About the Author

BIO: Mark L. Whitman, Ph.D. Social and Behavioral Science Alfred State College

Dr. Mark Whitman has been a life-long trainer and more recently a professor in Criminal Justice in higher education. He asserts “Therefore, education is a process to provide a blend of experience, skill, reality, and training coupled with creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness by student and educator alike in order to prepare the student to enter a high speed and at times volatile occupation with change as a key stable sewn throughout the fabric of the system. Paramount to this goal is the reintroduction of critical thinking to our students.”

An experienced professional with over 28 years as a Police Chief/Police Commissioner in a near 40 year law enforcement career and 20 years (Full-Time and Adjunct) in higher education he is credited with a strong track record of achievement in improving communities and reducing crime. He has key noted or has been the lead presenter in leadership training, specifically, “Surviving with Honor.” He has done so from the premise that “We begin at Excellence and we move toward perfection collectively.”

He has served fellow law enforcement professionals in leadership roles as the President of the NYS Association of Chiefs of Police and on the Executive Board of the International Association of Chiefs of Police as the Chair of the State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Dr. Whitman, then Chief Whitman served as the Chair of the NYS Municipal Police Training Council during the introduction of the Americans with Disability Act. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. The only lottery he had ever won was the U.S. Military Draft. He was selected as the Field First in his training company. He completed Non-Commissioned Officer training during Basic Training and served his time at the United States Army Retraining Brigade, Ft. Riley, KS, a military work release correctional facility.

Dr. Whitman received numerous training certifications during his long law enforcement career and was a certified police trainer. His formal education includes:

Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

Ph.D. in Public Safety Leadership (2013) – Graduate with Distinction

Alfred University Alfred, NY

M.P.S. in Community Service Administration (1980)

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

B.A.S. in Social Science (1972)

Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY

Associates Degree in Police Science (1971)

Graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy 165th and Law Enforcement Executive Development 43rd Class.

He chose to complete his lifelong goal of achieving his Ph.D. rather than to pursue another position. He did so, and has put on paper those items of concern for the reader to unpack their personal capabilities. In most personal situations there resides a leader from within; it is important that the reader discovers that person.