This blog is a part of our Investigator Spotlights series, where we introduce you to some of Pinkerton’s investigators. When Allan Pinkerton started the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in 1850, the profession was not held in high regard. It was Pinkerton and his team’s skill for detective work, keen intellect, and watchful eyes that turned contempt to esteem and gave birth to the modern security industry. To be counted among Pinkerton investigators is an honor belonging to a relative few and a position reserved for the best in the field.
When did you know that you wanted to solve mysteries?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminology from the California State University of Fresno in 1997. I began working as a deputy probation officer where I was trained in preparing court sentencing reports and supervising probationers, monitoring their daily activities, and interviewing their families. I affected arrests for violations of their terms of probation and prepared court reports.
However, I wanted to be an investigator. And I wanted to be part of California’s premier investigative agency and be involved with their high-profile investigations. Later that year, I joined the California Department of Justice (CADOJ) as a special agent.
After 911 I was on the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force that operated informants in the US and abroad. I was the lead agent operating the most active informants in my area. I worked with the US military, the CIA, and multiple federal agencies to identify threats to our country. I also investigated narcotics-related offenses and gang-related crimes on a state/local task force where we arrested dozens of violent gang members for a variety of crimes.
And now you’re with Pinkerton. Why Pinkerton?
Pinkerton is the oldest investigative agency in the country. I chose to work here because of the variety of challenging and diverse investigations, and because I knew I would be involved with investigations for which I have less experience. For that, I received formal training in the understanding and conducting of private investigations, de-escalation techniques, emergency response, theft and anti-corruption, and more. And since, I’ve worked on cases involving personal threats, surveillance, cargo theft, robbery, and sensitive corporate-related crimes.
If someone were to ask you, what are your areas of expertise?
In 1999 I was part of the CA DOJ Sexual Predator Apprehension Team (SPAT). I was assigned to assist in a serial killer investigation that involved multiple local, state, and federal agencies. Through leads and solid “boots on the ground” work, my team ultimately located the suspect, and my partner and I made the arrest. This suspect was found guilty of the murders of two college girls, both of whom he stalked. He is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison.
This is just one of many. During my time on the SPAT team, we arrested hundreds of sex offenders who were on the run for their offenses.
What talent or skills do you need to be a great investigator?
A great investigator must have attention to detail, perseverance, write and communicate well, and work collaboratively with others. Investigators must be humble enough to know what they do not know and be willing to brainstorm ideas with more experienced and knowledgeable investigators. A good investigator also needs to have a plethora of networking sources. To conduct a proper investigation, you need to be resourceful and have access to many resources.
Any last thoughts?
I am inspired that every day I continue to work in the field of investigations. I work with positive, encouraging professionals who share a common goal — providing clients with a highly specialized and thorough investigation.
Throughout history, Pinkertons have served as advisors and consultants for national and global organizations, defining new standards for investigations and consistently driving change within our industry. As a trusted partner, you can rely on our family of thousands of employees and connected partners across 100+ countries to support your investigative, risk management, and security needs.
