In 1969, Charles “Sid” Heal joined the United States Marine Corps.  After serving a combat tour in Vietnam, he returned home, joined the Marine Corps reserve and attended college. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal began his law enforcement career in 1975 as an investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  In 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. During his law enforcement career, he has worked various assignments within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Men’s Central Jail, Firestone Station and Industry Station.

Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Commander Heal worked at Crescenta Valley Station and the Special Enforcement Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, Commander Heal worked Central Property and Evidence, Firestone Station, Lennox Station, Hall of Justice Jail, Transit Services Bureau, Walnut Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, Special Projects Unit, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In January 2000, he was promoted to Captain and selected to command the Special Enforcement Bureau.

During his 35 years in the Marine Corps he has served in over 20 countries including military operations in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom.  Charles “Sid” Heal retired from the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO5).

Commander Heal holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.  Commander Charles “Sid” Heal is the author of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer and An Illustrated Guide to Tactical Diagramming.

According to the book description of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer, “In recent years, law enforcement has suffered a number of tactical fiascoes.  Besides the loss of life and deterioration in public confidence, officers and agencies have been the subject of both civil and criminal actions.  Unlike most tactical books, which reach tactics as a “skill set,” this book emphasizes an intuitive application of fundamental principles.  These principles have evolved over the centuries of tactical operations and form a body of sound doctrine.”  Colonel John B. Alexander, Ph.D. the author of Future War commented on Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer, “Required reading for all law enforcement supervisors as well as those aspiring to enter their ranks.”  Steve Ijames, Major, Springfield Missouri Police Department, remarked, “A must read for SWAT team members and commanders alike. It will cause many to rethink their operational processes.”