Michael provided investigative support to the cases listed below:
- 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) – Double Murder
- Somerton Man (South Australia) – Unidentified person
- Rachel Morin, MD (Victim) – Murder
Acclaimed Police Sketch Artist Michael W. Streed, widely known as “The SketchCop,” is a retired Police Sergeant and award-winning forensic artist/forensic facial imaging expert residing in Southern California. With nearly 45 years of dedication to his craft, Michael leverages his extensive law enforcement experience and artistic skills to assist investigators in solving their most complex cases.
Throughout his career, Michael’s contributions have been crucial in identifying cop killers, serial killers, serial rapists, and other violent offenders responsible for the kidnapping, robbery, shooting, or stabbing of innocent victims. His endorsement of digital platforms ensures that his sketches are displayed in detective squad rooms worldwide, serving as a haunting reminder of the evil that lurks among us.
Many of Michael’s sketches do not receive media attention, yet they are equally significant. He approaches each case with a philosophy similar to that of Michael Connelly‘s fictional LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, whose credo is, “Everybody counts, or nobody counts.” This perspective aligns with Michael’s commitment to aiding detectives in resolving cold cases, serial crimes, human trafficking incidents, and disaster victim identification, regardless of the victim’s circumstance.
Michael began his career as a forensic artist in 1980 under the mentorship of LAPD’s renowned Police Composite Artist, Fernando G. Ponce. After Ponce’s retirement, Michael served LAPD detectives across twenty-two police stations and various specialty units for nearly thirty years.
In 2011, he reached a significant career milestone when the Baltimore Police Department selected him as their first full-time police sketch artist.
He single-handedly established their Forensic Facial Imaging Unit from the ground up 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 and achieved ISO accreditation.
In 2015, Michael transformed the department’s Forensic Facial Imaging Unit into a digital operation, making it the first large city police agency to offer such online resources. He continues to serve as the Police Sketch Artist for the Baltimore Police Department.
Michael’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of his field is evident in his embrace of new technology. In 2022, he became certified in Skeleton ID softwareSkeleton-ID, an innovative AI-assisted solution that helps match 3D models of unidentified human remains to 2D photographs of missing persons when DNA or other identification methods are limited.
As the CEO of SketchCop® Solutions, Inc., Michael has invested in state-of-the-art communications platforms and digital tools that connect him with law enforcement agencies throughout the continental United States and beyond. His facial composite software app – SketchCop®, is used by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
CLICK HERE to schedule a case consultation with Michael. To download his press kit, click on the button below.