David Marks on Blogger: October 2019

Friday, October 4, 2019

Role of Island county substance abuse prevention coalition

Alcoholic Substance
Photo by Charles "Duck" Unitas on Unsplash

Officer David Marks is an accomplished law enforcement officer with hands-on leadership skills that have enabled him to transform the police department and drive policy formulation. He is a graduate of criminal justice studies from Highline Community College. He was until recently, the police chief of Langley Police Department where he was in charge of supervision, oversight, compliance, and outreach. During his tenure, officer David Marks outfitted police patrol cars with AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator). He is a two-time recipient of the Mayor’s Excellence Award and founding member of Island County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

The Island County Substance Abuse Prevention brings together a group of concerned citizens who working unison to fight substance abuse in Island County, Washington. The organization consists of medical law enforcement experts, as well as other concerned citizens who attend regular meetings to discuss and implement strategies as well as appeal to citizens to live healthy lifestyles, free from harmful substances or alcohol. Meetings are held from 1-2 pm every 4th Wednesday of the month in the Commissioner’s Board Room in Coupeville and are also open to the public. They bring together citizens, parents, business owners, county leaders, and prevention specialists among others.

Island County Substance Abuse Prevention has been deeply involved in the research. They organize the collection of key information about substance abuse, treatment, law enforcement and community approaches to intervention. Members also have the responsibility of attending meetings summoned by Island County leaders, to share about their experiences so far, and the impacts of drugs on young people within the community.

About David Marks

An Island County Substance Abuse Coalition founding member, Officer David Marks most recently served as chief of police with the City of Langley in Washington. In this role, he oversaw all daily operations of the police department, including the armory, evidence department, and law enforcement vehicles. Officer David Marks was also responsible for ensuring that all department staff members were properly trained and performing above standard.

Mr. Marks was responsible for equipping all patrol cars with automated external defibrillators, which saved lives in many instances, and with Naloxone, a medication used for rapidly reversing opioid overdose. He was recognized with the Mayor’s Excellence Award on two occasions, one for solving a burglary and one for overall excellence in departmental leadership.

Mr. Marks gained early experience as a correctional officer with the Washington State Department of Corrections supervising inmates at the McNeil Island correctional facility. He was tasked with responding to emergencies within the prison and enforcing order. In addition to controlling inmate movements, he assisted in offender counseling and rehabilitation activities.