Working PIby Duaine Labno, Senior Director of Risk & Threat Intelligence at CROSStrax
The private investigative industry has undergone a seismic shift over the past few decades, driven largely by advancements in technology. My career began in law enforcement in 1999 in a rural area, a time when technology was nowhere near as advanced as it is today. Back then, our department computers ran on Windows 95, and our patrol cars lacked built-in computers. Instead, we relied on clipboards, radios, light controllers, and physical maps, such as the “Thomas Guide,” to navigate to locations. Every call detail was manually written down, and running a person’s information was done over the radio. Despite the limitations, this era instilled a deep respect for meticulous attention to detail and the fundamental skills of investigative work.
As I progressed in my career, technology evolved alongside me. We were frequently introduced to new tools, often marketed as game-changers that would increase efficiency and safety. While some advancements genuinely enhanced our capabilities—such as electronic call information, real-time vehicle navigation, and automated background checks—many others fell short. I witnessed numerous police departments invest in expensive, ineffective software due to flawed procurement processes. Officers often reverted to traditional methods that were more reliable and efficient than the technological solutions provided.
When I transitioned to the private sector in 2021, joining TIG Risk Services, I gained a newfound appreciation for the resourcefulness required in private investigations. Unlike law enforcement, where proprietary databases provide instant access to information, private investigators must rely on methodical research and traditional investigative techniques. This challenge, however, is what makes the PI profession exciting— developing leads away from minimal information and constructing cases through diligence and perseverance.
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Technology’s Role in Modern Investigations
At TIG Risk Services, we have leveraged technology to enhance our operations. Our company owns a software firm, which developed CROSStrax, a case management system designed by investigators for investigators. This software streamlines workflows and enhances efficiency, mirroring the functionality of law enforcement systems while catering to the private investigative industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, our organization is poised to take another leap forward by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our investigative processes. AI is transforming how we handle file management, report writing, and data analysis. Some of our investigators have already cut their report-writing time in half, allowing them to take on more work while improving the quality of their deliverables. AI-assisted report writing has significantly reduced grammar and spelling errors, ensuring a polished final product. However, human oversight remains critical to maintaining accuracy and contextual integrity.
Beyond report writing, AI has revolutionized fraud detection and pattern recognition. Traditionally, private investigators would manually sift through vast amounts of data, potentially overlooking critical details. AI, however, can process financial records, communication logs, and behavioral patterns in seconds, identifying trends that may otherwise be missed. This innovation saves time and ensures a higher level of accuracy, though human verification remains essential to validating AI-generated insights.
Advancing Workplace Safety Through Technology
In my current role, I oversee a workplace violence team responsible for threat assessments and special investigations for a global organization. Risk mitigation in corporate environments requires a proactive approach, which led us to develop Risk Shield, a software platform that enables real-time monitoring of security threats.
Prior to its implementation, workplace violence prevention was largely reactive. Now, we can proactively track active shooter incidents, police activity, fires, natural disasters, and other risk events that could impact business operations and employee safety. Additionally, we introduced a mobile app that allows users to report suspicious activity and monitor security threats in their vicinity. This innovation provides an extra layer of protection for businesses and individuals, enhancing situational awareness and crisis response capabilities.
The Future of Investigations
Reflecting on my early days in law enforcement, it’s remarkable to see how far technology has come. As we move forward, the investigative industry will continue to harness new tools to increase productivity, uncover deeper insights, and enhance security. AI, data analytics, and advanced case management systems are not replacing investigators; they are empowering us to work smarter and more effectively. The future of investigations is bright, and those who embrace technology will find themselves at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.
About the Author
Duaine Labno is the Senior Director of Risk & Threat Intelligence at CROSStrax, bringing over two decades of public safety experience. His career began in 1999 and he was a police officer and firefighter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he served in a variety of specialized roles. Duaine now leads strategic threat intelligence efforts, combining his deep field expertise with a passion for protecting people and organizations.
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