Private investigations are evolving alongside advancements in technology, and many modern cases increasingly rely on digital evidence. Electronic data sources, such as smartphones, DVRs, cloud servers, and medical devices, can often provide essential clues in complex investigations. In today’s technological landscape, professionals who are skilled in both electronic evidence and traditional investigative techniques are in high demand. Robert B. Fried is one such professional.
Fried’s early career focused on digital forensics, where he guided law enforcement in understanding and preserving electronic data. Aware that many states require private investigator licenses for individuals involved in the collection or analysis of evidence, Fried became licensed in Michigan, New York, and South Carolina. This licensing allowed him to expand his practice to include traditional investigative methods, enabling him to integrate digital forensics with established techniques like surveillance, interviewing, and thorough fact verification.
Fried’s transition to private investigations did not diminish his digital forensics and cybercrime investigation background; rather, it enhanced it by combining his additional knowledge and expertise. He applies his specialized knowledge to cases involving computers, mobile devices, email, document metadata, and more. His approach strikes a balance between the foundational principles of evidence handling—maintaining chain of custody, preserving integrity, and verifying authenticity—and traditional investigative practices, such as interviewing data custodians and other key individuals involved in a case.
The cases Fried handles highlight the growing intersection between technology and private investigations. He has used his expertise to uncover document histories through metadata, reconstruct timelines in accident investigations by retrieving cell phone records, DVR footage, and tracing data exfiltration paths in various corporate disputes. He has also assisted in unlocking devices, analyzing data from medical equipment, and addressing the unique challenges of cloud-based file repositories. These scenarios emphasize how integral digital forensics has become to contemporary private investigations and the role of experts like Fried.
Fried is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS), the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI), the Society of Professional Investigators (SPI), where he serves as a Board Member, and the World Association of Detectives (WAD). Through these memberships, he stays up to date with the latest investigative methods, exchanges insights with peers, and collaborates on cases requiring both high-tech and traditional investigative expertise.
Fried is also deeply committed to education, as seen in his previous role as a Computer Crime Specialist with the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), where he co-authored a 40-hour Advanced Data Recovery and Analysis (ADRA) Email course. He currently serves as an advisor for the M.S. Investigations Graduate Program at the University of New Haven and sits on the Global Advisory Board of the EC-Council’s Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification. He has developed an eCourse on Forensic Data Collection and entered into a strategic partnership with the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS). Additionally, Fried has created and taught Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) accredited courses. He recently taught a Basic Cybercrimes course at The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, where he is a Fellow, further demonstrating his commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
In addition to his academic roles, Fried frequently writes and speaks on topics related to digital forensics and private investigations. He has authored articles for several well-regarded publications, offering guidance on valuable practices for collecting and analyzing digital evidence. In 2024, PI Magazine recognized him as a “Top Professional Investigator,” acknowledging his influence on both the private investigation and digital forensics fields. He also received the Anthony Golec Editor/Publisher Award in 2021, underscoring his continued dedication to advancing industry standards.
Fried’s unique background—part digital forensics expert, part licensed investigator—illustrates how electronic evidence and traditional investigative techniques can work together effectively. His thought leadership has influenced how private investigators handle, document, preserve, and present electronic evidence. As digital technology continues to shape the profession, his contributions are helping ensure that investigators use sound, defensible processes when working with electronic data. In a world where digital footprints are increasingly important, Fried’s efforts to bridge the gap between electronic evidence and private investigations contribute to more thorough and reliable investigations.
