Early Career
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a Disney artist and animator. Instead, I followed my father’s career path into law enforcement. My long and distinguished career as a forensic artist began purely by chance.
I was having dinner one night while preparing for my nightly patrol shift. Without warning, a composite sketch flashed across the screen. It was at that moment I discovered a way to combine my love of art with my passion for public service. From there, I began a journey that took me across the United States and Canada where I became an understudy to, at that time, the best forensic artists in the business.
For the remainder of my career, my ancillary duty as a forensic artist would parallel my successful career as a law enforcement professional. The experience I gained investigating violent crimes, sexual assaults and juvenile crime helped me develop highly specialized interview skills which I adapted for my role as a police sketch artist.
Over the years, my unique perspective on eyewitnesses, coupled with strong communication skills, made me one of Southern California’ s most sought after police sketch artists. Orange Coast Magazine once referred to me as “one of California’s most vital artists.”
As my reputation for my skills and experience as a forensic artist increased, I was frequently called upon by investigators during critical, high-profile cases at both the local and national level.
Awards/Organizations
We all enjoy being recognized. It’s the reward for the hard work and the many hours invested to improve oneself.
During my career I’ve been humbled and honored to receive received recognition for my contributions to many difficult cases.
These include:
- Nomination for the Orange County, CA Sheriff’s Department Medal of Valor
- Official Recognition by the United States Congress
- Awarding of the Orange Police Department Medal of Merit
- Awarding of the American Legion Award
Professional networking is also a positive way to foster professional growth and relationships.
I’m currently a member “in good standing” of the following professional organizations:
- International Association for Identification
- California Homicide Investigator’s Association
- California Robbery Investigator’s Association
- California Sexual Assault Investigator’s Association
- International Homicide Investigator’s Association
The Business of Forensic Art
Early in my career I recognized law enforcement’s need for a software-driven solution to create effective facial composites. The opportunity to influence the way facial composites are created by law enforcement fueled my motivation to become a forensic facial imaging innovator and entrepreneur.
In 2007 I founded SketchCop® Solutions, Inc. – The Digital Difference in Facial Imaging & Identification.
We immediately began working on a facial composite software program that evolved into SketchCop® Facial Composite System. This innovative software program addresses law enforcement’s desire to create effective, easy-to-create digital facial composites. It also increased the opportunity for non-artists, forensic science students and other like-minded professionals to serve as an investigative resource.
This led to the establishment of the SketchCop® Academy. Our online platform allows us to support and train those who want to learn more about forensic art and how to effectively use our SketchCop® Facial Composite System.
To further our influence and brand reach into the global law enforcement and academic community, we collaborated with The Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science and the Rashtriya Raksha University’s School of Forensic Science and Risk Management in India where I was invited to join the teaching staff as an International Adjunct Faculty member.
As an author I’ve introducing true crime fans to a unique perspective on the true crime genre while at the same time encouraging artists to pursue their passion.
If you’d like to learn more about what we offer, please feel free to look around the website.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, artist or detective hoping to solve a case; I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you.
In the meantime, I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions. I always enjoy hearing from you. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you and those who make your communities safe.