High Tech Crime Institute - Lakeland, FL

The desire to be one’s own boss. The ambition to take control of the future. Army veteran Stephen Pearson knew these feelings well. Once the NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge) of the Advanced Technology Criminal Investigation Courses at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Staff Sgt. Pearson recognized a significant need for the training of law enforcement investigations involving computer technology. With 23 years of military experience under his belt, Pearson set out to make those feelings reality.

“The military was my greatest trainer for leadership,” Pearson said. “The military has taught me to be able to make the tough decisions in even tougher times. I use disciplines I learned in the military almost everyday. Most definitely my experiences in the military shaped who I am today.”

With the disciplines learned in the Army, Pearson founded High Tech Crime Institute Inc., providing computer forensic equipment production, security, risk management and forensic law enforcement training on local, state and federal levels. One such computer forensic product is called the Electronic Discovery Analysis System (EDAS), usable by any law enforcement or corporate security entity. High Tech Crime Institute produces four versions of the system and recently has had to add more custom systems to meet specialized orders.

“We enable law enforcement to better protect their citizenry,” Pearson said. “We help put the bad guy in jail. We provide an outstanding public service and we also help our nation stay secure as we provide training to personnel deploying overseas in how to investigate and find the terrorists killing our soldiers.”

Prospects weren’t always so bright. Pearson, who started the business in his garage in 2001, initially traveled across the country in a mobile home to reach his clients because airfare was too expensive. He also worked two jobs on the side to support his family until revenue streams increased.

“The initial years were very tough,” Pearson said. “After Sept. 11, 2001, many law enforcement officers were being deployed overseas with Guard and Reserve units. This left very few officers at departments and even fewer with the ability to leave for training. In 2004, I finally made the decision to ‘go all in’ and make the company work.”

Despite a rough start, Pearson did indeed make High Tech Crime Institute work, and work well. With only nine employees, High Tech Crime Institute trained over 2,000 students, taking a presence in both the government and corporate markets. In 2007, the company grossed $1.2 million in revenue, a $900,000 jump from 2005. Pearson is anticipating upwards of $4 million in revenue this year.

High Tech Crime Institute’s success is more than just numbers though – the company has visibility across the world and is making important contributions to the War on Terrorism. The company has instructed federal and civilian law enforcement officers and corporate members from coast to coast in the United States, and in parts of Europe as well, including the Federal Republic of Germany.

High Tech Crime Institute officials speak regularly at national conferences and courses on Computer Crime Investigation. The company has even had six computer crime compilations published, such as Computer Crime Certification, Child Pornography Investigation, and Fraud/Identity Theft Investigation. The manuals are currently being used in training law enforcement nationwide.

“I think that as our company grows we will find that we will be more and more a part of the national investigations infrastructure,” Pearson said. “A new division that is taking off for us is the conduct of live investigations. I hope to see this division succeed and grow.”

Pearson hopes to grow the business slowly and steadily, allowing him to move into new market segments and regions.

“I have no idea what the future holds,” Pearson said. “Every time I think I know the answer, the winds change. My hope is that we will continue to be successful in our endeavors. With hard work and diligence, we’ll stay on top.”

Written by Michael Crawford

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