Mark Helms is a seasoned law enforcement executive and trusted advisor specializing in sensitive workplace investigations, police misconduct and discipline, and executive-level public safety consulting. He brings a rare combination of command experience, investigative expertise, and strategic leadership to politically sensitive matters requiring confidentiality, independence, and sound judgment.  

As an MRG-affiliated consultant, Mark is a licensed Private Investigator and Qualified Manager (BSIS License No. 190101) and provides workplace investigations, background checks, executive recruitments, and law enforcement practice review located out of Folsom.   

Over a distinguished 26-year career with the Stockton Police Department, Mark rose to the rank of Deputy Chief, overseeing all major bureaus and operations. He led multidisciplinary investigations into officer-involved shootings and evaluated numerous workplace investigations in one of California’s most challenging policing environments. 

As the Chief of Police for the City of Lodi, he modernized internal affairs processes, introduced data-driven crime reduction strategies, and led a coordinated citywide response to homelessness. He also served on the Board of Directors for the California Police Chiefs Association and as President of the Central Sierra Police Chiefs’ Association. 

Following his municipal service, Mark joined UC Davis Health, where he conducted complex workplace investigations across clinical and non-clinical settings, delivered workplace violence prevention training, and chaired an executive committee on crisis intervention. 

Mark was subsequently recruited to the California Health and Human Services Agency, serving as Training Manager and Special Consultant within the Office of Law Enforcement Support (OLES), which investigates police operations in the State Hospitals and Development Services systems. There, he led POST certification efforts, conducted sensitive intra-office investigations, and authored an executive-level reorganization plan approved at the highest levels of state government. 

Mark holds a B.A. in Management from Saint Mary’s College and an MPA with distinction from California State University, Stanislaus. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and POST Law Enforcement Command College.