Dr. Robert Girod earned a Ph.D. in Criminology and Public Administration, J.D. in Law, a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership, a M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, a B.A. in Sociology, a B.G.S. in Social & Behavioral Science, an A.S. in Criminal Justice, and a diploma in Forensic Science. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, the U.S. Marine Corps Command & Staff College, and the U.S. Air Force Squadron Officer's School.

Dr. Girod is an attorney-at-law and an Assistant Professor of Criminology & Intelligence Analysis at Indiana State University. He has been a professor or adjunct at 11 other universities and has authored seven books. He served as a Major in the Indiana Guard Reserve and a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Dr. Girod retired from the Fort Wayne Police Department and served as a Special Deputy for the United States Marshal's Service. Prior to this he served with the Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana University Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Indiana Department of Insurance, and Wells County Prosecutor's Office. Afterwards he served with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Latty-Haviland Police Departments (OH), Allen County Police Department (IN), and as interim Police Chief of the Kanawha Police Department (IA).