Pasadena Police Commander Goodman Appointed Police Chief in Maricopa, Arizona

Pasadena Police Commander Mark Goodman has been hired as police chief of the Maricopa Police Department in Arizona. 

Goodman has held several positions in the Pasadena Police Department. He will take command of the Maricopa department on Jan. 23.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the Pasadena community and my fellow department members for over 28 years,” Goodman told Pasadena Now on Monday. “The department has always been at the forefront of community policing, and I have been very lucky to have as colleagues and mentors people who invested time in both my personal and professional growth.  For that I will be forever grateful.”

Interim Police Chief Jason Clawson said Goodman has been an asset to the City of Pasadena and its residents for more than 28 years. 

“He has made a positive impact throughout his career in both his professional and personal performance and held public safety in the highest regards,” Clawson said. “He set a standard of excellence and never wavered from putting community caretaking at the forefront of his creed. I personally thank him for his time on the frontlines of this profession as Maricopa, Arizona has  procured a highly qualified leader. I wish him the best and godspeed!”    

Goodman was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley and attended Temple City High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State LA. He joined the Pasadena Police Department in 1994 and was assigned to Patrol Division.

In 1999, Goodman was promoted to Corporal and was assigned to the Police Department’s Detective Section and continued to work his way up in the department, He was promoted to Police Commander in 2020 and has worked in every division of the Police Department.

Goodman holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, and is a graduate of Class 66 of the POST Command College and Session 283 of the FBI National Academy.

In an inMaricopa poll, 63.6 percent of respondents agreed with the choice and felt Goodman’s resume is solid and they’re excited to see him step into the job.

“I have had the opportunity to put into practice the principles and tenets of 21st Century Policing in a real and meaningful way,” Goodman said. “Success is a team effort, and I thank everyone who supported me throughout my career at the Pasadena Police Department.  I will miss the city and all of the opportunity it has provided, and look forward to the next chapter in my life and that of my family in Maricopa, Arizona.”