American Detective Agency Has Expert Private Investigators
Serving PA, NJ and NY
Licensed in PA, New York, New Jersey, and We Also Serve Nationwide
Joseph Alercia II
American Detective Agency, Founder and CEO Joe Alercia II oversees each and every case and will return your calls! Our private investigators and associates come from federal, state, and local law enforcement, intelligence agencies, insurance industry and from the private sector. Cases are assigned to investigators with expertise, background, and training, in the type of case being investigated.
Confidential Private Investigations
WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW
“THE TRUTH”
Since 1975 ,we have proven our worth, helping thousands of clients including numerous celebrities, solve their business, personal, and professional problems. We are providing quality, cost-effective investigative services.
Consultations are always welcomed at no cost.
Education
Graduate
Easton Area High School
William Penn Highway
Easton, PA 18042
Higher Education Extension Courses
- 1968-1970 LaSalle Extension University
Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Law
Studied common law - 1969-1975 Detective Apprentice
- 1970-1972 Institute of Applied Sciences
Diploma
Scientific Crime Detection (fingerprints, police photography, firearms ID, ID of handwriting, typewriting, Modus operandi) - 1971-1972 Universal Detectives
Universal City, CA
Diploma
Investigation training - 1972-1973 North American Institute of Police Science
Chicago, Illinois
Diploma
Investigation and Police Science - 1974-1975 Universal Schools
Little Falls, NJ
Diploma
Legal Investigation - 1975-1976 American Police Academy
Washington, D.C.
Certificate of Instruction, Arson Investigation - 1975-1976 International Detective Training School
Diploma
Detective Training - 1978-1979 Paralegal Institute
Phoenix, AZ
Research of Federal and State Laws. The study of litigation and trial practice. - 1979-1980 Police Science Institute
Newport Beach, CA
Diploma
General Law enforcement. Course in police training. - 1985-1987 Graduate, Newspaper Institute of America
A writing course specializing in fiction writing and basic concepts of newspaper writing - 1990-1991 Diploma, Forensic handwriting examination
- 1995 Practical Homicide Seminar Certificate
Awards
- Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Investigation. The American Law Enforcement Association.
- Award Membership in the International Academy of Criminology.
- 1980 named Who’s Who in American Law Enforcement, placed in the Library of Congress and to each state Library for historical and educational purposes.
- John Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal for distinguished public service.
- Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award.
- 1998 was chosen out of 50,000 Investigators throughout the United States, one of the top 50 PI’s by PI Magazine, the leader in Private Investigative trade journals.
- 1998 awarded the Certified Master Investigator Designation, a recognition of establish knowledge relevant to the Investigative profession. Certified by the National Investigation Academy.
- 1998 The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The House of Representatives awarded a Citation honoring Joseph Alercia II as the founder of Lion Investigation Academy. Also honoring Joseph Alercia II for his dedicated pursuit of peace and justice in our constantly changing society. Sponsored by the Honorable Lisa M. Boscola, and attested to by Matthew Ryan, Speaker of the House and Ted Mazia, Chief Clerk of the House.
- June 1997, Marine Corps League, Department of Pennsylvania, Dedicated Service Award, 25 years, Northampton County Detachment.
Military History
- United States Marine Corps, 1959-1963 (Active), 1963-1965 (Inactive reserve status), Honorable Discharge
- Past Commandant Marine Corps League, Northampton County, PA
- Marine Corps League, Northampton County, PA – Distinguished Service Award
Certifications
- National Panel of Consumer Arbitrators, certified Arbitrator for Better Business Bureau. Preside over hearings presented to the Better Business Bureau. Empowered to make monetary and other judgments. Senior arbitrator status – Former
- Diplomat, Board Certified Forensic Examiner, certified by the American Board of Forensic Examiners – Former
- Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator
- Advisory Board of the Criminal Defense Investigation Council
- Certified by the American Law Enforcement Trainers Association, as a trainer – Former
- Commissioned as a Notary Public by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Certified Master Investigator (National Investigation Academy)
- Attended various seminars with relation to the investigative realm.
- Qualified under Federal Rule 702 as an expert witness in the investigative realm.
Business Owned
- American Detective Agency, Pennsylvania – Founded 1975
- Sentry Detective Agency, New Jersey – Founded 1976
- American Detection Systems, Pennsylvania – Founded 1983
- Lion Investigation Academy, Pennsylvania – Founded 1974
- M&J Investigation, New York City – Founded 1980
- Lehigh Valley Protective Services, Pennsylvania – Founded 1992
- American Detective Agency, Nebraska – Founded 1995
- American Detective Agency, Massachusetts – Founded 2000
Memberships
- International Police Congress, Regional Director, Washington, D.C. based – Former
- Marine Corps League, Northampton County Past Commandant.
- Academy of Security Educators and Trainers – Former
- National Association of Legal Investigators – Former
- Newspaper Institute of America – Former
- International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association – Former
- Association of licensed Detectives of New York State.
- American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers – Former
Licenses
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the state of New Jersey.
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the state of New York.
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the state of Nebraska.
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Former
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the District of Columbia – Former
- Licensed as a Private Investigator in the State of North Carolina – Former
- Licensed by PA Department of Education Bureau of Private Licensed Schools to conduct training in private investigation and close protection – offering diplomas.
Miscellaneous
- 1987-1989 Produced, directed and hosted a live radio talk show with regards to the Private Detective realm. Radio Station WEEX, Easton, Pa.
- 1995 Participated in filming an episode of Unsolved Mysteries with regards to a previous case that I had completed.
- 1996-2001 Produced, directed and hosted a live radio talk show regarding the various services offered by the investigator in the private sector and the professional conduct of those engaged therein. Radio Station WGPA in Bethlehem, Pa.
Comprehensive Digital Forensics and Executive Protection Services
At American Detective Agency, our expertise extends to advanced digital forensics and executive protection/security services. We specialize in uncovering digital evidence through data recovery, analyzing computer systems for criminal or domestic civil cases, and providing crucial insights into legal matters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and nationwide.
Our executive protection services ensure the safety of high-profile individuals, offering tailored security solutions to mitigate risk and protect assets. If it’s for businesses, attorneys, or private individuals, we deliver precise, confidential, and reliable services that reflect our reputation for investigative excellence since 1969. Call us today at (610) 868-2637 or (610) 905-3050. We are proud to provide the following services:
- Accident Investigation
- Civil & Criminal Litigation Support
- Criminal Defense Investigations
- Evidence Photography
- Executive Protection & Security
- Expert Witness / Litigation
- Insurance Claims & Workers Comp.
- Intelligence Reports
- Missing Persons / Locates
- Technical Surveillance Counter Measures
- Undercover Operations
- Witness Interviews
Choose Your Investigator as You Would Your Doctor and Attorney
Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Nationwide
American Detective Agency proudly serves clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York while offering nationwide coverage for specialized investigations and security services. With over 50 years of experience, our team handles cases across state lines, ensuring comprehensive solutions for individuals, businesses, and attorneys. If it’s computer forensics, executive protection, criminal defense investigations, or surveillance, we provide exceptional service to meet the needs of our diverse clientele, no matter where they are.
About American Detective Agency
in Bethlehem, PA
Since 1975, the American Detective Agency has provided top-tier investigative and security services to clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and nationwide. With over five decades of investigative excellence, we specialize in various services, including surveillance, executive protection, professional asset recovery, workers’ comp insurance claim investigations, criminal defense investigations, accident investigations, and digital forensics and data recovery. We serve attorneys, businesses, and private citizens, handling domestic, civil, and criminal cases. Licensed, bonded, and insured, we are available 24/7 to deliver unmatched credibility and results.
Contact American Detective Agency Today for Dependable Services
Contact the American Detective Agency today for reliable and professional investigative or security services. With over five decades of experience,
we are available 24/7 to assist with any case, if you’re in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team specializes in digital forensics, executive protection, criminal investigations, and more. Reach out to discuss your needs with our professionals, and let us provide the expertise and results you can trust. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. Your peace of mind is our priority.
