Michael McGarrity is an American author and former law enforcement officer. He has written over a dozen crime novels set in New Mexico. Michael holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico and later graduated with honors from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
His career in criminal justice spanned over 25 years and included roles in corrections, law enforcement, and police training. He created treatment programs for drug offenders, supervised outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-established mental health services for the Department of Corrections following the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary.
As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, McGarrity worked as a patrol officer, community relations officer, training and planning supervisor, and lead investigator for the sex crimes unit, which he established. He also taught at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender’s District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency.
His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including New Mexico Social Worker of the Year (1980), Santa Fe’s Police Officer of the Year (1987), and the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature (2004). In 2015, he received both the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature.
McGarrity has played a key role in establishing creative writing scholarships at several institutions, including the University of New Mexico, Santa Fe Community College, and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Emily Beth (Mimi).
