At Mark43, we don’t just build technology for first responders — we invest in the people who bring those solutions to life. That includes team members with firsthand experience in the field, like Banning Sweatland.
Banning joined Mark43 just over a year ago, bringing nearly two decades of law enforcement experience. Now, he plays a key role in helping agencies across the country adopt technology built for today and tomorrow’s challenges.
We asked Banning to reflect on his journey — from a career in law enforcement to his current role at Mark43. Here are his key takeaways:
From the Field to the Front Lines of Innovation
My career in public service began in the Marine Corps followed by 21 years in law enforcement. I held a range of roles throughout my policing career, including patrol, canine work, and investigations, along with leadership positions across departments from patrol commander to interim administration roles. These roles gave me insight into how agencies operate at every level, from overseeing jail operations to addressing the challenges of under-resourced departments.
One of the most defining chapters of my career began in the K-9 unit. On the first day of training, I was seriously injured by the dog I had been assigned — an incident that required emergency surgery to save my arm. After a long recovery, I returned to the field with a new partner: a black Labrador named Mary Jane. Over the next nine years, we led the state of Texas in narcotics seizures through vehicle interdiction work, finishing first in the state for four consecutive years.
Experiences like that shaped how I approach service. While my role has evolved from working in the field to driving innovation through technology, that commitment to service hasn’t changed.
Redefining Service — Without the Badge
Making the move to Mark43 wasn’t about leaving public safety — it was about reimagining what public service can be.
I first learned about Mark43 through a trusted network of public safety professionals. After nearly two decades in the field, I knew I couldn’t get behind any platform without seeing it in action for myself.
Mark43 delivered. They gave me the full demo experience and treated me like a customer. I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I know about this when I was still on the job?” Everything I saw reflected the values and promises the company stands by and that’s exactly why I stand behind it today.
Now, I help public safety agencies explore whether Mark43 is the right fit for their department. With a background in law enforcement and a network of over 30,000 public safety professionals on LinkedIn, I focus on making real connections. Whether online or in-person meetings with command staff, I work to ensure agencies feel heard and supported.
I understand the skepticism that can come with hearing directly from a tech company – which is why I prioritize learning about the realities each agency faces. Once a conversation starts with someone who’s walked in their shoes, that wall and hesitation come down.
Staying Grounded in the Mission
Even after nearly 22 years in law enforcement, my purpose remains the same: supporting those who continue to serve.
I’ve seen the mental toll public safety work can take. While the average person might experience two or three traumatic events in their lifetime, officers can face that in a single week. And it’s not just the incidents. It’s constantly reliving them through reports, footage reviews, and courtroom preparation.
Mark43 helps alleviate some of that burden. The platform is simple, efficient, and intuitive, making it easier for officers to complete reports and access information without remaining stuck in those difficult moments longer than necessary.
To have a voice in this community is a privilege — and I use it to advocate for a future where public safety is safer, stronger, and more sustainable for those still on the front lines.
The Culture That Sets Us Apart
What stands out to me the most about Mark43 is the culture. It’s what I’d describe as a melting pot — a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets all working toward the same mission. Approximately 25% of Mark43 employees are former law enforcement or veterans, bringing firsthand experience that shapes how we build and deliver technology to agencies around the world.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for What’s Possible
Public safety technology is evolving rapidly, and I truly believe Mark43 is the best CAD and RMS provider on the market. We were born in the cloud — which means we’re built for constant innovation and resilience.
We’re more than a system of record. We’re a key connector in the broader public safety ecosystem. As agencies adopt real-time crime centers, drone integrations, and other situational awareness tools, Mark43 is designed to be the hub that ties it all together.
My role is to help agencies navigate that transition with confidence. I’ve been in their shoes, and I understand how big the leap can feel— and how much better it can be on the other side.
The mission doesn’t end when you take off the uniform – it simply takes a new form.
Want to learn more? We’re growing fast and always looking for talented and mission-driven individuals. Explore open roles on our Careers Page.
