The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s race is underway. Incumbent Sheriff Keybo Taylor, who made history with his nearly 60% victory in 2020, is defending his elected position. One challenger, Mr. Joseph Mark, has been criticized by Gwinnett voters for claims about his law enforcement background, which has been touted by the candidate on the campaign trail. Mark, one of several contenders in the race, has faced questions after it was discovered he never held an official position as a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer. Questions have emerged regarding the veracity of his law enforcement claims, which could have implications for his candidacy, particularly following an Open Records request to GA-P.O.S.T., where it was discovered that Mark has never been a certified police officer through the agency. After reviewing more information, Fulton Watch was able to determine that Mark is a bail bondsman and has worked as a bounty hunter, occasionally aiding in the arrest of individuals who may have illuded authorities. Mark also served in the military as a military patrolman. According to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, the U.S. military, including military police, is prohibited from being used as a domestic police force. After reviewing information from an Open Records request from February 2024, it shows the candidate for sheriff lacks certifications and employment history as a certified P.O.S.T. officer but did complete 11 hours of civilian safety training over a 2-year period. One concerned Gwinnett County resident, Megan S. said, “This really bothers me. When I first heard him say that he has over 20 years in law enforcement, I assumed, just like everyone else, he was referring to being an actual police officer”.
As elected officials in Georgia rebuild their trust with voters and the voting process, residents are paying close attention to the details. A recent statewide poll conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, in collaboration with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, shows voters are losing confidence in Georgia law enforcement overall. Poll results highlighted that only 33% of respondents expressed some confidence in law enforcement, while 23% expressed a significant level of confidence. Moreover, 20% of the respondents conveyed very little confidence.
P.O.S.T provided the following response when Fulton Watch asked about Joseph Mark’s law enforcement background:
Officer Certifications: None Found
Instructor Certifications: None Found
Employment History: None Found
Sanctions: None Found
Investigations: None Found
It was noted in the record that Joseph Mark did take civilian training in Tactical First Aid, Precision Immobilization Technique, and Legislative and Case Law Update 2021 (GPSTC ONLINE)
Joseph Mark did provide us with a response and a military picture, which Fulton Watch has provided in full.
“Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my background and contributions to law enforcement. With over 13 years of comprehensive experience across military and local law enforcement sectors with the remaining 25 years in private business ownership in the law enforcement industry/sector. My career began as a Military Police Patrol Officer in the United States Army. During my tenure, I worked as a Patrol Officer answering traditional calls for service, SWAT, and Military Police Investigations where I collaborated extensively with the Colorado Springs Police Department and the German Police while stationed in Germany. I worked on numerous investigations and made several arrests, especially during the late 90s when military bases were accessible to the public, leading to several multi-jurisdictional efforts. Among my contributions were assistance in several high-profile arrests. While deployed to Bosnia I worked on a team that investigated and located persons suspected of War Crimes.
Following my military service, I returned to Georgia and transitioned to a career as a bail enforcement agent & a state-licensed investigator, during which I worked in close partnership with 7 different metro Atlanta Sheriff’s Offices. My team and I were responsible for over 1,800 arrests, with only 5 use-of-force incidents over an 8-year period. I do in fact have a POST training record that goes back to 2014. Furthermore, I hold certifications in Firearms Instruction, SWAT, and am nearing completion of my E.O.T. for Georgia POST. I have approximately 16 hours remaining of GA Criminal Law and the Governor’s Initiative classes. Additionally, I am the proprietor of a federal military contracting firm that provides training globally to law enforcement and Military units, an endeavor that has facilitated collaborations with federal bodies such as the ATF, FBI, and DEA.
While some may view my career path as unconventional, I believe it positions me uniquely, enabling me to analyze situations from various perspectives thanks to my experiences. My limited duration in a singular local law enforcement agency ensures my independence from any obligations of reciprocation or concealment, which could compromise my integrity. As I enter this election, I am committed to assembling a team of the highest caliber, aiming to set the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office as a leading example in national law enforcement standards.”
Photo provided by Joseph Mark
Fulton Watch reached out to Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor for comment about his
opponent and the claims made. Sheriff Taylor has not responded to our inquiry.
K.C. Cobb, Sr. Writer & Staff Editor
Feature photos: Provided from “Joseph Mark for Sheriff” Facebook.
