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Led by Experience, Driven by Integrity

Our team of former police and military professionals deliver high-quality, real-world training to help you build a credible and successful career in private investigation.

Real-World Training from Professionals Who’ve Been There

At the UK Private Investigator Training Academy (UKPITA), we’re committed to raising the standard of investigator training in the UK. Our courses are designed and delivered by seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in law enforcement, surveillance, and private sector investigations.

We don’t just teach theory. We share what works in the real world.

Meet the Founders

Chris is a retired senior police officer with over 30 years’ experience in criminal investigations. His career includes:

  • Leading complex investigations and multi-agency operations
  • 14 years as a hostage and crisis negotiator, trained alongside UK Special Forces
  • Assisted with the delivery of the Metropolitan Police’s Negotiator Course at Hendon
  • Serving as a Tactical Firearms Commander, directing covert and overt armed operations where surveillance was often key

Chris also holds an MSc in Police Leadership and Management from the University of Leicester. As Centre Manager, he oversees course design, administration, and quality assurance — ensuring every student receives a first-class learning experience.

Mike served in the Royal Green Jackets before launching his own private investigation business, which he later sold after years of success. His career has included:

  • Founding and operating multiple PI agencies across the UK:
    Cotswold Private Investigations, Somerset Private Investigations, and Red Dragon Private Investigations
  • Working across a broad spectrum of private investigations
  • Authoring the companion book to the course: So You Want To Be A Private Investigator
  • Drawing on both military and civilian investigative experience to guide the next generation of investigators

Mike’s practical insights are embedded throughout the course content, helping students understand not only how to investigate but how to run a successful PI business.

Our Training Team

All of our instructors are former police officers, selected for their:

  • Extensive operational experience in specialist roles
  • Professional teaching qualifications
  • Commitment to ethical, high-quality training

This ensures that every student benefits from real-world experience, supported by structured, competency-based learning.

Backed by Accreditation & Quality Assurance

We’re proud to be a registered centre for SFJ Awards, the awarding organisation behind the Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators. Our course content and delivery are regularly reviewed by an External Quality Assurer (EQA) to ensure ongoing excellence.

We also work closely with the SFJ Awards team to maintain best practices and continually evolve our training.

Supporting Your Next Step

We believe in preparing our students for more than just passing an assessment. We prepare you to:

  • Operate ethically and professionally in the private sector
  • Launch and manage your own agency
  • Transition confidently from military, police, or civilian backgrounds
  • Become part of a supportive and trusted alumni network

Whether you’re switching careers or starting fresh, UKPITA is here to give you the tools, training, and support to succeed.

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