Texan, I was raised in Houston in a large family headed by two tremendous educators, each of whom is a namesake for a public school. My wife is a first-grade teacher and we are blessed to have four children and two grandchildren. It is my family’s history of public service to education and my love of law enforcement that stimulated me to move from municipal law enforcement to public educational service.
I hold a BBA (Finance) from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston. I have also completed the FBI National Academy’s 235th Session, the Graduate Management Institute at Sam Houston State University in 1999, with my initial law enforcement training being completed at the City of Pasadena, Texas Police Academy in 1989. I hold multiple law enforcement certifications and have been affiliated with numerous professional associations, including the Texas Police Chiefs Association, the American Society for Industrial Security, and other civilian and law enforcement boards and programs.
Key accomplishments for which I am grateful to have led include:
- Collaborated with the SFASU Chief of Police John Fields to improve cooperation with area law enforcement agencies.
- Worked with key personnel to review, select, and implement a new 700 MHz radio communication system (L.C.R.A.) and RMS/CAD system (Spillman) for SFASU.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create and implement a new policies and procedures manual.
- Developed processes to conduct a full audit and reorganization of the department’s property/evidence room.
- Led efforts to regain certification to be an approved Texas Commission on Law Enforcement training provider.
- Managed efforts to achieve the Texas Police Chiefs Association Accreditation Program in December 2019 and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators in 2021.
- Led efforts to create and provide a multi-hazard threats quick reference guide for staff and faculty of the SFASU Charter School.
- Partnered with key personnel to establish a Citizens Police Academy.
I consider it a great honor to be selected Officer of the Month and receive this award as a reminder to myself that our work never ends, our mission never ceases, and our call to service hearkens us each day. I enthusiastically joined the ranks of law enforcement because I firmly believed that serving others was an admirable and honorable undertaking, and that as a police officer, I could make significant contributions to society. I also believed that I could positively affect the lives of the citizens I served. To date, I am proud of my years of service and I continue to maintain the highest level of passion and respect for my chosen career.