Marco Innocenti

Marco Innocenti is a distinguished and honorably retired California Law Enforcement Officer and skilled Instructor at Guardian Training Center (GTC) in San Leandro, CA. With over 25 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. His comprehensive knowledge extends to California BSIS Exposed Firearms and Baton certification, DOJ-certified CCW training, and Federal LEOSA Firearms Qualifications. In addition, Marco is currently a nationally recognized firearms and tactical instructor for Suarez Tactics and Samurai Security Operations.

Throughout his career, Marco has worked with various agencies, including 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. As a SWAT operator for over 13 years, Marco was a key member of multiple teams, participating in high-pressure situations that demanded quick decision-making and tactical precision. He was also responsible for the development and delivery of firearms and tactical training programs for law enforcement, security, and military personnel, which included advanced instruction in pistol, shotgun, AR/carbine, and special weapons.  Marco is also a P.O.S.T-certified Instructor in Arrest and Control/Defensive Tactics, Baton/Impact Weapons, Taser, and as 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 has served as a court-certified expert witness in firearms and use of force. He was formerly certified as an EMT-1A, Firefighter 1, Wildland Firefighter, and Shipboard/Refinery Firefighter.

Marco Innocenti’s commitment to excellence in firearms 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 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 make him an integral member of the Guardian Training Center team.

‍At Guardian Training Center, Marco leads courses that range from basic firearm safety to advanced tactical operations, tailoring each course to the specific needs of his students. Whether working with security professionals preparing for the BSIS Exposed Firearms Qualification or training law enforcement and military personnel on advanced tactics, Marco approaches each session with a passion for teaching and a focus on real-world applications.

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.