Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Academy · 38.83° N, 104.82° W
The work, taught by someone who does it.
Start with the training manual and a 1-on-1 session with Craig, a Certified Legal Investigator with more than 12 years in the field. Add coaching when you need it. Train in person when you're ready.
Secure checkout by Stripe. Instant PDF download. Not ready yet? Get the free First 90 Days checklist.
- Subject departs residence in grey sedan.
- Eastbound on arterial. Holds right lane, no lane changes.
- Arrives worksite. Parks rear lot, enters side door.
- Exits on foot, northbound toward café.
- Returns to worksite. Carrying no items.
- Certified Legal InvestigatorOne of about 62 worldwide
- 12+ yearsWorking private investigator
- Combat veteranOperation Iraqi Freedom, 2003
- MS in EducationTrained educator
How training works
Three ways to train
Most people start with the manual, then add coaching or field training as their work demands it.
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Step 1
The Manual
$500About 128 pages of field training, plus a 1-on-1 coaching session with Craig.
Unlock the Manual -
Step 2
Advanced coaching
From $180 a session50-minute 1-on-1 sessions on your cases, reports and business.
See coaching packages -
Step 3
In-person training
From $2,500Surveillance and investigation in the field, up to live scenarios and a real case.
See in-person tiers
Step 1
Unlock the Manual
The full training manual, about 128 pages, and one 1-on-1 coaching session with Craig to put it to work.
- The complete training manual as a PDF, about 128 pages
- One 1-on-1 coaching session with Craig, booked on his calendar after checkout
- Secure download page right after payment. Save your copy to your device.
- Stamped with your name and licensed for your personal use
Inside the manual
- Starting the business: formation, registered agents, virtual offices, pricing, retainers, engagement agreements and invoicing
- Surveillance law and technique: planning, foot and vehicle work, two- and three-car teams, video evidence standards, and what to do when you're spotted
- Family law and criminal defense investigations
- Open records: CORA, CCJRA and the DPPA, with sample request letters
- Process serving, OSINT and link analysis
- Interviewing, report writing and testifying
- Client screening, including what to do when a stalker calls your office
- Protection orders, third-party contact liability, and ethics
Plus 22 case files drawn from real court cases and news stories, 32 original diagrams, and appendices with forms, homework and a glossary.
Step 2
Advanced coaching
50 minutes, 1-on-1 with Craig. Bring what you're working on: a surveillance plan, a report draft, a hard-to-find subject, pricing, or how to win attorney clients. Leave client identities out of it.
- 1Pay securely with Stripe, in full or over time with Affirm or Klarna.
- 2Get your booking link on the next screen.
- 3Pick your times on Craig's calendar.
Step 3
In-person training
Field training, from surveillance fundamentals to live scenarios and a real case. Formats include the four-week evening academy (Tuesday and Thursday nights, with a Wednesday Field Intensive) and dedicated field training. Apply first. Craig confirms fit, format, dates and location with you before you pay.
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$2,500 Apply
School of Surveillance
Surveillance training in the field.
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$5,000 Apply
School of Surveillance and Investigation
Surveillance plus investigative methods.
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$8,500 Apply
Live Case / Elite
Live actors, realistic scenarios, and work on a real case.
- 1Send a short application.
- 2Craig follows up to confirm fit, dates and location.
- 3Reserve your seat with a secure Stripe payment, in full or over time with Affirm or Klarna.
Your instructor
Craig Smith, CLI
Craig has worked as a private investigator for more than 12 years, running investigations for law firms. He holds the Certified Legal Investigator designation, one of about 62 in the world. Before that he served in Iraq with the U.S. Army.
He studied intelligence at Mercyhurst University and earned a master's in education, so the training is built to be learned, not just read.
- Designation
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI)
- Field
- 12+ years as a private investigator
- Service
- U.S. Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). Army Commendation Medal.
- Education
- BA, Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst University. MS Ed, Canisius College.
- Languages
- English, Czech, Arabic
- Member
- PPIAC · NALI · Intellenet
The work behind the training
What attorneys and clients say about Craig's work
These are Google reviews of BrightStar Investigations, the investigation firm Craig founded and runs. 4.7 stars from 178 reviews.
BrightStar Investigations: "We're On It"
"Craig is the most dogged investigator I have ever worked with in 13 years. It's not case by case; it is baked in to his existence."
"Craig is persistent, responsive and honest. He found exactly who I needed."
"On all three cases, [Craig] was very proactive and professional in providing me the service I needed to move forward in my cases."
Law firms Craig's investigations have served include Damascus Road Law Group, Black & Graham, the Law Firm of Tammy W. Akers, and James Newby Law.
Free download
The First 90 Days as a PI
A two-page checklist drawn from the manual: what to set up, what to build, and how to land your first attorney clients.
Questions
Will this make me licensed or certified?
No. Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Academy is a private training company. Our programs don't grant a license, certification or credential, and we aren't affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Licensing rules vary by state and country, so check with your local licensing authority.
How do I get the manual?
Right after checkout you land on a secure download page. The download stays open for 14 days, so save the PDF to your device. If you have trouble, email us and we'll help.
Can I share the manual?
No. Your purchase covers your own use. Every copy is stamped with the buyer's name, email and order number, and sharing, posting or reselling the file isn't permitted.
How do I book coaching?
After checkout you'll see a link to Craig's calendar. Pick a time that works for you. If you bought a package, use the same link for each session.
How does in-person training work?
Send the application. Craig reviews it and follows up to confirm fit, dates and location. Your seat is reserved once payment is made.
What's your refund policy?
See our refund policy.
Start with the manual.
About 128 pages and a 1-on-1 session with Craig. $500.