Today was Det. Mark Gustad’s last day with the EPPD after serving the department for 30 years. Early in his career, Det. Gustad served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer and Emergency Response Unit member. In 2003 he started as a Computer Forensics Investigator, a position he held until his retirement.

At his retirement event today, Det. Gustad received the Career Achievement Award from Chief Matt Sackett. In presenting the award, Chief Sackett noted that during Det. Gustad’s 22 years as a computer forensics investigator, he became the department’s expert on digital forensic evidence. His vast knowledge, experience and diligence helped solved hundreds of cases.

Det. Gustad played a role in many challenging, high-profile cases during his time as an investigator including a string of theater burglaries in 2015, a home invasion burglary and homicide in 2018, and multiple heroin overdose homicides in 2017. In the heroin overdose homicides, Det. Gustad led the way in Hennepin County on how to investigate overdose deaths and hold murderous drug dealers accountable for their actions.

In 2019 Det. Gustad was named Officer of the Year by his peers. That same year he and Crime Analyst Ryan Kapaun received the US Attorney’s Office Award for Excellence, the ATF Honor Award and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition for their work on the October 2018 home invasion burglary case. In that case, Det. Gustad spent more than 300 hours working with 15 other agencies to arrest four people on federal charges, and in the process, solved 20 burglaries and home invasions.

In addition to his full caseload, Det. Gustad always made time to help other investigators with their cases, in particular those that included complicated forensic evidence. Det. Gustad also frequently conducted educational presentations on keeping kids safe online to community groups including Safety Camp, church groups and businesses.

His dedication to the department and community will be greatly missed.

Congratulations Det. Gustad! We wish you all the best in retirement.