Mark E Bridges

Use of Force Expert Witness

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Mark Bridges is the Training Lieutenant at the Southern View Police Department and retired as a Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department (Illinois) after 26 years of distinguished service. During his tenure, he held various leadership roles, including Commander of the Gang Enforcement Unit, Team Leader of the Emergency Response Team, and Commander of the Mobile Field Force Unit. He also served as Assistant Homeland Security Director, a member of the Illinois Incident Management Team, and Director of the Springfield Police Academy, among other key assignments. Mark’s instructional credentials are extensive. He holds certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, Perceived Unusual Behavior Events instruction, de-escalation, advanced hostage rescue, ground escape and control, edged weapons defense, and prone restraint. He also serves as a Staff Instructor for PPCT Management Systems. Mark’s academic achievements include graduating from the FBI National Academy, the Northwestern Traffic Institute School of Police Staff and Command, and the Western Illinois Executive Institute. He also earned a master’s degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University. Certifications & Specialized Training: Force Science Analysis Certification FBI National Academy Graduate Illinois Law Enforcement Officer Certification Illinois Concealed Carry Weapons Instructor Prone Analyst, Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths ALERRT Active Shooter Train-the-Trainer Tactical Medical Instructor PPCT Tactical Firearms & Defensive Tactics Instructor including knife defense, ground escape and avoidance Incident Command System (ICS) 300 & 400 Instructor SWAT & Hostage Rescue Instructor High-Risk Vehicle Stops Instructor De-Escalation & Crisis Management Instructor Firearms Instructor (NRA, Sig, Glock, State Certified) Mounted Pistol Optics Instructor Publications & Research Recognizing and Responding to Perceived Unusual Behavior – ILEETA Winter Journal 2025 Community Policing and the Springfield Police Department – master’s Thesis, Western Illinois University Immediate Incapacitation: Targeting the Hip and Pelvis Structure in Deadly Force Engagements (PPCT Staff Project) Teaching & Instruction Experience: Law Enforcement Academies & Training Centers Springfield Police Academy Lincoln Land Police Training Center Law Enforcement Training and Advisory Commission West Central Illinois Criminal Justice Commission Illinois Fire Safety Institute (Incident Command) University of Illinois – Regional Institute of Community Policing Adjunct Instructor Lincoln Land Community College (Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Courses) University of Illinois (Incident Command & Ethics Courses) Training Programs Developed: Duty to Intervene Understanding & Responding to Agitated Chaotic Events Officer Survival Schools (Police Survival: Any Time, Any Place) Traffic Stops & Crimes in Progress Building Searches & Tactical Deployment Heart of the Servant – Community policing training for recruits Professional Associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths ILEETA National Tactical Officers Association Fraternal Order of Police, Springfield Command Staff Awards & Recognitions: Illinois Police Association Distinguished Law Enforcement Award Springfield Optimist Club Respect for Law Enforcement Award Springfield Police Department – Multiple commendations for valor, rescue, and community policing initiatives Boys & Girls Club Outstanding Supporter – Heart of the Servant Program Key Areas of Expertise: Police Use of Force Homeland Security & Incident Command Expert Witness & Trial Testimony Officer-Involved Shootings Investigations Leadership & Law Enforcement Supervision Field Training & Police Academy Management SWAT, Tactical Operations, & Active Shooter Response Policy Development & Internal Affairs Investigations