Faces in the News: Mark E. Talbot Sr., Reading deputy police chief

Position: Deputy chief, Reading police department.

Why he’s in the news: Talbot often takes a lead role in high-profile criminal cases.

Personal: Born in 1970 in West Chester; grew up in the Chester County town of Lincoln University. Wife, Brenda; children, Michael, Mark Jr., Jasmine, Christopher and Jada.

Resume: Correctional officer at Chester County Prison, 1990-94; hired by the Reading police department as a patrol officer in 1994, position he held until 2002; patrol sergeant, 2002-03; investigations sergeant, 2003-05; vice section lieutenant, 2005-07; deputy chief, 2007-to present. Currently pursuing a degree in organizational leadership at Penn State.

Interests away from work: Avid weight lifter who loves to read.

What have you learned from your job?: “I’ve been doing consulting work for the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute for a couple of years. That has given me the opportunity to work with police officers and supervisors from all over the country. Based on those experiences, I’m confident that Reading has some of the most talented and committed police officers anywhere.”

What is the most difficult part of your job?: “Police work is all-consuming. Your entire life doesn’t revolve around the job. Your entire life becomes the job. To commit yourself to this profession means that everything else takes a back seat.”

Why did you become a policeman?: “Being a police officer was a childhood dream. Like most cops, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Accomplishments: “Later this year I will be one of a handful of police executives that will be training leaders from the Camden, N.J., police department in the style of police operations and management that we practice in Reading.

Something people might be surprised to know about you: “I would rather read a book than watch a professional sporting event.”

Your guiding principles: “In the book ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins, he describes what he calls the ‘Stockdale Paradox.’ The Stockdale Paradox is a mind-set that says to be successful you must always be willing to accept the brutal facts of reality, while at the same time have an unwavering faith that you will prevail in the end. I try to live my personal and professional life with that in mind.”

What have you learned in your job as deputy police chief: “One of the biggest challenges in law enforcement is responsibly policing an urban environment. The social, economic and structural issues that many cities struggle with seem to be aligned perfectly against helping to create a safe and prosperous community. Despite those brutal facts, we will continue to work to make the city of Reading a great place to live. At my current rank it is clear to me that the police must take a leadership role in public safety, but our success will be uncertain at best without the support and confidence of the citizens.”

Who has been the most influential person in your career?: “Chief (William M.) Heim has been a tremendous friend and mentor for the past several years. He’s influenced my thinking about policing more than anyone.”

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