Get to Know Us

Mike Cardwell is a highly experienced and licensed armed Private Investigator and Close Personal Protection provider in the State of North Carolina. With an extensive background in law enforcement, Mike brings over three decades of investigative expertise and security services to his clients, following a distinguished 30-year career with the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Western Carolina University while working at the Winston-Salem Police Department graduating magna cum laude in 2008. Throughout his career, he gained invaluable experience across multiple divisions, including the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division and Support Services Bureau.

During his tenure with the Winston-Salem Police Department, Mike served in various specialized roles, notably within the Criminal Investigations Division (Homicide, Robbery, and Burglary Units) and the Vice and Narcotics Unit. His leadership skills led him to serve as the unit commander for the Homicide, Robbery, and Burglary Units from 2017 until his promotion to Captain in 2019.

Mike spent 17 years in the Vice and Narcotics Unit, where he held positions as a Detective, Sergeant, and Captain. His responsibilities extended beyond investigative work, as he also collaborated directly with the United States Secret Service to provide security for multiple U.S. Presidents, presidential candidates, and other political dignitaries visiting Winston-Salem, NC.

As the leader of the Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Mike directed a state and federal joint law enforcement effort for over two years before being promoted to Assistant Police Chief. In this role, he managed substantial investigative funds and oversaw sensitive and confidential case information at local, state, and federal levels. In 2023, Mike’s career culminated in his appointment as the Interim Chief of Police for the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Mike's exceptional service has been acknowledged with numerous commendations, including:

• The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Medal of Valor

• Above and Beyond Medal

• Life Saving Medal

• Recognition as a local hero by the Red Cross (2002)

• Commendations from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Inspector General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Mike’s extensive experience covers various aspects of investigative and security work, including:

• Criminal Investigations

• Report Writing

• Covert Surveillance

• Undercover Operations

• Physical/Technical Surveillance

• Courtroom Testimony

• Close Personal Protection/Executive Protection

• Human Resources

• Internal Investigations

• Security Risk Assessment

Now operating as a Private Investigator and Close Personal Protection provider, Mike leverages his vast law enforcement experience to offer unparalleled security and investigative services, ensuring the safety and well-being of his clients.

Todd Collins is a licensed and insured Private Investigator in the state of North Carolina.  He has 28 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and is well versed in conducting investigations and prosecuting cases at the local, state and federal levels.  Todd has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Western Carolina University (Summa Cum Laude) and an Associate’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Forsyth Technical Community College.  In addition, Todd is a graduate of the Administrative Officer’s Management Program (89th session) at North Carolina State University and of the West Point Leadership Program at Methodist University.  Todd is also a Veteran of the United States Navy, who served as a Search and Rescue Swimmer in Operation Desert Storm.

 

Todd retired from the Winston-Salem Police Department as a Lieutenant in 2022.  During his tenure at the police department, he served in the Patrol Division, the Special Enforcement Team (SWAT), the Special Investigations Division (Vice and Narcotics), and the Forsyth County Drug Task Force.  He was also federally sworn as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he managed, investigated and prosecuted narcotics related crimes at the federal level.  Todd has earned over 3,800 hours of certified training during his law enforcement career.

 

Todd is ethical and results driven and has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of physical and technical surveillance, interviews and interrogations, intelligence gathering, case management, case law, management of confidential informants, search and seizure, undercover operations, counter drug threat awareness, execution of high-risk arrest/search warrants and dignitary protection.  In addition, Todd has received training in computer forensics, cyber terrorism, and clandestine drug laboratories.    

 

Todd worked as a detective and a supervisor while assigned to the Special Investigations Division and the Forsyth County Drug Task Force.   He has taken this vast knowledge and experience as a prior law enforcement professional and utilizes it to enhance his knowledge, skills and abilities as a private investigator.  Todd strives to gather and analyze information to produce an accurate and factually driven conclusion.    

 

Todd is goal oriented, highly organized and genuinely cares about people.  He enjoys staying active, being outdoors and volunteering at his local church.

 

Areas of Expertise:

• Criminal Investigations

• Report Writing

• Covert Surveillance

• Undercover Operations

• Physical/Technical Surveillance

• Courtroom Testimony

• Close Personal Protection/Executive Protection

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Doug Nance is a licensed and insured Private Investigator with the State of North Carolina.  Prior to becoming a partner in Tried and True Investigations, Doug served with the Winston-Salem Police Department until December 2019, when he retired after 30 years of honorable service.  Doug is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. 

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Doug joined the Winston-Salem Police Department in 1990 where he had the pleasure of serving the Winston-Salem community for the entirety of his career.  During his career, Doug worked in the Patrol Division, Foot Patrol Unit (in designated high crime areas) and the Special Investigations Division (Vice and Narcotics Unit). 

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Doug was assigned to the Vice and Narcotics Unit for approximately 15 years at various points throughout his career, during which time he served as a Detective, Sergeant and Captain.  In addition, Doug proudly represented the Winston-Salem Police Department as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer for over two years.  As the Captain, Doug was heavily involved in the initiation, development and implementation of the Forsyth County Drug Task Force, which is only one of two multi-agency task force operations in North Carolina.

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Doug served the majority of his career in investigative assignments, where he developed a proficient and respected aptitude for conducting professional and effective investigations at the local, state and federal levels.  Doug’s extensive investigative knowledge is the product of 30 years of law enforcement experience, over 3000 hours of specialized training, professional mentoring, a committed work ethic and a devout dedication to the truth.

 

Doug is committed to conducting any investigation with the highest level of ethical standards and integrity, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic with the sole focus of determining the facts, producing a professional work-product and displaying a fair and kind disposition toward others.  

 

Doug is a member of Harvest Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina.  He has been married for over 31 years and enjoys the company of his wife, kids and grandchildren.  Doug looks forward to helping and serving those who choose the services of Tried and True Investigations. 

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Areas of Expertise:

• Covert Surveillance

• Undercover Operations

• Report Writing

• Courtroom Testimony