Michael Berthay

Michael Berthay possesses more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement. As a member of one of the nation’s most progressive state police agencies, Berthay demonstrated excellence and dedication in his work as Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI). His leadership proved instrumental to the success of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

Michael Berthay rose through the ranks of the Mississippi Highway Patrol after completing an education in criminal justice. He obtained his Associate of Arts from Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi. Subsequently, he continued on at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he earned his degree in public administration and criminal justice.

From 2006 to 2010, Michael Berthay directed the day-to-day operations for every division of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, which included the uniform enforcement operations, criminal investigative division (MBI), special operations group, tactical operations, internal affairs, drivers’ services division, crime scene unit, and criminal information center. Under Berthay’s leadership, the Mississippi Highway Patrol increased its efficiency and improved critical numbers, including a reduction in traffic fatalities and alcohol-related traffic deaths. Michael Berthay also utilized his administrative expertise to standardize case management and work toward policy change for sex offender registration.

Michael Berthay maintains affiliation with a number of professional organizations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI), the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.