Prior to joining the police department in August of 1980, Mark Anderson was a deputy sheriff on the Laramie County Sheriff's Department in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Anderson's initial assignment with the West Palm Beach Police Department was in uniformed patrol, where he served for five years. For much of that time, Anderson was a Field Training Officer (FTO), and was responsible for the initial training of several dozen "rookie" officers. In 1985, he transferred to the CID, where he took an interest in the investigation of violent crimes. For a majority of his career, Captain Anderson worked his way through the ranks as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant specializing in homicide cases, other forms of violent criminal offenses, and the investigation of deadly force by officers. Captain Anderson is a state-certified criminal justice instructor. He has taught numerous courses at the local police academy and other sites around the state, specializing in violent crime/unusual death investigative procedures and the investigation of deadly force by law enforcement officers. Appointed to his current rank in 2004, Captain Anderson was placed in charge of the Internal Affairs Unit, which reports directly to the Chief of Police for issues pertaining to misconduct complaints involving department personnel. A more comprehensive explanation of the Internal Affairs function is contained within the “Profiles” section of this website. Captain Anderson holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University (Miami, Florida) and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Lynn University, located in Boca Raton. Captain Anderson is a veteran of the United States Air Force, for which he served as a military police specialist at several air bases both inside and outside the United States.