Private investigations evolve as technology progresses, and modern cases often hinge on digital evidence. Electronic data sources, such as smartphones, DVRs, cloud servers, and medical devices, can provide crucial clues in challenging cases. In this technological age, professionals who master both electronic evidence and traditional investigative methods 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. Recognizing that many states require private investigator licenses for anyone collecting or analyzing evidence, Fried became licensed in Michigan, New York, and South Carolina. This licensing broadened his work to include traditional investigative strategies, letting him integrate digital forensics with time-tested techniques like surveillance, interviewing, and meticulous fact verification.
Fried’s transition to private investigations did not restrain his digital forensics and cybercrime investigation background but elevated it due to his added knowledge and expertise. He applies specialized knowledge to cases involving computers, mobile devices, email, document metadata, and more. His approach balances the foundational principles of evidence handling—maintaining chain of custody, preserving integrity, and verifying authenticity —with classic investigative practices such as interviewing data custodians and other stakeholders involved in a matter.
The types of cases Fried handles underscore the growing intersection of technology and private investigations. He has leveraged his expertise to uncover document history through metadata, reconstructed timelines in accident investigations by retrieving cell phone records, DVR footage, and traced data exfiltration paths in numerous 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 highlight how crucial digital forensics has become to today’s private investigations and the role of experts like Fried.
Fried maintains memberships in organizations such as 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), (for which he is a Board Member), and the World Association of Detectives (WAD) to stay at the forefront of investigative methods. Through these affiliations, he exchanges insights with peers, broadens his professional reach, and collaborates on cases that demand both high-tech and conventional investigative skills.
Fried is also passionate about teaching, which is evident in his prior 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 is an advisor for the M.S. Investigations Graduate Program at the University of New Haven. Fried also sits on the Global Advisory Board of the EC-Council’s Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification. He also developed an eCourse on Forensic Data Collection, for which he has entered into a strategic partnership with the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS). Fried has also developed and instructed Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) accredited courses. Recently, he taught a Basic Cybercrimes course at The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, where he is a Fellow—reflecting his commitment to mentoring emerging professionals.
Beyond his academic roles, Fried regularly writes and speaks on digital forensics and private investigation topics. He has authored articles in several prominent publications, highlighting best practices for collecting and analyzing digital evidence. In 2024, PI Magazine recognized him as a “Top Professional Investigator,” a reflection of his impact on both private investigations and digital forensics. He also received the Anthony Golec Editor/Publisher Award in 2021, underscoring his ongoing drive to inform and elevate industry standards.
Fried’s unique profile—part digital forensics expert, part licensed investigator—demonstrates how electronic evidence and classic investigative techniques intersect seamlessly. His thought leadership has influenced how private investigators approach electronic evidence handling, documentation, preservation, and presentation. As digital technology continues to transform the profession, his contributions ensure that investigators gather facts and apply reliable, defensible processes when working with electronic data. In a world increasingly defined by digital footprints, Fried’s commitment to bridging electronic evidence and private investigations paves the way for more thorough and accurate case investigations.
