Marco Innocenti is an honorably retired California Law Enforcement Officer and skilled Instructor at Guardian Training Center (GTC) in San Leandro, CA. With over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including SWAT and special operations, Marco has built a robust career focused on firearms and tactical instruction for private security officers, military personnel, law enforcement, and private citizens.  He is a certified California BSIS Exposed Firearms and Baton Instructor, CA DOJ-certified CCW Instructor, and Federal LEOSA Firearms Qualification Instructor. In addition, Marco is currently a nationally recognized firearms and tactical instructor for Suarez Tactics and Samurai Security Operations.

During his law enforcement career Marco worked for the City of Novato Police Department, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. His expertise covers a wide range of tactical and operational roles, including Patrol Operations, field training, major felony crimes investigation as a Detective and then a District Attorney Inspector, court security, dignitary protection, and as an Intelligence Office/Threat Analyst for a Department of Homeland Security Regional Intelligence Center where he earned a master’s certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection.  He was a member of his agencies’ collateral-duty SWAT for over 13 years on the Entry/Assault Team, the SWAT Maritime Interdiction Unit, and as the Team Rangemaster/Training Coordinator.  He was also responsible for the development and delivery of firearms and tactical training programs and policies at all of his agencies; which included advanced instruction in pistol, shotgun, AR/carbine, and special weapons.  Marco is a P.O.S.T-certified Instructor for Firearms/Special Weapons, Arrest and Control/Defensive Tactics, Baton/Impact Weapons, Taser, and is an ASP-certified Baton/Handcuffing/Tactical Illumination Instructor.

In addition to his extensive law enforcement background, Marco Innocenti has trained with elite military units, Tier 1 SWAT teams, and special operations personnel from around the world. Marco has provided executive protection for high-profile clients, including A-list celebrities and Fortune 50 executives. His commitment to safety and preparedness extends globally, as he has trained hundreds of military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians from the United States, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe.  Marco’s certifications as a California Department of Justice CCW Instructor, NRA Law Enforcement Instructor, and USCCA Instructor further solidify his status as a top-tier trainer. He has also trained at prestigious institutions such as Gunsite Academy, Northern Red, Suarez International/Suarez Tactics, with the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. He is a court-certified expert witness in firearms and use of force. 

Prior to his law enforcement career, he was certified as an EMT-1A, Firefighter 1, Wildland Firefighter, and Shipboard/Refinery Firefighter.  He worked full-time for a private 911 Ambulance company and part-time as a volunteer firefighter.

Marco Innocenti’s commitment to excellence in firearms and tactical instruction is evident in his ability to adapt to the needs of diverse student groups, from law enforcement professionals to private citizens seeking to enhance their personal protection skills. His ability to demystify complex tactical concepts while maintaining a safe, disciplined and rigorous training environment has earned him the respect of his peers and students alike. Marco’s classes emphasize not only technical proficiency but also the mental preparedness required to handle high-stress situations, a skill honed from decades of real-world experience.

His passion for training and dedication to empowering individuals to protect themselves and their communities makes him an integral member of the Guardian Training Center team.

Outside of his professional achievements, Marco is also known for his personable and approachable demeanor, making him an effective mentor both on and off the range. His dedication to the protection of others extends to his personal life, where he remains actively involved in community service and mentorship programs aimed at empowering the next generation of security professionals. Marco’s extensive career, coupled with his ongoing commitment to training excellence, continues to make a significant impact in the field of security and law enforcement training at Guardian Training Center.

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