Philip Wolan
Detective, Grapevine Police Department, Texas
Detective Philip Wolan is a trailblazer in modern policing, demonstrating exceptional dedication and innovative techniques in solving complex crimes. Det. Wolan has successfully closed hundreds of cases within his department—Grapevine Police Department—and for neighboring agencies.
Det. Wolan has revolutionized crime-solving methods with his pioneering use of area dump tower data and cellular data. His expertise has led to the identification and apprehension of numerous suspects, and he now trains other law enforcement agencies and task forces on these techniques. Among his notable achievements, he has solved more than 75 restaurant burglaries across five states, halted a theft ring responsible for over $100,000 in stolen retail goods, identified a large-scale warehouse burglary crew that was responsible for stealing millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise, and helped stop an ATM theft ring linked to more than 80 offenses statewide.
Det. Wolan's recent investigation into a significant vehicle theft ring recovered approximately $10 million in stolen vehicles, highlighting his leadership and ingenuity. By leveraging cameras and cellphone data, he pinpointed the thieves’ locations and secured critical arrests.
Before becoming a detective, Det. Wolan was a top DWI enforcement officer, earning multiple awards for keeping intoxicated drivers off the roads. His commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his proactive learning approach and willingness to share knowledge with others.
Motivated by his desire to make a difference, Det. Wolan embodies the spirit of law enforcement. His relentless pursuit of new methods to combat crime and his dedication to mentoring others make him a standout figure in his field.
"On someone’s worst day, I want to be the person they turn to for help.”