Mark Cruise

My name is Mark Cruise. I currently work full-time for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Adult Parole Operations as a Parole Administrator. Beginning in the spring of 2022, I will also be teaching as an Adjunct Professor for the Administration of Justice program at San Joaquin Delta College. Since becoming a Parole Agent in 2008, I have seen firsthand how corrections can aid offenders with their rehabilitation back into the community. I started my career as a Parole Agent in Oakland where I supervised a standard caseload of parolees and then later a caseload of 2 nd Strikers. In 2011 I became a member of a fugitive apprehension team. I first promoted in 2012 when I was able to return to my hometown in West Contra Costa County to supervise a parole unit before taking two additional promotions which lead me to my current position. As a Parole Administrator, I have managed the Policy and Procedures Unit, Labor Relations Unit, Division Training Unit, Parole Litigation Management Unit, and I have also worked independently as an Administrative Review Officer. I previously managed the Parole Agent Academy for four years where I oversaw over 400 new parole agents’ graduate. Over the years, my job has been challenging but extremely rewarding both professionally and personally and I am very thankful to be a California Peace Officer.

I decided to enter the field of corrections because I wanted to provide a better life for me and my family and I wanted to help the formerly incarcerated. Thus far, I think I have done both. I have two adult children that both have college degrees and I have provided resources for thousands of parolees and their families either directly or indirectly.

The most unusual job I ever had was as a factory worker. I worked a graveyard shift at a cotton factory, but I quickly realized that the job was not for me. My hands were too big to fix the machines when they broke down and I dreaded going to work and when I was there, I wanted to leave. I also would go home each morning with cotton all over me. Needless to say, I lasted six miserable weeks and I think they were happy when I gave my two weeks’ notice. I will say, I have the utmost respect for factory workers. They work hard under difficult circumstances.

The hardest thing I ever had to do was build IKEA bunkbeds.

My favorite way to relax is watching sports and going out of town (preferably by any ocean).

My favorite meal is anything on my plate. I consider myself a foodie and I will eat anything. But lately I have been eating a lot of salmon and veggies. You would be surprised to learn that I once played minor league baseball.

My favorite motto is, “Stay humble and work hard.”