Areas of Expertise: Crime Scene Analysis; Criminal Forensics; Criminology; Evidence Analysis & Spoliation; Criminal Investigations; Law Enforcement; Police Procedures; Fingerprints; Firearms & Ballistics; Forensic Photography; Handwriting; Interview & Polygraph; Private Investigators; Alcohol, Drugs, DUI; DNA Forensics; Drug Testing; Drug & Alcohol Testing; Fire, Arson & Explosions; Forensic Mapping; Fraud; Ink Identification, Dating; Questioned Documents; Use-of-Force; Weapons; Computer & Digital Forensics; Digital Forensics; Laboratory Testing; Analytical & Consulting Labs; Biotechnology; Legal Malpractice; Supply Chain; Forensic Economics; Biology & Botany.
Ryan Larrison is a senior forensic science and public sector executive with over 25 years of experience spanning forensic laboratory operations, quality assurance, firearms examination, and large-scale program and systems management within the Michigan Department of State Police.
Mr. Larrison currently serves in a senior leadership role within the Information Technology Division, where he directs a multi-million-dollar portfolio of enterprise systems, operations, and project delivery. In this capacity, he oversees complex, multi-agency initiatives, aligning technical execution with operational and investigative outcomes across multiple state departments. His work includes executive sponsorship of statewide technology programs and the coordination of vendors, stakeholders, and cross-functional leadership teams in high-risk, high-visibility implementations.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Larrison served as Assistant Division Director and Quality Assurance Manager for the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division. In that role, he was responsible for the strategic direction, implementation, and oversight of quality systems across seven accredited forensic laboratories. He led all quality assurance activities, including training, corrective action programs, risk assessment frameworks, and accreditation compliance under ISO 17025 standards. His leadership resulted in a substantial reduction in non-conformities and sustained accreditation across all laboratory operations.
Mr. Larrison has extensive experience as a program executive and project sponsor for complex forensic and evidential systems. He directed the statewide implementation of the Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing Program, including instrument selection, software integration, vendor coordination, and regulatory compliance, supported by a $2.5 million procurement process. He also led the development and implementation of a Forensic Genetic Genealogy program, establishing quality expectations, vendor deliverables, and investigative reporting standards.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Larrison served as Laboratory Director of the Michigan State Police Bridgeport Laboratory, where he was responsible for overall laboratory operations, personnel leadership, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery across multiple forensic disciplines. Under his leadership, the laboratory consistently achieved the highest employee engagement ratings within the statewide system and expanded operational capabilities through training, technology adoption, and regional partnerships.
Mr. Larrison's background also includes direct forensic casework as a firearm and toolmark examiner, during which he conducted examinations, responded to crime scenes, and testified as an expert witness in court proceedings.
In addition to his operational roles, Mr. Larrison has served as a technical assessor and team leader for national forensic laboratory accreditation bodies, conducting ISO 17025 assessments of forensic laboratories across the United States. His experience includes evaluation of laboratory quality systems, technical procedures, and compliance with accreditation standards, providing him with a broad perspective on best practices and variability across forensic laboratories.
Mr. Larrison holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership. He has completed advanced leadership training through the Michigan State Police School of Staff and Command and has received specialized training in ISO 17025 laboratory standards, forensic quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Throughout his career, Mr. Larrison has focused on the integration of scientific practice, quality assurance, and operational execution. His experience uniquely combines hands-on forensic examination with executive-level oversight of quality systems, accreditation, and large-scale program delivery, providing a comprehensive perspective on both the practice and governance of forensic science.