With over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, Tech Center instructor of Criminal Justice, Mark Lytle is no stranger to the complexities and challenges of the field. His extensive career has spanned multiple departments, including the Saugatuck Douglas Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and Allegan County Sheriff's Office. Through various roles such as Evidence Technician, Crisis Negotiator, Crash Reconstructionist, Corrections Officer, and Investigator, Lytle has built a well-rounded skill set that allows him to provide students at the Tech Center with a comprehensive view of the industry.
After serving as a Detective for 13 years at the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Lytle retired in 2023. He then worked for the State of Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), where he conducted investigations at facilities and retail shops. However, his passion for law enforcement and concern for the future of the profession led him to the Tech Center, where he now shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
Lytle’s motivation to transition from active law enforcement to teaching stemmed from concerns about the future of the profession. “My motivation derived from the fear of people not wanting to go into law enforcement because of the current atmosphere. If no one pursues this career, what will be the future of law enforcement?” he explains. His goal is to showcase the rewarding aspects of the field and highlight the various career paths available in criminal justice.
Teaching has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for Lytle. “The most rewarding factor is when I can bring my career and life experiences into the classroom and tie those experiences into lessons that will continue to interest the students in the Criminal Justice field,” he shares. By integrating real-world cases and hands-on learning, he keeps students engaged and helps them understand the impact of their potential careers.
Like any educator, Lytle faces challenges, particularly in addressing student behavioral issues and finding ways to connect with them. He tackles these obstacles by building relationships through conversation, learning about students' individual interests, and simply listening. “Providing guidance when needed is key,” he says, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.
Lytle’s teaching approach is heavily influenced by his professional experiences. He brings first-hand investigations into the classroom, explaining real scenarios and how they were handled. This practical application helps students grasp the realities of the job and prepares them for their own careers.
Beyond the classroom, Lytle sees his role as shaping students into responsible and engaged citizens. “I stress the importance of being held to a higher standard in law enforcement and how that can help them even if they choose a different career path.” He believes that strong employability skills and a sense of pride in their community can lead students to contribute meaningfully to local businesses and organizations.
He is a firm advocate of "homegrown" employment, emphasizing the benefits of hiring students who grew up in the community. “If you live here, have family here, and have ties to this community, you’re more likely to take pride in working in your home community,” he explains.
For those considering a career in law enforcement, Lytle has simple yet powerful advice: “A law enforcement career can provide fantastic life experiences. Helping someone in their darkest moments and being their first line of assistance is one of the most rewarding feelings.” He underscores the endless opportunities within the field and the importance of being a source of hope for those in need.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Lytle remains humble. “I am not a believer in leaving a legacy. I would just like to know that I have assisted a student in bettering themselves and the community they live in.”
Through his dedication to education and law enforcement, Mark Lytle is not only preparing students for successful careers but also shaping the future of criminal justice in his community.