About Us

In 1955, a group  of 10 people met and decided to form an organization dedicated to foster networking among law enforcement professionals when they envisioned an organization that would be called The Society of Professional Investigators of New York. They were investigative professionals who began their careers  during World War 2 working  for the OSS/OSI, (the Office of Strategic Services/Office of Strategic Intelligence formed as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces); this agency would become known as the CIA.

On July 3, 1956, with the help of Herman Bass Esq., they petitioned the Supreme Court of the First Judicial District of New York State to incorporate the Society of Professional Investigators (SPI) under the Membership Incorporations Law of the State. On July 6, 1956, Justice Felix C. Benvenga signed an order granting the incorporation which was filed with the NYS Secretary of State on July 9, 1956.

Today we have incorporated, welcomed professions unheard of in 1956. These include, but are not limited to: DNA specialists, Computer Forensic Investigators, Forensic Odontologists, Forensic Accountants and other specialties as well as members from the traditional investigative community.

Those who have applied for membership and have been accepted to  SPI have indeed joined an auspicious organization with a rich history.

The mission of SPI is to provide the very best forum possible for the education, training and networking of our members. Each month SPI members meet to learn from guest speakers who are among the best in their fields. SPI also provides training programs and an annual awards dinner honoring leaders in our profession, in addition to networking opportunities not found anywhere else.  

Featured In The New Yorker and The New York Times.