Mike Smith began his Law Enforcement career in 1981, as a Deputy Sheriff in southern Missouri where he served in the Patrol Division. His passion for investigation began when he was assigned to the multi-jurisdictional Major Case Squad unit.

In 1985 Mike was accepted to attend the Missouri State Water Patrol Academy, and after graduation was assigned to the North Central section of the state. In 1993 he transferred to the southeast section of Missouri where he was assigned as an investigator for the 4th Water Patrol District. He was promoted to the Director of Criminal Investigations position at General Headquarters in Jefferson City, MO. in 1995.

In 2004 Mike was promoted to District II Commander over Lake of the Ozarks holding the rank of Captain and in 2005 he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Water Patrol carrying the rank of Lt. Colonel. Mike became an IAMI member in 1993 attending his first annual conference in Charleston, South Carolina. He became an IAMI Board member in 2002, where he was assigned Co-Director of Training.

In 2004 he was selected to serve on IAMI’s Executive Board at the annual conference in West Palm Beach, FL as IAMI’s 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President in 2006 and served as President in 2008 and 2009.

Mike and his wife Julie have two grown children, Travis and Brandon. Julie has assisted IAMI with registration and other necessary duties since 1997.