Cases Where Michael Aided Investigators:
- Escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, CA – Prison Break
- DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, MX (Victim) – Kidnap/Murder
- Baton Rouge Serial Killer, LA (Multi-Victim) – Murder
- Samantha Runnion, CA (Victim) – Kidnap/Murder
- Anthony Martinez, CA (Victim) – Kidnap/Murder
- Anna Palmer, UT (Victim) – Murder
- Ha “Jade” Smith/Anita Vo, CA (Victim) – Murder x 2
- Rosie Tapia, UT (Victim) – Kidnap/Murder
- Somerton Man (South Australia) – Unidentified person
- Rachel Morin, MD (Victim) – Murder
Michael W. Streed, widely known as “The SketchCop®,” is a retired Police Sergeant and award‑winning forensic facial imaging consultant based in Southern California. With more than 45 years of professional experience, Michael combines his broad law‑enforcement with exceptional artistic skill to help investigators solve their most complex cases, many that involve violent crimes.
Throughout his career, Michael’s work has played a critical role in the identification of cop killers, serial killers, serial rapists, and other violent offenders responsible for kidnappings, robberies, shootings, and stabbings. His transition to digital forensic imaging platforms ensures that his sketches are displayed in detective squad rooms around the world—powerful visual tools that keep investigations focused and moving forward.
While some of Michael’s sketches receive widespread media attention, many do not—and he considers those cases just as important. He approaches every assignment with the same guiding principle embodied by author Michael Connelly’s fictional LAPD Detective Harry Bosch: “Everybody counts, or nobody counts.” This philosophy reflects Michael’s unwavering commitment to assist detectives on any case, regardless of a victim’s status, background, or circumstance.
“I began my career as a forensic artist in 1980 under the mentorship of LAPD’s renowned Police Composite Artist, Fernando G. Ponce. After his retirement, I served LAPD detectives across twenty‑two police stations citywide, including numerous specialty units, for nearly thirty years.”
— Michael W. Streed
In 2011, the Baltimore Police Department selected Michael as its first full‑time police sketch artist. Over the next three years, he single‑handedly built the department’s Forensic Facial Imaging Unit from the ground up, all while managing one of the busiest forensic artist caseloads in one of America’s most violent cities. Under his leadership, the unit became the first of its kind to achieve ISO accreditation.
Michael continues to support the Baltimore Police Department today, providing remote forensic facial imaging services to detectives since 2015.
Committed to staying at the forefront of forensic identification, Michael embraces emerging technologies. In 2022, he became certified in Skeleton‑ID, an advanced AI‑assisted software solution that helps match 3D models of unidentified human remains to 2D photographs of missing persons when DNA or traditional identification methods are unavailable or limited.
As CEO of SketchCop® Solutions, Inc., Michael has invested in secure, state‑of‑the‑art communications platforms and digital tools that connect him with law‑enforcement agencies throughout the United States and internationally. His facial composite software application, SketchCop®, is used by law‑enforcement agencies worldwide.
Schedule a case consultation with Michael W. Streed or download his press kit using the link below.