Mark French has served the citizens of Manhattan and Riley County since July 15, 1996. He is a graduate of The University of Louisville, holding a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning. Captain French currently serves as the Jail Commander.
In July 1999, French was transferred to the Investigations Division where he worked until his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in January 2000. After his promotion, French was designated as the department’s Intelligence Officer and served in that capacity until August 2003 when he was reassigned to the Patrol Division as the North County Supervisor.
He was eventually re-assigned to the Investigations Division where he was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in May of 2009. During his time in Investigations, French supervised the Repeat Offender Program and case detectives. In June 2015, he was selected to serve in the Office of the Director as the Internal Affairs Officer. French eventually returned to the Patrol Division where he has served as a Shift Commander on various shifts.
Captain French has served RCPD in many capacities throughout his career and has always been placed at the point of friction, whether walking the streets of Aggieville, patrolling the rural communities in Riley County, or investigating narcotics offenses throughout the community. He is well known for his keen mind and outstanding de-escalation skills.
Captain French was pinned as Captain by his father, retired RCPD Assistant Director Steve French.