Assistant Chief Michael Cardwell

Biography

M. CardwellAssistant Chief Michael Cardwell is a native of Winston-Salem and has served over 29 years with the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Education

Assistant Chief Cardwell has earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science of Architecture from Forsyth Technical Community College in 1992 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from Western Carolina University graduating magna cum laude in 2008. He is a graduate of the West Point Leadership Program of Methodist University and the Senior Management Institute for Police Program.

Professional Career

During his career with the Department, Assistant Chief Cardwell has served as a Police Officer, Senior Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant in the Patrol Division, Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division, Captain in the Operation Support Division, Detective, Sergeant, and Captain in the Special Investigations Division, Agent-in-Charge of the Forsyth County Drug Task Force and most recently as Assistant Chief of Police of the Support Services Bureau.

In addition to his regular duties, Assistant Chief Cardwell has voluntarily served as Chair of the Police Department’s Commendation Peer Committee, Department’s Peer Support member, Winston-Salem Police Officer’s Retirement Commission Committee Member and sub committee member of Forsyth Regional Opioid & Substances Use Team (FROST).