Nicholas Poghen

Mr. Poghen earned both a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, with a Minor of Military Science, and an Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety & Physical Security Administration from The University of Akron. Mr. Poghen is a Public Safety Consultant and is responsible for providing consultation, investigation, and litigation support for matters involving Use of Force and Ballistics. He also has a unique specialization in Advanced Force Science Analysis which gives him the ability to analyze and opine on how human performance elements influence decision making during use of force encounters.

Use of force evaluations involve law enforcement, public safety, and civil matters. These include the review of laws, analysis of alleged policy/procedural violations, law enforcement activities, claims of excessive force and resulting injuries/deaths, stand your ground situations, and castle doctrine disputes. Ballistics related matters include the review of laws, internal/external ballistics analysis, terminal ballistics analysis, shooting scene reconstructions, firearms-related use of force incidents, firearms handling best practices, firearm functionality, firearm operability, and general firearm safety. All investigations are performed in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and municipal ordnances.

Prior to S-E-A, Mr. Poghen honorably served in the U.S Army Infantry and is an OIR Veteran. He also served as a law enforcement officer at both the federal and state levels, garnering extensive training and experience in public safety. Mr. Poghen served in advisory roles for both the Joint Interagency Task Force West: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S. Marshals Service. Following civil service, he transitioned to the private sector in the environmental, health, and safety field as safety management.

Mr. Poghen maintains professional credentials as an Advanced Specialist (AS) in Behavioral Analysis of Force Encounters, a Force Science Analyst (FSA), and a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor – Level 3 for Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals. He also maintains an Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate and a Federal Law Enforcement Training Certificate. He further holds professional certifications as a Practical Shooting Reconstructionist, Certified Armorer (select firearms), and a FAA Certified Remote Pilot. He also has a Federal Secret Security Clearance, a Private Investigator’s License, and additional training/education within his area of expertise.