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Mark Smith began his career at the Jackson Police Department as a Patrol Officer on May 5, 1980. In July of 1997 he transferred to the Metro Narcotics Unit as an Investigator.  

During Inv. Smith tenure in the Narcotics Unit he was instrumental in implenting the drug detection canines at the department.  Inv. Smith trained to become a K-9 handler and his K-9 partner Boney worked as the department's first drug detection dog until Boney's untimely death which prompted Inv. Smith to train another K-9 partner named Missy.  

Inv. Smith and his K-9 partners worked for many years together not only conducting searches for arrest purposes but also as demonstrations for schools, civic and community organizations and churches.  Inv. Smith and his K-9 partners attended numerous training courses to keep the K-9s certified.  Inv. Smith and the K-9s received numerous letters of appreciation and commendation for their service to the community.  Inv. M. Smith was also voted the Jackson Police Department's Employee of The Month in February of 2000. 

Inv. Mark Alan Smith retired from the Jackson Police Department on February 21, 2009 after over 28 years of service with the department.