Verified Credentials
The recordspeaks.
Credentials earned across four decades: a Pennsylvania private detective license held since 1982, an A+ BBB rating, PALI membership, recognition in over 300 publications across three continents, and speaking engagements in London, Florence, and Grand Cayman.
Everything on this page is independently verifiable. External links are provided at the bottom.
State Licensure
Pennsylvania Private Detective License
Granted November 1982 — one of the longest-held private detective licenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's licensing requirements are not administrative formalities. Applicants must demonstrate prior investigative or law enforcement background, obtain judicial approval, and carry both bond and insurance before a license is granted. Empire has maintained this license continuously for over 44 years.
What Licensure Requires
- Minimum age of 25 at time of application
- Prior investigative or law enforcement background
- Judicial review and approval
- Bond (financial accountability guarantee)
- Insurance coverage
- Ongoing renewal and professional standing
Ratings & Recognition
Independently verified. Consistently maintained.
BBB Rating
A+
Continuous A+ Better Business Bureau rating
City's Best Award
3×
Pittsburgh City's Best — Private Investigator, 2023, 2024, 2025
BusinessRate 2026
Best of
BusinessRate recognized Empire as a top firm in 2026
PALI Member
Active
Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Investigators
Speaking & Instruction
From student to international instructor.
Robert Kresson trained under Jim Ross (Ross Engineering), Marty Kaiser, and Ted Sandin — recognized pioneers of the TSCM field. He later became an instructor himself, teaching at Surveillance Expo for over a decade and speaking at conferences on three continents.
Surveillance Expo
United States · 10+ years as instructor
Invited instructor for over a decade; taught surveillance techniques alongside industry pioneers.
Ross Engineering TSCM Training
United States · Ongoing
TSCM instruction in collaboration with Ross Engineering — one of the recognized pioneers of the TSCM field.
International Conference
London, UK
International speaking engagement.
International Conference
Grand Cayman
International speaking engagement.
International Conference
Florence, Italy
International speaking engagement.
State Conference
Harrisburg, PA
State-level professional speaking.
Regional Conference
New Orleans, LA
Regional professional speaking.
20+ professional and investigative conferences across multiple decades and three continents.
Press & Media Record
300+ publications across four decades and three continents.
From the Saudi Gazette and German trade journals to USA Today and WPXI, the record of third-party recognition is consistent and long-standing.
Independent Recognition
A Record Built Over Decades
International
Saudi Gazette
Vision Magazine
W&S Sicherheitstechnik
The Ritz-Carlton Magazine
Publications, broadcast networks, and trade journals across four decades — international press through local investigative media — that featured Empire Investigation by name.
Major editorial. Broad reach.
Independent Verification
Don't take our word for it.
Every credential listed on this page can be independently verified through third-party sources. Links below open to the original sources — not Empire-controlled pages.
Verified. Licensed. Ready.
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured since 1982.
All consultations are confidential. Empire will assess your situation and outline the most appropriate investigative approach before any engagement begins.
Questions
Credentials — Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Empire Investigation held its Pennsylvania private detective license?
Empire Investigation received its Pennsylvania private detective license in November 1982 — making it one of the longest continuously licensed investigative agencies in the state. The state required investigators to be 25 years old before applying, have prior investigative or law enforcement background, obtain judicial approval, and carry bond and insurance.
What does the A+ BBB rating mean for clients?
The Better Business Bureau A+ rating reflects Empire's decades-long record of resolving client concerns, maintaining ethical business practices, and operating with transparency. It is an independently maintained rating that clients can verify directly at BBB.org without relying on the firm's own claims.
What is PALI and why does Empire's membership matter?
PALI is the Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Investigators — the state's professional association for licensed private investigators. Membership requires active licensure and adherence to professional standards. Empire's listing is publicly verifiable at PALI.org.
Is international press recognition significant for a Pittsburgh firm?
Yes. Coverage in publications like the Saudi Gazette and German security trade magazines (Wirtschaftsschutz & Sicherheitstechnik) reflects a level of field recognition that extends well beyond regional reputation. These publications cover investigative industry developments internationally, and their mention of Empire reflects expertise recognized beyond U.S. borders.
Can I verify Empire's credentials independently?
Yes. Empire's BBB listing, PALI membership, and Google Business Profile are all publicly accessible and independently maintained. Links to each are provided on this page.