Mark O'Donnell
Monroe,CT
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement leader with extensive experience at the Town of Redding, excelling in community engagement and strategic leadership. Successfully implemented innovative traffic management strategies, enhancing road safety. Proven track record in crisis negotiation and media relations, fostering transparency and trust within the community while maintaining high professionalism.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Police
Town of Redding
07.2018 - 06.2025
- Leveraged social media platforms for effective communication with the public about important safety alerts, events, and department news updates.
- Implemented community-oriented policing initiatives, strengthening trust between officers and citizens.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to ensure officer preparedness, resulting in increased professionalism and performance.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar budget, consistently delivering services within fiscal constraints while maximizing available resources for crime prevention efforts.
- Effectively managed crisis situations utilizing negotiation skills along with tactical command thus mitigating threats posed to public safety.
- Enhanced departmental efficiency with streamlined processes and updated technology systems.
- Promoted transparency and accountability with the implementation of body-worn cameras and regular reporting to the public.
- Created partnerships with local schools to implement anti-bullying programs addressing both physical altercations as well as cyberbullying incidents effectively.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with media outlets, ensuring accurate and transparent coverage of departmental activities at all times.
- Introduced innovative traffic enforcement strategies that reduced motor vehicle accidents thereby enhancing road safety for all users in the jurisdiction.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to respond to security incidents and emergencies.
- Departments Public information officer, duties were weekly news releases, media TV interviews regarding police related incidents. Engaged in numerous public speaking events.
- L.T.A. (Legal Traffic Authority) conduct studies regarding signage, speed bumps, traffic calming procedures, then implementing them on the Town Roads.
- Oversee the completion of the Tier 3 Accreditation process for the Department.
Police Captain /Executive Officer
Town of Redding
08.2010 - 07.2018
- Documented incidents and arrest activities, reviewed written reports and communicated with subordinates to facilitate administrative follow-up.
- Liaised with government, civic and private organizations to promote community safety.
- Approved training and education designed to maintain and improve officer patrol and protective services.
- Handled inquiries and made presentations before various commissions and news outlets.
- Supervised administrative and support functions of non-sworn personnel.
- Examined personnel, facilities and tactics for safety and training.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the police force, encouraging officers to seek out new ways to enhance their skills and better serve the community.
- Mentored junior officers as they developed their skills in leadership roles, guiding future leaders within the organization towards success.
- Enhanced community safety by developing and implementing effective policing strategies.
- Investigated and resolved strategical concerns impacting management and team direction.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through reviews and assessment of metrics, identifying areas for improvement or recognition of outstanding achievements.
- Managed budgetary resources for the efficient operation of the police department, optimizing resource allocation and cost control.
- Scheduled and adjusted duty rosters to achieve efficiency of department operations, functions and actions.
- Developed policies and procedures that increased efficiency while maintaining quality service delivery to the community.
- Oversaw emergency response planning efforts to prepare the department for natural disasters or other critical incidents requiring immediate action.
- Monitored performance of employees and established police requirements.
- Improved officer performance with consistent training programs focused on skill development and professional growth.
- Oversee the vehicle fleet, which included ordering of the vehicles, installation and maintenance.
Police Corporal /Police Sergeant
Town of Redding
07.2002 - 08.2010
- Liaised with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to streamline investigation completion.
- Verified and authenticated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved its integrity for court hearings while testifying under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Effectively rolled out new systems for criminal prosecutorial case logs, crime reports, investigations, suspect records, and operational agendas, resulting in strengthened traceability.
- Conducted investigations for various criminal cases, leading to successful resolutions and convictions.
- Conducted yearly evaluations of patrol officers.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities during stressful situations providing guidance and support to fellow officers.
- Assisted with crime scene processing by collecting evidence meticulously which contributed to solving cases successfully.
- Completed investigations successfully by handling subject, target and witness interviews to verify and corroborate facts.
- Bolstered field contacts, vehicle stops, criminal arrests and traffic citation volumes by successfully managing and monitoring the department and informing others of operational goals.
- Inspected police officers for appearance.
- Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough patrols and responding to incidents promptly.
- Performed traffic enforcement duties, promoting safe driving habits within the community while generating revenue through citations issued for violations.
- Conducted public presentations on topics like personal safety and crime prevention measures building trust between police force and citizens.
- Reviewed police reports thoroughly before submission ensuring accuracy of details leading to fewer discrepancies during investigations.
- Collaborated with police officers at crime scenes and during investigations and documented actions, findings and evidence.
- Improved police response time through efficient coordination with fellow officers and dispatchers.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
- Handled citation and traffic violation paperwork.
Police Officer
Town of Redding
07.1985 - 07.2002
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
- Effectively diffused potentially dangerous situations through verbal negotiation techniques before escalating force was necessary.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive policing and community engagement.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
- Trained new officers on department policies and procedures, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Testified effectively in court, contributing to successful prosecutions of offenders.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Enforced traffic laws diligently, promoting road safety and reducing accident rates.
- Responded immediately to reports of automobile accidents and criminal activity, calling for additional support as necessary.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation, ensuring proper evidence handling and information sharing among relevant parties.
- Conducted preliminary investigations at scenes of major crimes.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Assisted in the development of crime prevention strategies, resulting in safer neighborhoods.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Was the Department's Youth Officer from 1986 to 1991.
Education
No Degree - Computer Programming
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT08-1982
Skills
- Law enforcement expertise
- Community engagement
- Media relations
- Tactical operations
- Strategic leadership
- Special events coordination
- Labor relations
- Internal affairs
- School safety
- Traffic management
- Community relations
- Traffic control
- Records maintenance
- Staff discipline
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Internal investigations
- Strategic planning
- Professionalism
Accomplishments
Police Officer From July 1985 to June 2025
Youth Officer
First Line Supervisor Training - Connecticut Police Academy - 2003
Middle Management Training - Connecticut Police Academy - 2010.
Fairfield County Detective School - 1987.
American Red Cross Life Saving Award - 2009.
Connecticut Distinguished Police Chief Award - 2021.
Multiple Commendations, Outstanding Performance Awards(Department Evaluations) Exceptional Leadership, Multiple Leader of appreciation letter from citizens regarding good conduct.
Certification
- CFR - Certified First Responder.
- POSTC Certified Police Officer.
- Internal Affairs Investigation through the Daigle Law Group.
- Public leadership through Valor.
- Vice President of the Police Union.
- LTA ( Legal Traffic Authority ) through the Department of Transportation.
- Fairfield County Detective Certified.
American Red Cross Life saving Award
On 2009, I was on patrol as a duty Sergeant, Officer Signore and I were Dispatched to a residence for an unconscious / not breathing 74 year old men.
Upon arrival we entered the residence and found the male not breathing slumped over in a reclining chair. We took him out of the chair placed him on the floor and starting doing two person CPR / Rescue Breathing.
The patient eventually started breathing on his own as EMS personnel arrived and took over and eventually transported him the Hospital.
Timeline
Chief of Police
Town of Redding
07.2018 - 06.2025
Police Captain /Executive Officer
Town of Redding
08.2010 - 07.2018
Police Corporal /Police Sergeant
Town of Redding
07.2002 - 08.2010
Police Officer
Town of Redding
07.1985 - 07.2002
No Degree - Computer Programming
Sacred Heart University
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