Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Advanced Private Investigations in Cary, NC
Advanced Private Investigations has been delivering expert investigative services since 1981, combining advanced technology with over three decades of experience. Our team specializes in domestic investigations, child custody cases, corporate fraud, benefits fraud, and criminal defense support, serving clients across North Carolina and nationwide. We prioritize discretion, efficiency, and court-ready evidence, utilizing cutting-edge GPS tracking, covert surveillance, and computer forensics.Recognized for our role in high-profile cases, including the Mount Herbert Orphanage abuse investigation, we maintain partnerships with law enforcement and legal professionals. Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in our five-star reputation and testimonials from attorneys, government agencies, and private clients.
Services
Domestic Investigations
Child Custody Cases
Corporate Fraud
Benefits Fraud
Computer Forensics
Missing Persons
Criminal Defense
Property Recovery
GPS Surveillance
Background Checks
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Licensed investigators with over 30 years of undercover experience
- Court-ready evidence collection using advanced GPS and surveillance tech
- Proven success in high-profile cases like the Mount Herbert Orphanage investigation
- Expert team includes former crime scene directors and law enforcement specialists
- Nationwide service network with local expertise in Wake County
Associations and certifications
- Private Protective Services Board of North Carolina
- North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI)
What people say
Outstanding investigation skills
Court-ready evidence collection
Discreet and efficient service
Proven track record
Highly recommended by attorneys
Services
Domestic Investigations
We conduct discreet domestic investigations using GPS tracking and surveillance to document evidence of infidelity or custody agreement violations. Our court-admissible reports include time-stamped photos and videos. Clients receive regular updates with detailed documentation of subject activities.
Child Custody Cases
Our team provides evidence for child custody disputes through surveillance and background checks on third parties. We document subject behavior, living conditions, and potential risks to support legal proceedings. Reports include photographic evidence of activities and environment assessments.
Corporate Fraud
We investigate business partner integrity, employee fraud, and stolen property cases. Our services include executive background checks and forensic analysis of financial records. We've recovered millions in assets for major corporations through evidence-based investigations.
Benefits Fraud
Specializing in workers' compensation fraud detection using covert surveillance. Our investigators document claimant activities with remote cameras and provide daily reports with photographic evidence. We offer flat-rate pricing for insurance companies and adjusters.
Computer Forensics
Our computer security specialists recover deleted data and text messages from non-password protected devices. We provide expert testimony on digital evidence and implement security measures to protect businesses from cyber threats and ransomware attacks.
People
James Petrie
Licensed Private Investigator
With over 30 years of undercover experience, James founded API in 1981. He specializes in domestic cases, corporate fraud, and computer forensics. Licensed by North Carolina's PPSB and NCAPI, he's testified in court and worked with law enforcement agencies.
David Petrie
Associate Private Investigator
Trained in undercover operations, David supports complex investigations with surveillance and evidence collection. He works under James Petrie's supervision on domestic and corporate cases across North Carolina.
Lee Roberts
Crime Scene Specialist
Former Raleigh CCBI Director with 30+ years in crime scene investigations. Lee provides expert analysis for criminal defense cases and has testified in numerous trials. His expertise includes evidence collection and courtroom testimony.
Questions
What services do you offer?
We provide domestic investigations, child custody cases, corporate fraud detection, benefits fraud investigations, computer forensics, and criminal defense support.
How do I start an investigation?
Contact James Petrie at 919-795-8910 to discuss your case. Provide subject details and pay a retainer fee starting at $250 for domestic cases.
Do you work with attorneys?
Yes, we collaborate with criminal defense attorneys and provide court-ready evidence. Our team has testified in multiple trials.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal, certified checks, and money orders. Insurance clients receive flat-rate pricing options.
Are your services discreet?
Yes, we use unmarked vehicles and covert surveillance methods. Our team changes daily to maintain operational security.
Do you operate outside North Carolina?
We serve all of North Carolina and have subcontracted agents available nationwide and in Canada.
Reviews (5)
Greg Pubill
Oct 04, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
I talked with James, what a pleasure speaking with this experienced gentleman. I just had a few questions, he politely advised me even before having to move ahead and hire his services. Came across as very honest and professional.
I talked with James, what a pleasure speaking with this experienced gentleman. I just had a few questions, he politely advised me even before having to move ahead and hire his services. Came across as very honest and professional.
Thomas Williamson
Dec 21, 2018
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Mr. Petrie is truly a master of his trade. I have rarely encountered a professional of his caliber, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the work that he and his team does.
Galen Hammond
Sep 19, 2018
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James was very professional and acted incredible quick. I asked for a lot in a short amount of time and he delivered it all. He was always available on the phone and made me feel comfortable in his abilities to do a great job. His services were crucial and James was thorough and caring. He will go the extra mile when you need him to and I would recommend him highly.
Scott Pucek
Jul 20, 2018
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We hired James to help us with a custody issue and he worked for about a year and a half gathering evidence for us. Even though he was actively working other cases, he was always available when we needed him. James is highly intelligent and extremely ethical. He did a fantastic job with detailed documentation and his testimony in court was critical. If you need a dependable and experienced investigator, I highly recommend API without reservation.
Max Van Horn
Dec 27, 2016
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James was wonderful to work with, and he was right about everything. He is professional, courteous, discreet, he works hard to get the job done, and he is very responsive -- he took all my calls and was patient with my questions. He is also knowledgeable about the law. In your time of need and emotional turmoil, you need James.
