Mark Goodman Sworn in as City of Maricopa Chief of Police
Published on March 08, 2023
Since accepting the role as the City of Maricopa’s Chief of Police, Mark Goodman says he has had one goal in mind - to meet and connect with as many residents as possible.
Goodman says he has an open-door policy not only for his staff but the community as well. He wants to ensure everyone is heard so Maricopa can continue to be one of the safest cities in the state of Arizona.
“I firmly believe that people chose to live, send their children to school, establish businesses, and play in cities based on safety,” Goodman says. “Through community partnerships, the Maricopa Police Department will continue to ensure public safety for everyone who works, lives, and plays in this city and will be an integral part of unlocking the full potential of the City of Maricopa.”
Tuesday night, during the city council meeting, Goodman took his oath of office and was sworn in as the Chief of the Maricopa Police Department. Upon moving to Arizona from out-of-state, Goodman had to undergo AZ POST’s waiver process. That process requires officers who served in other states to complete skill and fitness testing, as well as complete a comprehensive exam on everything you need to know to serve as a peace officer. He completed that process at the end of February.
Click here to see photo's from Goodman's testing process
“The Maricopa Police Department has a strong reputation as a professional law enforcement agency, and we are excited to have Chief Goodman’s passion and expertise lead the incredible men and women of MPD,” Mayor Nancy Smith shared.
Goodman spent the last 29 years serving in various capacities with the Pasadena Police Department in California. Most recently, he was a commander. Goodman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, and is a graduate of Class 66 of the POST Command College and Session 283 of the FBI National Academy.
His appointment to Chief of Police in Maricopa continues the legacy of service he came to know growing up. His father was a police officer in his hometown of San Gabriel, California and he fondly remembers the days he got to spend shadowing his father at the police station. He says he wants to ensure the public has access to officers and to him as chief, just as he did growing up.
“The next iteration of community policing requires law enforcement to make deep connections and to build safer neighborhoods and business districts through collaborative partnerships,” Goodman says. “That means my door is always open so we can continue building those partnerships.”