Mark Mease

Candidate
for Sheriff

Haywood County

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Biography & Law Enforcement Experience

Mark Mease has dedicated his professional life to protecting and serving the citizens of Haywood County. As a current narcotics investigator with the Cherokee Indian Police Department, Mark brings over 24 years of comprehensive law enforcement experience to his candidacy. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent commitment to public safety and a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing our community. Throughout his career, Mark has pursued advanced training in multiple disciplines critical to modern law enforcement.

24 Years
in Law Enforcement

4
Core Training Areas

Multi-agency
drug unit experience

Mark holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He is married with two children, seven grandchildren, and has been a native of Haywood County, giving him a personal stake in the community’s well-being. Mark is a farmer, carrying on multiple generations of this tradition. He loves the land and the animals he raises.

DEA Narcotics Investigations

Specialized training in evidence collection, case building, and prosecutorial preparation, ensuring investigations meet the highest standards of legal scrutiny.

Community Policing

Trained in the Implementation of community-oriented policing strategies that foster trust between law enforcement and the populations they serve.

Clandestine Drug Lab Training

Specialized clandestine drug lab training at the state and federal levels.

Leadership Development

Extensive management training focused on departmental administration, officer development, and strategic resource allocation.

Cross-Agency Partnership

Recognizing that criminal activity doesn’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, Mark was a member of the multi-agency drug unit that was established by the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Waynesville Police Department, Canton Police Department, and Maggie Valley Police Department. This brought together resources and expertise from multiple agencies to address drug trafficking comprehensively.

Track record and achievements

Mark Mease’s distinguished career in law enforcement is marked by numerous achievements that demonstrate his effectiveness, dedication, and innovative approach to public safety. His record shows his ability to deliver measurable results while fostering relationships that strengthen the fabric of our community.

Policy Priorities and Vision

Mark Mease’s comprehensive approach to law enforcement leadership is built on a foundation of community engagement, active hands-on leadership, and operational excellence. If elected Sheriff, he will implement a strategic plan focused on these key priorities:

Transparency at every level

“My vision for the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office is centered on proactive leadership, community partnership, and innovative approaches to the challenges we face. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and community, and as your Sheriff, I will work tirelessly to make that a reality.”

— Mark Mease

Aggressive Drug Enforcement

Re-establish a specialized multi-agency Narcotics Enforcement Unit with dedicated resources and advanced training to target drug trafficking networks operating in our county systematically.

  • Increase K-9 units trained in narcotics detection
  • Partner with community health resources for prevention and treatment
  • Become a more visible presence in communities

Develop a county-wide emergency response team

Mark will work with other law enforcement agencies within the county, along with Fire Departments, EMS, and SAR, to develop an Emergency Response team that trains together to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, as well as searches and complex incidents that affect our county as well as surrounding counties.

Transparent Community Policing

Create a culture of accountability and accessibility throughout the department, ensuring all community members are treated with dignity and respect.

  • Publish regular performance metrics and incident data
  • Establish a citizen advisory council for policy review
  • Conduct regular community meetings to discuss and address issues unique to each community within Haywood County

Mark’s approach to community engagement recognizes that public safety is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and citizens. By creating multiple opportunities for meaningful interaction and collaboration, he aims to establish a sheriff’s office that is genuinely responsive to the community’s needs and concerns.

Youth Engagement Programs

Building positive relationships with young people is critical to long-term community safety. Mark’s youth initiatives will include:

  • Re-establish the Sheriff’s Summer Camp. 
  • School-based educational presentations on internet safety, substance abuse, and positive decision-making
  • Reestablish the Sheriff’s Office Explorer program to provide opportunities for teens interested in law enforcement careers to ride along with deputies. 

Neighborhood Watch Support

Mark will revitalize and expand the county’s Neighborhood Watch program through:

  • Dedicated coordinator position within the Sheriff’s Office
  • Training and resources for volunteer watch captains
  • Regular communication channels between watches and patrol 

Community & Family

Mark Mease believes that effective law enforcement requires strong community partnerships and ongoing dialogue with residents. His community engagement plan focuses on creating multiple avenues for citizen participation, information sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

Get in touch

If you need a press bio or additional details on training and case work, email us.

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