Experienced Private Investigators & Security Professionals Serving Central New York
Locke & Steele Investigative Agency is a licensed private investigation and security firm serving Syracuse, Utica, Watertown and communities throughout Central and Northern New York. We provide professional investigative services, surveillance investigations, litigation support, process service, people location services, and security guard services for attorneys, insurance carriers, corporations, and private clients.
When individuals or organizations search for a private investigator in Upstate New York, they often need reliable answers quickly. Locke & Steele provides discreet, professional investigative work designed to uncover facts, document evidence, and help clients make informed decisions.
Our investigators combine real-world investigative experience, professional research tools, and strategic analysis to deliver clear results and professional reporting.
Leadership Built on Real Investigative Experience
Locke & Steele was founded by Tara Benson, President and Lead Investigator, whose career includes military service, government investigations, and private sector investigative work.
Tara began her career serving as an active-duty Military Police Officer in the United States Army Military Police Corps, where she was responsible for protecting soldiers, civilians, and military installations. Her performance and leadership earned her early promotion and selection for the Army’s Special Reaction Team, the military equivalent of a SWAT unit.
Following her military service, Tara pursued investigative work in the private sector, training under retired Miami-Dade homicide detectives who helped develop her expertise in investigative strategy, surveillance operations, and evidence development.
She later served the State of New York as an investigator, conducting complex fraud investigations, surveillance assignments, and undercover operations. Her work contributed to uncovering fraudulent activity and saving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds.
Tara’s dedication to education and training has led her to create and teach numerous courses including Criminal Investigation, Fraud Examination, Surveillance, and Criminology 101 at local colleges and universities.
This diverse background provides Locke & Steele clients with the benefit of real investigative experience across military, government, and private sector investigations.
Education and Professional Expertise
Tara’s investigative career is supported by strong academic credentials and ongoing professional development.
She holds:
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, with a focus on police administration and investigations
- Master’s Degree in Education from Le Moyne College
Tara’s dedication to education and training has led her to create and teach numerous courses including Criminal Investigation, Fraud Examination, Surveillance, and Criminology 101 at local colleges and universities.
This combination of field experience and advanced education supports Locke & Steele’s commitment to professional investigative standards and clear, accurate reporting.
Professional Investigative Services in Syracuse & Central New York
Locke & Steele provides private investigation and security services throughout Syracuse and surrounding Central and Northern New York communities.
Our services include:
Surveillance Investigations
Insurance Defense and Fraud Investigations
Litigation Support and Trial Preparation
Process Service for Legal Documents
People Location and Skip Tracing Investigations
Background Research and Intelligence Investigations
Security Consulting and Risk Assessments
Professional Security Guard Services
Our investigators frequently work with attorneys, insurance companies, corporations, third party administrators (TPAs), and private clients who require reliable investigative support.
Whether assisting an attorney with litigation support or conducting surveillance for an insurance investigation, our goal is to provide accurate information that supports legal, financial, and security decisions.
Professional Affiliations
Locke & Steele maintains active membership in several respected investigative and security industry organizations, including:
- International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU)
- National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
- Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS)
- ASIS International
- New York State Association of Self-Insured Counties (NYSASIC)
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- Florida Association of Private Investigators (FAPI)
These organizations promote professional investigative standards, ethical practices, and continuing education within the investigative and security industries.
Serving Clients Throughout Central New York
Locke & Steele proudly serves clients throughout Syracuse, Utica, Oneida, Rome, Watertown, and surrounding areas across Central New York and Upstate New York.
Our investigators regularly assist clients with matters involving:
- Insurance investigations
- Legal and litigation investigations
- Fraud detection
- Witness location
- Process service
- Professional surveillance
- Security services for businesses and properties
When individuals or businesses search for a private investigator near Syracuse, NY, they need investigators who are experienced, discreet, and dependable. Locke & Steele provides professional investigative services designed to deliver results while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Commitment to Justice and Community
In addition to professional investigative work, Tara Benson volunteers with the Cold Case Foundation, an organization founded by retired FBI agents that assists law enforcement with unsolved homicide investigations.
She also supports organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and online child exploitation, reflecting Locke & Steele’s commitment to protecting communities and supporting justice beyond traditional investigative work.
Trusted Investigative & Security Services
Locke & Steele’s mission is to provide professional investigative and security services that uncover the truth, protect people and property, and support informed decision-making.
Our investigators approach every assignment with professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to delivering reliable results.
Whether you need a private investigator in Syracuse, NY, professional surveillance services, or experienced security guards for your property or business, Locke & Steele is ready to assist.
Contact Locke & Steele
If you need professional investigative or security services in Syracuse or Central New York, Locke & Steele provides experienced investigators and security professionals you can trust.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how our investigative expertise can help.
Call or contact Locke & Steele today for a confidential consultation.