Mark Laird
Phoenix
Summary
Accomplished Detective Sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department, skilled in criminal investigations and stakeholder collaboration. Proven track record in managing complex cases and enhancing team performance through effective training and mentorship. Adept at analytical problem-solving, ensuring thorough investigations that uphold public trust and safety.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Detective Sergeant, Adult Sex Crimes Unit (ASCU)
Phoenix Police Department
08.2022 - Current
- Managed investigations and prepared criminal cases for court.
- Supervised detectives, ensuring compliance with department protocols to maintain investigative integrity.
- Reviewed case files to ensure thoroughness and accuracy of investigations.
- Collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies to share information.
- Communicated proper procedures, judicial processes, and effective strategies for criminal investigations to enhance team performance.
- Offered advice, guidance and leadership to junior detectives.
- Read and evaluated case reports from each detective to assess accuracy and completeness.
- Advised patrol officers on proper handling procedures for evidence collection at crime scenes.
- Reviewed and assessed criminal prosecution information, including search warrants, citations and complaints.
- 24 hour call out experience.
Detective Sergeant, Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)
Phoenix Police Department
06.2020 - 08.2022
- Led investigations into serious crimes, ensuring comprehensive case management.
- Evaluated case reports from detectives to ensure accuracy and completeness for effective case management.
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated subordinate personnel in the performance of investigative techniques.
- Assessed criminal prosecution information, including search warrants, citations, and complaints, to support successful legal proceedings.
- Collaborated with officers to gather evidence and witness statements effectively.
- Coordinated information exchange with law enforcement agencies to enhance collaboration on criminal investigations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of laws governing search and seizure procedures.
- Trained and mentored staff on correct procedures to maximize efficiency and protect public trust.
- 24 hour call out experience
Sergeant, Infrastructure Protection Unit (IPU)
Phoenix Police Department
08.2018 - 06.2020
- Developed security protocols to safeguard facilities and personnel.
- Managed access control systems for secure entry to restricted areas.
- Conducted routine and surprise drills to enable security team members to practice response plans.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders to ensure timely and effective resolution of security incidents.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Trained staff on emergency response procedures and safety practices.
- Oversaw the maintenance of security equipment and surveillance systems.
- Provided subject matter expertise on physical security strategy, conducting site inspections to identify and mitigate risks while implementing security programs.
- Conducted complex and confidential investigations, maintained security records, files and data and evaluated and recommended best physical security systems, software and equipment.
- Oversaw management of emergency events, coordinating response to address physical security needs of employees, facilities, and technology.
- Conducted physical security assessments of facilities to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Created detailed incident reports following any suspicious activity or breach in security protocols.
- Managed the installation of surveillance systems, access control devices, alarms, locks, and other protective equipment.
- Developed strategies for responding to high-risk incidents such as hostage situations or active shooters.
Patrol Sergeant
Phoenix Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Supervised patrol activities, ensuring that laws were enforced in accordance with department policies and procedures.
- Supervised patrol officers during shift operations, enhancing public safety.
- Coordinated response efforts during emergency situations with local agencies, improving community collaboration.
- Implemented community policing strategies to foster trust and engagement with residents.
- Led investigations into criminal activities, gathering evidence and testimonies.
- Mediated conflicts between community members to promote peaceful resolutions.
- Conducted regular inspections of patrol vehicles and equipment for readiness.
- Maintained knowledge of changes in laws and planned alteration of departmental strategies and policies accordingly.
- Reviewed police reports and case files for accuracy and completeness.
Field Training Officer
Phoenix Police Department
02.2016 - 08.2016
- Conducted training sessions for new recruits on police procedures and protocols.
- Developed instructional materials to enhance understanding of law enforcement techniques.
- Evaluated trainee performance through assessments and real-time feedback.
- Collaborated with senior officers to refine training programs and methodologies.
- Facilitated role-playing scenarios to simulate real-life policing situations.
- Mentored trainees, providing guidance and support during their onboarding process.
- Assisted in maintaining training records to ensure compliance with department standards.
- Maintained records of all training activities, including attendance, completion status, feedback forms.
- Evaluated employee performance during exercises and drills to identify areas needing improvement or additional training.
- Identified potential problems that may arise due to lack of knowledge or experience among trainees prior to their deployment in the field environment.
- Reviewed operational documents such as Standard Operating Procedures prior to implementation by trainees in order to ensure accuracy.
- Created written reports summarizing results from assessments and other data collected during field training programs.
- Advised senior management on changes needed within the current training program based on feedback received from trainees.
Activated from United States Army Reserve
United States Army
08.2008 - 10.2009
- Led infantry team during tactical operations and training exercises.
- Trained soldiers on weapons handling and safety protocols.
- Communicated mission objectives clearly to team members and superiors.
- Evaluated team performance through regular feedback sessions, enhancing individual and collective readiness.
- Ensured compliance with military regulations and operational standards.
- Resolved conflicts within the unit to maintain team cohesion and morale.
- Confirmed proper use of communications equipment prior to missions by conducting radio checks.
- Provided guidance and feedback to junior enlisted personnel in order to enhance mission capability.
- Coordinated logistical needs with higher headquarters, ensuring successful execution of operational objectives.
- Conducted pre-combat checks on all assigned personnel before each mission was conducted.
- Monitored team's medical readiness status to ensure compliance with Army standards.
- Performed regular inspections of equipment, vehicles, arms, ammunition, clothing and other supplies.
- Compiled after action reports for each mission, capturing key tactical insights to improve future operations.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were followed during weapons maintenance activities.
- Organized and maintained accountability of sensitive items during deployment.
- Analyzed enemy tactics, techniques and procedures in order to develop effective countermeasures.
Patrol Officer
Phoenix Police Department
05.2006 - 02.2016
- Responded promptly to emergency calls and incidents requiring police intervention.
- Conducted thorough investigations of crimes and collected evidence at crime scenes.
- Issued citations for traffic violations and enforced local laws and ordinances.
- Engaged with community members to foster trust and enhance public safety.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies during joint operations to improve response effectiveness and community safety.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting incidents, arrests, and investigations conducted.
- Assisted in training new officers on policies, procedures, and best practices in policing.
- Responded to radio dispatches regarding disturbances or criminal acts in progress.
- Attended regular training sessions on new law enforcement techniques and procedures.
- Performed first aid during emergency situations.
- Delivered legal documents, including warrants and subpoenas, to intended recipients.
- Developed relationships with members of the community through outreach programs.
- Operated law enforcement equipment and vehicles effectively during patrols and responses.
- Developed relationships with local businesses and stakeholders to strengthen community policing initiatives.
Enlisted Infantry Soldier
United States Army
09.2002 - 07.2005
- Executed mission directives with professionalism and compassion under chaotic and emotionally stressful conditions.
- Maintained and repaired weapons systems, enhancing operational readiness.
- Maintained accountability of assigned equipment and supplies to ensure readiness for operations.
- Displayed leadership in accomplishing assignments and learning new skills.
- Developed expertise in small arms use, care, and accountability.
- Collaborated in small groups to achieve complex goals within tight deadlines and rigorous standards.
- Participated in joint training exercises with allied forces to build relationships between nations.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations while executing operations.
- Operated radio communication equipment for efficient message transmission.
- Monitored radio channels for incoming and outgoing communications.
- Performed routine checks on equipment and ensured that they are working properly at all times.
Event Staff Security
Contemporary Service Corporation
01.1999
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Monitored event entrances and exits for unauthorized access.
- Conducted regular patrols to ensure safety in event areas.
- Assisted guests with inquiries and directed them to appropriate services.
- Collaborated with event staff to maintain security protocols.
- Responded promptly to incidents and escalated issues as necessary.
- Managed crowd control during peak attendance times effectively.
- Implemented emergency response procedures in coordination with local authorities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01-2013
Law Enforcement Technology Certificate -
Rio Salado Community College
Phoenix, AZ01-2006
Arizona POST Certificate - Law Enforcement
Arizona Law Enforcement Academy (ALEA)
Phoenix, AZ05-2005
Military School and Training - U.S. Army Infantry
U.S. Army Infantry One Station Unit Training OSUT
Fort Benning, GA12-2002
Graduate -
Sunnyslope High School
Phoenix, Arizona05-1999
Skills
- Criminal investigations
- Case management
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Investigative analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Operations management
- Performance evaluation
- Team collaboration
- Policy administration
- Analytical skills
- Decision making
- Performance tracking
Previous Work History
- Activated from United States Army Reserve, 2nd Battalion 112th Infantry 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 01/01/08, 12/31/09, Redeployed to Iraq. Conducted full spectrum operations as a member of an infantry squad. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2009. Assigned as an infantry team leader and led a rifle team in combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.
- Enlisted Infantry Soldier, United States Army, Fort Campbell, KY, 01/01/02, 12/31/05, Participated in the initial invasion of Iraq (2003-2004) with the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. Performed duties as a Battle Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) in the Brigade Tactical Operations Center (TOC).
- Event Staff Security, Contemporary Service Corporation, 01/01/99
Professional Memberships
- Phoenix Police Sergeant & Lieutenant Association (PPSLA), Member
- Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), Member
Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation, Phoenix City Clerk, 01/01/19, For overseeing security operations for three City of Phoenix elections.
- Commendation, For arrest of subject involved in an attempted bank robbery, 10/06/15
- Medal of Life Saving, 06/12/15
- Medal of Life Saving, 03/31/15
- Commendation, For arrest of murder suspect, 06/01/13
- Commendation, For assisting in arrest of armed robbery suspect, 03/01/13
- Medal of Life Saving, 01/25/13
- Medal of Life Saving, 01/18/13
- Officer of the Month, Desert Horizon Precinct, 01/01/13
- Commendations, For no use of sick leave
- 2006
- 2008
- 2009
- 2017
- 2019
- 2021
- 2022
- Officer of the Month, Central City Precinct, 01/01/08
- Safe Driver Award
- Commendations/medals, For professionalism and dedication to duty as an active duty infantry soldier in the U.S. Army
Community Service
- Deacon, North Phoenix Baptist Church
- Summer Camp Worker, Church
- Assisted in cleaning up the City of Phoenix North Mountain Park
- Assisted in a neighborhood cleanup, North 21st Street and East Polk Street, Painting over graffiti and picking up trash
Assignment History
- Detective Sergeant, Adult Sex Crimes Unit (ASCU), Phoenix Police Department, 08/22, Present
- Detective Sergeant, Domestic Violence Unit (DVU), Phoenix Police Department, 06/20, 8/22
- Sergeant, Infrastructure Protection Unit (IPU), Phoenix Police Department, 08/18, 06/20
- Patrol Sergeant, Phoenix Police Department, 08/16, 08/18
- Promoted to Sergeant, Phoenix Police Department, 08/16
- Field Training Officer, Phoenix Police Department, 02/16, 08/16
- Patrol Officer, Phoenix Police Department, 05/06, 02/16
Professional Development
- Investigator 'Detective' course, 2019
- Tactical Response Unit (TRU) certified, 2018
- Bicycle School certified, 2019
- Supervisor School, 2016
- Field Training Officer (FTO) school, 2015
- Shotgun certified, 2015
- School Safety Officer certified, 2014
- Camera certified, 2010
- Biological Evidence Collection (DNA) certified, 2010
- Gunshot Residue Collection certified, 2008
Timeline
Detective Sergeant, Adult Sex Crimes Unit (ASCU)
Phoenix Police Department
08.2022 - Current
Detective Sergeant, Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)
Phoenix Police Department
06.2020 - 08.2022
Sergeant, Infrastructure Protection Unit (IPU)
Phoenix Police Department
08.2018 - 06.2020
Patrol Sergeant
Phoenix Police Department
08.2016 - 08.2018
Field Training Officer
Phoenix Police Department
02.2016 - 08.2016
Activated from United States Army Reserve
United States Army
08.2008 - 10.2009
Patrol Officer
Phoenix Police Department
05.2006 - 02.2016
Enlisted Infantry Soldier
United States Army
09.2002 - 07.2005
Event Staff Security
Contemporary Service Corporation
01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - History
Grand Canyon University
Law Enforcement Technology Certificate -
Rio Salado Community College
Arizona POST Certificate - Law Enforcement
Arizona Law Enforcement Academy (ALEA)
Military School and Training - U.S. Army Infantry
U.S. Army Infantry One Station Unit Training OSUT
Graduate -
Sunnyslope High School