Mitchell Smith
Chesterfield,VA
Summary
Highly accomplished and results-oriented senior law enforcement manager with 27 years of experience, specialized in the investigation of complex cybercrime. Proven ability to lead and motivate high performing investigative units leading to successfully close high-profile cases. A wealth of experience developing and implementing digital forensic protocols, managing large-scale electronic evidence collection and collaborating effectively with federal, state and local partners. Proven capacity of managing a high volume of complex, concurrent responsibilities effectively. I am seeking to leverage a strong background in strategic management, a thorough understanding of digital forensics and threat management to advance strategic relationships with law enforcement in the Southeast United States.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Lieutenant - Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of State Police
10.1998 - Current
- Lead statewide investigations of high-technology crimes, including ransomware, cryptocurrency recovery, network intrusions, mobile/desktop forensics, online child exploitation, and electronic surveillance.
- Assistant Commander of the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force.
- Experienced in digital evidence handling: IP analysis and tracing, ISP subpoenas and search warrants, emergency disclosure requests, and social media threat mitigation.
- Viewed graphic, controversial and offensive content for more than ten years.
- Review Search Warrant Operations Plans for legal, ethical and safety compliance.
- Advise on technology-related legislative matters as a subject matter expert, evaluating proposed bills
- Responsible for providing resources and training to local law enforcement partners across Virginia.
- Direct four regional computer forensic laboratories and supervise specialized cyber units, ensuring operational efficiency and legal compliance.
- Oversee the review and disseminated approximately 10,000+ NCMEC CyberTips in 2025, contributing to the protection of children and rapid case prioritization.
- Managed hundreds of crisis-driven investigations involving social media threats, high-profile investigations of elected officials, organized crime, violent offenses, and narcotics trafficking.
- Oversee allocation of $2M+ in federal and state funds, including grants supporting cybercrime initiatives and investigative technology.
- Serve as an active member of the FBI Cyber Task Force with current FBI security clearance.
- Conduct internet safety presentations and cyber-outreach to schools, parents, and community stakeholders; host quarterly forums for local forensic examiners.
- Participated in national-level tabletop cyber exercises with the Virginia Department of Elections and the Virginia National Guard Cyber Brigade
- Coordinated with cross-functional partners to include the water and electrical utilities, and emergency planners to strengthen critical infrastructure security.
- Administer a mandatory wellness program for child exploitation investigators, partnering with a licensed psychologists to mitigate vicarious trauma.
- Skilled in managing on-call, high-stress environments requiring discretion, adaptability, and resilience during nontraditional hours to include holidays.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
High Point University
High Point, NC02-1998
Skills
- Strategic Problem Solver
- Community Engagement
- Workload Management
- Resilience Under Pressure
- Customer-Centric Communication
- Active Listening & Empathy
- Responsiveness & Accessibility
- Conflict Resolution
- Professional Representation
- Confidentiality & Discretion
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Collaborative Mindset
- Cultural Competence
- Diplomacy & Discretion
- Trust & Accountability
- Transparent Communication
Timeline
Lieutenant - Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of State Police
10.1998 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
High Point University