About Empire Investigation
Four Decades of Investigative Integrity
Founded in 1982, Empire Investigation has built a reputation on expertise, discretion, and demonstrable results. We are licensed, bonded, and A+ BBB rated — operating nationwide with the technical sophistication and professional rigor that high-stakes investigations demand.
Leadership
Robert Kresson, Founder & Director
Robert Kresson established Empire Investigation in 1982 with a clear mission: bring scientific rigor and professional standards to private investigations. With over 40 years of hands-on investigative experience, Kresson has built the firm into a recognized authority in technical surveillance counter measures (TSCM), corporate investigations, and discreet domestic case work.
Early in his career, Kresson recognized that most internal business losses do not originate from external threats, but from within organizations themselves. This insight led Empire to pioneer investigative approaches addressing internal risk, employee misconduct, fraud detection, and insider threats — disciplines that remain at the firm's core.
Kresson's expertise has been recognized in national and international media, including USA Today, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Executive Report, FOX 53, WTAE-TV, WPXI, KDKA-TV, and The Jenny Jones Show. His work has supported broadcast journalists, corporate security teams, and legal professionals nationwide.
Key Expertise Areas
Professional Standing
Licensed, Bonded, and Credentialed
Licensed Investigator
All investigators hold valid state licenses under Pennsylvania law. We maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements for private investigation work.
Ross Engineering Certified
Certified trainer and practitioner in advanced surveillance detection and TSCM methodology. Training maintains investigator proficiency in the latest detection equipment and counter-surveillance protocols.
A+ BBB Rating
Better Business Bureau accreditation reflects our commitment to transparent operations, ethical practices, and client satisfaction over four decades.
Professional Network
Regular collaboration with attorneys, law enforcement, corporate counsel, and industry professionals validates our expertise and professional standing.
Why Expertise Matters
Specialized Knowledge, Proven Results
TSCM Specialization
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures requires mastery of signal detection, RF analysis, advanced imaging, and covert listening device identification. Our investigators maintain currency with emerging surveillance technology through continuous professional development. This expertise cannot be acquired casually — it requires hands-on experience and systematic training.
Empire's reputation in TSCM has been validated by multiple broadcasts, corporate security partnerships, and direct commendations from television journalists and law enforcement professionals.
Corporate Investigation Expertise
Corporate fraud investigation requires understanding of business operations, financial controls, regulatory compliance, evidentiary standards, and legal admissibility. Our investigators are experienced in addressing embezzlement, vendor fraud, employee theft, trade secret theft, workplace misconduct, and insider threats.
We work directly with legal counsel, understand discovery requirements, and deliver findings in formats suitable for litigation, HR action, or executive decision-making.
Discretion & Legal Compliance
Professional investigations must operate within strict legal boundaries. Our team understands wiretapping laws, recording consent requirements, surveillance statutes, and privacy regulations across all 50 states. Evidence gathered must be legally admissible.
Forty years of practice has taught us to navigate these complexities with precision, ensuring that findings are defensible and legally sound.
Professional Recognition
Featured in National & International Media
Empire Investigation's expertise has been recognized by major national and international publications, broadcasters, and industry leaders:
- USA Today — Front-page cover story on surveillance equipment and privacy concerns (1998)
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review — Multiple features on infidelity investigations and relationship investigations
- Executive Report — Cover stories on investigative technology and corporate fraud detection (1984, 1990)
- WTAE-TV, WPXI, KDKA-TV, FOX 53 — Commendations from investigative producers for equipment provision and investigative expertise
- The Jenny Jones Show — Collaboration on undercover investigation segments
- W&S — Wirtschaftsschutz & Sicherheitstechnik — Featured in Germany's leading security trade magazine (1996)
- The Ritz-Carlton Magazine — International luxury lifestyle publication; feature recognition
- Pittsburgh City Paper — Recognized in "Best of Pittsburgh" for ethical investigations
This media recognition reflects the firm's technical capabilities, professional standing, and the confidence that journalists, producers, and security professionals place in our expertise.
Our Commitment
How We Maintain Expertise
Expertise You Can Trust
Four decades of investigative experience, proven results, and professional recognition. When expertise matters, Empire Investigation delivers.