Michael Anthony Dirden

Michael Anthony Dirden is an independent professional consultant and advisor with extensive experience in law enforcement leadership, police practices, and public sector governance. Since 2014, he has provided consultation and expert testimony in matters involving police operations, labor and employment practices, civil rights litigation, use of force, internal investigations, accountability systems, and organizational leadership.

Mr. Dirden served with the Houston Police Department from 1985 to 2017, retiring as Executive Assistant Chief of Police. In that role, he held executive responsibility for field operations, strategic operations, and investigative operations, overseeing patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, homeland security functions, and professional standards. His assignments included leadership of homicide, officer-involved shooting, robbery, narcotics, gangs, vice, human trafficking, and auto theft investigations, as well as department-wide training, inspections, and disciplinary processes. He also chaired or served on internal committees addressing use of force review, early warning systems, labor-management relations, employee discipline, and catastrophic planning.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Dirden served as Assistant Chief of Police, division commander, and police sergeant, including service as associate general counsel in the Legal Services Unit. In that capacity, he provided legal advice to command staff, managed legislative analysis, and presented disciplinary cases in administrative proceedings. He holds a Juris Doctor, a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is licensed as an attorney in Texas, a certified mediator, and a Texas peace officer.