Sergeant Michael J. Coker
Is a passionate leader and educator well known for his unwavering dedication to his community. As a veteran of Portsmouth Police Department for over two decades, he harnesses his extensive experience to educate public and private sector professionals on the ins and outs of leadership. He travels nationally conducting trainings on important topics that both motivate and empower employees to lead with the three C’s: confidence, compassion, and competence. However, his expertise lies beyond training. His primary specialty is
“EnterTRAINment,” which is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that merges learning with fun through vivid visual aids and impactful music.
Michael graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Mike is also a 2009 PLP graduate at the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Michael effectively occupied various assignments in Uniform Patrol and Investigations and supervised a multitude of different units during his tenure, including Homicide and Robbery, Domestic Violence/Sex Crimes Unit, Robbery Task Force, and served as the Shift Commander. He has also cultivated extensive lecturing and teaching experience, including but not limited to Indiana Chapter of the FBI National Academy Alumni Association Conference, Executive Staff Management Team in Sharonville, Ohio, Polaroid Corporation, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Illinois State Police, United States Postal Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern Mississippi District, Birmingham Alabama Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Idaho P.O.S.T., Idaho Governor’s Task Force, Suffolk County Long Island New York, Virginia Juvenile Court Judges, Texas P.O.S.T, University of Delaware, Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, Hampton Roads Academy of Criminal Justice Services, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the United States Virgin Island Police.
Additionally, he is a proud lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police Gosport Lodge #20, and a past member of the Help Emergency Response (HER) a Battered Women’s Shelter based in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Furthermore, Michael is a frequent guest at the Western States Training Conference, Las Vegas Nevada, Miami-Dade Police Department Homicide Training Conference, Delaware State Police Homicide Conference, and New York State Police Henry F. Williams Conference.
No matter what venture, Michael’s goal is to create a legacy that will continue to make a positive impact in leadership and investigations for generations to come.
