Michael W. Streed, better known as “The SketchCop,” is a highly sought (Ret.) Police Sergeant & award-winning, internationally recognized Forensic Facial Imaging Expert living in Southern California.
For over 40 years, his extensive law enforcement experience and artistic skills have helped investigators solve some of their toughest cases.
Michael has assisted with the identification of cop killers, serial killers, serial rapists, and other violent predators who have kidnapped, robbed, shot, or stabbed innocent victims.
His endorsement of digital platforms ensure his sketches are displayed in detective squad rooms worldwide, serving as a haunting reminder of the evil lurking among us.
Some of these cases include:
- Escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary
- Kidnap/Murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena
- Baton Rouge Serial Killer
- Kidnap & Murder of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion
- Kidnap & Murder of 10-year-old Anthony Martinez
- Murder of 5-year-old Anna Palmer
- Orange County, CA Fortune Teller Murder
Though many of his cases are never highlighted in the media, he approaches each case like author Michael Connelly’s fictional LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, whose credo is…” Everybody Counts, or Nobody Counts.”
Michael’s career as a forensic artist began in 1980 under the tutelage and mentorship of LAPD’s famed Police Composite Artist Fernando G. Ponce. Since then, Michael has continued serving LAPD detectives throughout the city’s twenty-two police stations and several specialty units.
In 2011, Michael reached a career milestone when Baltimore Police selected him to become their first full-time Forensic Artist. He was tasked with building their Forensic Facial Imaging Unit from the ‘ground up’ while managing one of the country’s busiest forensic art caseloads in one of America’s most violent cities. Michael would later lead the unit to become the ‘first-of-its-kind’ to be awarded ISO 17020 accreditation.
In 2015, Michael converted the department’s Forensic Facial Imaging Unit to an online, digital operation. The first major city police agency to do so. Today, he remains the Baltimore Police Department’s Forensic Artist.
Michael continues to adapt to new technology that helps clients respond to violent crime. Most recently, in 2022, Michael became certified in using Skeleton ID software. This cutting-edge, AI-assisted software solution helps match 3-D models of unidentified human remains to 2D photographs of missing persons in cases where DNA or other identification techniques are limited.
As CEO/President 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.
If you want to schedule a case consultation with Michael, CLICK HERE.