Mark Stephens

About Mark Stephens

Mark Stephens is a seasoned law enforcement and security professional with more than 25 years of experience in public safety, investigations, and critical infrastructure protection. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and has completed advanced coursework toward an MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University. A Tier 1 certified law enforcement officer through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), Stephens graduated from the MCSD Academy (1994), ILEA (1996), and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Academy (2014).Throughout his early career, Stephens held assignments in investigations, instruction, and executive protection, demonstrating a strong ability to lead under pressure. As a Field Training Officer and ILEA-certified State Law Enforcement Instructor, he developed and delivered training in physical tactics and expandable baton use. His expertise extended to specialized roles as an X-ray bomb detection technician, explosives specialist, and FBI-trained hostage negotiator. While serving as a Special Agent with the Railroad Police, Stephens earned certification as an environmental crimes investigator, emphasizing his commitment to comprehensive threat mitigation across diverse operational domains.Transitioning into leadership within the critical infrastructure sector, Stephens oversaw security and reliability operations for Duke Energy and AES, managing teams across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. His work safeguarding the NERC-regulated electrical grid included developing layered security protocols and ensuring regulatory compliance for generation, transmission, and distribution networks vital to national security and economic stability. His approach—integrating law enforcement methodology with technical risk management—has been pivotal in preventing disruptions and strengthening infrastructure resilience.Currently serving as Assistant Chief of Police for the State of Indiana, Stephens continues to champion innovation in public safety. His leadership emphasizes technology-driven policing, collaborative partnerships, and continuous improvement in service delivery. Recognized by his Chief as a \"great philosopher and man of all knowledge,\" Stephens’ career reflects visionary leadership, tactical expertise, and a lifelong commitment to protecting communities and critical systems across the nation.

Experience

1. Assistant Chief of Police

   State of Indiana

   Oct 2025 — Present · IN, US

   Assistant Chief of Police - Law Enforcement - “ILEA ‘Tier 1’ Sworn and Certified”As Assistant Chief, I serve as the primary strategic partner and operational executor for the Chief of Police. My role is centered on translating the Chief\'s vision into effective, day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless execution across diverse activities and events. I maintain the readiness and authority to act independently in the Chief\'s absence or when leading critical, delegated areas. I thrive on managing dynamic responsibilities, providing stable leadership, and supporting the overarching mission of the department.Community and external relations support — Assist in serving as a liaison with the public, media, other agencies, and community groups; help handle citizen complaints, support community relations initiatives, and serve as a spokesperson on law enforcement matters when designated.Operational assistance and coordination — Provide support in departmental direction by assisting with planning, organizing, and coordinating daily operations and activities, including oversight of assigned divisions or bureaus.Policy and goal assistance — Assist in establishing, implementing, and managing departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities to support effective law enforcement and crime prevention.Personnel management support — Participate in departmental hiring, training, evaluations, promotions, and discipline; assist with assignments, duty performance appraisals, and the development of training programs.Assist in directing law enforcement activities, including patrol, investigations, crime prevention, traffic control, and response to emergencies; may oversee specific operational units or respond to major incidents.

Education

• Perry Meridian High School

  High School Diploma

• Indiana University Indianapolis

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Criminal Justice/Police Science

  1991 — 1995

• Indiana University Indianapolis

  Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice/Police Science

  1998 — 2002