Michael Darrow
Bay City,MI
Summary
Results-driven UAS Program Supervisor with over 30 years of progressive law enforcement experience. With a strong focus on operational compliance, staff development, and process improvement. Known for enhancing training programs and driving efficiency in high-stakes environments.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
UAS Program Supervisor
Michigan Department of State Police (Retired)
Lansing, MI
10.2021 - 02.2026
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures, along with FAA compliance.
- Coordinated training programs for new staff, enhancing team knowledge and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to streamline workflow.
- Research of new UAS and C-UAS technology.
- Monitored program performance metrics, ensuring accuracy in reporting and adherence to standards.
- Provide Part 107 training to county and local public safety agencies.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert in UAS mapping (Crime scene).
- Presentations on UAS mapping (Absolute accuracy versus Relative accuracy) on the local and national level.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Participate in high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspect situations, and tactical raids as a UAS operator.
UAS Operator & Tactical Flight Officer
Michigan Department of State Police Aviation Unit
Flint, MI
05.2015 - 10.2021
- Operated UAS for aerial surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and mapping 3D modeling, ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections and maintenance checks to uphold equipment reliability and performance standards.
- Collaborated with law enforcement officials to provide aerial support during critical incidents and investigations.
- Analyzed flight data and imagery to enhance situational awareness and inform tactical decision-making processes.
- Participate in high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspect situations and tactical raids.
Community Service Trooper & Accident Recon Tech
Michigan Department of State Police
Saginaw, MI
04.2012 - 05.2015
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to coordinate response efforts during emergencies.
- Conducted thorough investigations of accidents and criminal activities to gather evidence.
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs to foster positive relationships with the public.
- 2015 Michigan State Police Trooper of the Year
State Trooper
Michigan Department of State Police
Bay City, MI
09.2008 - 04.2012
- Enforced traffic laws to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.
- Mentored junior troopers on best practices in law enforcement and investigation techniques.
- Department Field Training Officer.
- Bay City Post Sex Offender Registry Coordinator.
- Analyzed crime trends to inform strategic deployment of resources within the community.
- Conducted detailed investigations, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses for successful case resolution.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
Undercover Narcotics Investigator
Michigan Department of State Police
Saginaw, MI
09.2004 - 09.2008
- Conducted comprehensive investigations into narcotics-related offenses, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.
- Collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies to gather intelligence on drug trafficking operations.
- Developed and maintained detailed case files, documenting evidence and witness testimonies for prosecution support.
- Trained junior investigators on investigative techniques and legal compliance in narcotics enforcement.
- Assigned to the DEA as a task force officer.
State Trooper
Michigan Department of State Police
Bay City, MI
09.2000 - 09.2004
- Exercised sound judgment under high-pressure situations, making critical decisions that protected lives and property. (Officer Involved Shooting).
- Promoted safe driving conditions by quickly identifying and removing disabled vehicles and obstructions from roadways.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to coordinate response efforts during emergencies.
- Improved roadway safety by enforcing traffic laws and promoting safe driving habits within the community.
- Testified in court proceedings, presenting accurate facts and evidence to assist in the prosecution of offenders.
- Conducted detailed investigations, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses for successful case resolution.
State Trooper
South Carolina Highway Patrol
Darlington, SC
08.1998 - 09.2000
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar speed detection.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting thorough traffic stops and identifying potential criminal activity.
- Provided support during special events, ensuring a safe environment for participants and attendees.
- Promoted public safety and facilitated vehicular flow by directing traffic during emergency and congested situations.
- Performed high-speed vehicle pursuits to apprehend criminal suspects.
- Conducted thorough investigations of accidents.
Police Officer
City Of Mauldin
Mauldin, SC
11.1991 - 07.1998
- Enforced laws and regulations to maintain public safety and community order.
- Conducted thorough investigations on criminal activities, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Developed community policing initiatives to foster strong relationships between law enforcement and residents.
- Trained new officers on procedures, protocols, and effective conflict resolution techniques.
- Member of department A.C.E. Team (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement)
- Department K9 handler
Military Police Officer
U.S. Army
Fort Jackson, SC
08.1989 - 11.1991
- Enforced military laws and regulations to maintain safety and security within designated areas.
- Conducted thorough investigations of incidents, collecting evidence and preparing detailed reports.
- Led training sessions for junior officers on tactical operations and emergency response procedures.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to enhance community relations and crime prevention efforts.
- Member of the department AWOL/Desertion and Civilian Apprehension Section.
Military Police Officer (NATO Site)
U.S. Army
Munchweiler An Dear Rodalb, Germany
08.1986 - 08.1989
- Monitored access control points to enhance security protocols.
- Conducted routine inspections of facilities to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Responded promptly to security incidents, mitigating risks effectively.
- Led security drills to assess readiness and enhance team performance.
- Patrolled and monitored premises in company vehicle, and by foot.
- Screened individuals and prevented passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Responded effectively to emergencies or disturbances, prioritizing the safety of personnel while minimizing property damage or loss.
Education
Certificate - State Police Trooper
Michigan State Police Training Academy
Dimondale, MI02.2001
Certificate - Highway Patrol Academy
South Carolina Highway Patrol Academy
Columbia, SC11.1998
Certificate - Basic Law Enforcement Certification
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Columbia, SC09.1992
No Degree - Criminal Justice
University South Carolina
Army Education Center, Ft. Jackson, SCNo Degree - Criminal Justice
Central Texas College
Army Education Center , Pirmasen, Germany Certificate - Criminal Justice
Military Police Academy
Anniston, AL12.1986
High School Diploma -
LakeVille High School
Otisville, MI06.1986
Skills
- Staff training
- Staff development
- Document management
- Operational leadership
- Public speaking
- Self motivation
- Reliability
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving
- Team collaboration
Timeline
UAS Program Supervisor
Michigan Department of State Police (Retired)
10.2021 - 02.2026
UAS Operator & Tactical Flight Officer
Michigan Department of State Police Aviation Unit
05.2015 - 10.2021
Community Service Trooper & Accident Recon Tech
Michigan Department of State Police
04.2012 - 05.2015
State Trooper
Michigan Department of State Police
09.2008 - 04.2012
Undercover Narcotics Investigator
Michigan Department of State Police
09.2004 - 09.2008
State Trooper
Michigan Department of State Police
09.2000 - 09.2004
State Trooper
South Carolina Highway Patrol
08.1998 - 09.2000
Police Officer
City Of Mauldin
11.1991 - 07.1998
Military Police Officer
U.S. Army
08.1989 - 11.1991
Military Police Officer (NATO Site)
U.S. Army
08.1986 - 08.1989
Certificate - State Police Trooper
Michigan State Police Training Academy
Certificate - Highway Patrol Academy
South Carolina Highway Patrol Academy
Certificate - Basic Law Enforcement Certification
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
No Degree - Criminal Justice
University South Carolina
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Central Texas College
Certificate - Criminal Justice
Military Police Academy
High School Diploma -
LakeVille High School