Marquis Who’s Who Champions David Hughes for Success as a Senior Law Enforcement Executive
David Hughes is the Deputy Chief of the Bel Air Police Department following a laudable career with the Drug Enforcement Administration
“Mr. Hughes currently serves as the deputy chief of the Bel Air Police Department in Maryland where he is lauded as a trusted strategic advisor and problem solver.”
BEL AIR, MD, January 31, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — David Hughes has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
A dedicated public servant with over three decades of experience in law enforcement, Mr. Hughes is a recognized expert on crime reduction strategies, community policing, violent crime, program management, and drug and money laundering investigations, with a history of identifying and dismantling criminal gangs and drug trafficking networks. Mr. Hughes currently serves as the deputy chief of the Bel Air Police Department in Maryland where he is lauded as a trusted strategic advisor and problem solver known for reducing risk and maximizing program outcomes through best practices, initiatives, systems, and policy development. Since stepping into this role in 2022, he has been instrumental in spearheading operations, organizing events, and collaborating with department heads and local government officials to address community concerns and initiatives. His role involves overseeing the Patrol and Criminal Divisions, staffing and personnel, and managing serious criminal incidents, including homicides, major crimes, and other high-profile investigations. Mr. Hughes’ commitment to community engagement is evident through his tireless work with numerous stakeholders, including local parishes and schools, to address criminal activities and foster a safer environment for the town’s approximately 11,000 residents.
Before joining the Bel Air Police Department, Mr. Hughes had a distinguished career with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). From 2020 to 2022, he served as an executive assistant and assistant special agent in charge providing strategic direction and advice to the Operational Support Division’s domestic and global operations. Prior to this position, he was a section chief and assistant special agent in charge directing all activities of the Policy Management Section in support of the Operations Division. His tenure at the DEA also included roles as a staff coordinator, group supervisor, and resident agent in charge in Wilmington, Delaware where he led efforts against drug trafficking and chemical diversion. Over his 23-year tenure with the DEA, Mr. Hughes earned numerous accolades, including being named Agent of the Year and the recipient of the Medal for Heroism – Italian American National Hall of Fame.
Mr. Hughes began his law enforcement career as a state trooper with the Maryland State Police where he served from 1993 to 1999. During this time, he focused on drug interdiction along Interstate 95 and received numerous awards to include Trooper of the Year and multiple Governor’s Citations and Commendations for his exemplary service.
A graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government, Mr. Hughes attributes his success to the strong support of his family and mentors who instilled in him a commitment to lifelong learning and community service. Influenced by his father’s career in law enforcement, he pursued a path dedicated to public safety with a focus on disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations. His personal experiences have deepened his understanding of community challenges and reinforced his dedication to making a positive impact.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Hughes is actively engaged with civic and community organizations such as the Lions Club, Bel Air Downtown Alliance, and the Boy Scouts of America. In his personal life, Mr. Hughes is a devoted father to his son, Matthew and his daughter, Emily. He enjoys maintaining physical fitness through playing baseball—a passion he developed during his time at Arizona State University—and coaching young children. His commitment to fostering community relationships extends beyond his professional duties as he works towards enhancing respect between law enforcement and community members through strategic planning initiatives aimed at improving officer wellness and community safety.
Mr. Hughes’ future goals include developing a five-year strategic plan for the Bel Air Police Department that focuses on leadership, community engagement, training, and officer wellness programs addressing mental health and PTSD. By fostering early intervention and support systems, he aims to prevent long-term harm within families affected by these issues. Through these efforts, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy of improvement for both the organization and the community before his retirement.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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