Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Private Investigators in New York, NY
Cornelius Investigations has served as a trusted private investigation and security firm since 2006. Founded by Scott Prendergast, a retired NYPD detective with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, our agency combines deep investigative expertise with a commitment to discretion. Our team includes former NYPD and New Jersey State Police officers, along with associates across the U.S., Asia, and Europe. We specialize in business and insurance fraud investigations, surveillance, computer forensics, and executive protection services. Our unique value lies in our law enforcement background, which enables us to navigate complex legal and technical challenges effectively.We maintain strict confidentiality for all clients, including attorneys, corporations, and private individuals. Our computer forensics specialists employ industry-standard methodologies to recover and analyze digital evidence admissible in court. With decades of combined experience in both public and private sectors, we deliver actionable intelligence through proven investigative techniques. Our security services are staffed by licensed professionals authorized to carry firearms in New York and New Jersey. We pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions that address each client's specific needs while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Services
Private Investigations
Surveillance
Computer Forensics
Security Services
Background Checks
Missing Persons
Stalking Investigations
Event Security
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Our team includes former NYPD and NJ State Police detectives with 20+ years of investigative experience
- Nationwide and international network of professional associates for comprehensive coverage
- 24/7 availability for urgent investigation and security needs
- Proven track record with law firms, corporations, and private clients since 2006
- Specialized computer forensics expertise with court-admissible evidence preparation
Associations and certifications
- NYS Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
Services
Private Investigations
Our private investigation services address business fraud, insurance claims, family matters, and corporate concerns. Former law enforcement professionals employ advanced techniques to gather evidence while maintaining strict confidentiality. Clients receive comprehensive reports and court-ready documentation.
Surveillance
Professional surveillance teams with NYPD backgrounds conduct discreet monitoring across NYC and beyond. We utilize cutting-edge technology for real-time tracking and documentation of activities related to insurance fraud, personal matters, and corporate investigations.
Computer Forensics
Our experts recover and analyze digital evidence from computers and devices. Services include internet history tracking, file recovery, and expert witness preparation. All findings are documented using industry standards for legal proceedings and court submissions.
Security Services
Executive protection and event security services staffed by licensed professionals with law enforcement backgrounds. Our security personnel are authorized to carry firearms in NY/NJ and provide tailored protection solutions for high-profile individuals and corporate events.
Background Checks
Comprehensive background investigations for employment, custody cases, and business partnerships. Our former police detectives verify credentials, criminal records, and personal history through official channels and field investigations.
People
Scott Prendergast
Owner and Principal Investigator
Retired NYPD detective with 20+ years of experience in fraud, theft, and homicide investigations. Holds multiple Cop of the Month awards and founded Cornelius Investigations in 2006 after serving as a senior investigator for NYC schools.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We handle business fraud, insurance investigations, family matters, missing persons, stalking cases, and computer forensics for attorneys, corporations, and private individuals.
Are your investigators licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes NYS licensed private investigators with former NYPD and New Jersey State Police backgrounds, plus associates nationwide and internationally.
Can you assist with digital evidence recovery?
Our computer forensics specialists recover deleted files, analyze internet history, and prepare court-admissible digital evidence using industry-standard methodologies.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency investigation and security services with immediate response capabilities across New York City and beyond.
How do you ensure client confidentiality?
All inquiries and investigations maintain strict confidentiality through secure communication channels and limited case team access.
What security services are available?
We offer executive protection, event security, and corporate security services staffed by licensed professionals with law enforcement experience in New York and New Jersey.
Reviews (4)
Peyton Bryant
Dec 10, 2020
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As a divorce attorney, I frequently have circumstances that necessitate hiring a private investigator on behalf of my clients . I have worked with Cornelius Investigations on several cases that required diligence and attention to detail. Whether is basic surveillance, a background check or connecting the dots on finances just that do not add up, Scott and his team always deliver results that exceed my expectations. If you need a good private investigator, the Cornelius team is money well spent.
E. W.
Dec 17, 2019
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Cornelius Investigations has consistently performed above any other investigative service I have used in the New York area. Regardless of the nature of the work, personal or business, they have always been thorough, trustworthy, timely and professional. They provide excellent service, as well as results, even for the hardest of cases where other investigators have hit dead ends. Having used them for several matters over the years, I highly recommend Cornelius for any investigation needs.
Rose R.
Oct 10, 2019
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I hired Cornelius Investigations for two separate celebrity events in NY City. Scott and his team did an excellent job, paying attention to every detail, while providing exceptional service and keeping the crowds safe. The staff is very experienced and professional. I highly recommend Cornelius Investigations for executive protection and event security.
Robert Howard
Sep 05, 2019
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Cornelius Investigations has provided entrance security at your church on Sundays over the past few years. They are completely professional and discrete, and have given our congregation a great sense of protection. Thank You!
