
Jim Nanos
Owner and Principal Investigator
APPLE INVESTIGATIONS is a licensed New Jersey Private Detective Agency (License Number 8860).
We are bonded, fully insured and serve all of New Jersey.
APPLE INVESTIGATIONS
Jim Nanos – Owner & License Holder
Jim Nanos is a seasoned licensed private investigator based in Southern New Jersey, bringing over four decades of comprehensive experience in law enforcement, military and private investigations.
As the owner and lead investigator of Apple Investigations, Jim has built a reputation for conducting confidential and complex investigations with the utmost professionalism and discretion.
Law Enforcement Career
Jim dedicated 28 years to the Wildwood Police Department in New Jersey, retiring in 2010 with the rank of Sergeant. Throughout his tenure, he was assigned to specialized units where he investigated major crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and large-scale narcotics operations. His roles included:
- Detective: Conducted in-depth investigations into serious criminal offenses, gathering critical evidence and collaborating with various law enforcement agencies.
- Undercover Narcotics Officer: Infiltrated drug networks to dismantle illicit operations, contributing significantly to community safety.
- Patrol Sergeant: Supervised a squad of officers, ensuring effective law enforcement and mentoring junior personnel.
- Counter-Terrorism Investigator: In the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 WTC attacks, Jim was detailed to the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness as a Counter-Terrorism Investigator, handling sensitive investigations throughout Southern New Jersey.
Military Service
Parallel to his law enforcement career, Jim served as a reservist in the United States Coast Guard for 23 years, retiring in 2023 as a Special Agent (S/A) / Chief Investigator (IVC) with the Coast Guard Investigative Services (CGIS). His service included:
- Major Case Investigations: Led inquiries into counter-terrorism, sexual assaults, robberies, and significant drug-related offenses.
- Critical Deployments:
- Ground Zero / New York City: Deployed immediately after the World Trade Center attacks, contributing to recovery and investigative efforts for six months.
- Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: Assigned for six months in support of detainee operations.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: Forward deployed overseas for six months in support of military operations.
- In 2003, Jim was honored as Investigator of the Year by CGIS for his pivotal role in a high-profile national security case.
Professional / Corporate Experience:
After retiring from the Wildwood Police Department, Jim was recruited as the Director of Training and Compliance for Covenant Security, a private security company. In this role, he was responsible for the training and compliance of over 3,000 uniformed armed and unarmed security professionals nationwide, serving clients across various industries, including the petro-chemical sector.
In 2011, leveraging his extensive investigative experience, Jim founded Apple Investigations, a fully licensed, bonded, and insured private investigation firm based in Southern New Jersey. The firm specializes in:
- Cohabitation Investigations: Providing evidence for cases involving alimony adjustments and domestic arrangements.
- Criminal Defense: Offering comprehensive investigative support to legal professionals in building robust defense strategies.
- Trademark and Copyright Infringement: Assisting businesses in protecting their intellectual property rights through meticulous investigations.
- Complex Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance Operations: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and methodologies to conduct and counteract surveillance activities.
Under Jim’s leadership, Apple Investigations has become synonymous with professionalism and discretion, serving a diverse clientele that includes law firms, corporations, and private individuals. The firm’s surveillance division is particularly noted for handling intricate operations, employing advanced technology, and drawing upon a team of professionals with extensive law enforcement, military, and civilian investigative backgrounds.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
Jim’s commitment to the investigative profession extends beyond his firm. He was elected President of the New Jersey Licensed Private Investigators Association (NJLPIA) in January 2021, an organization established in 1955 to promote professionalism among licensed investigators. He also served on the board of national associations, including the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS), reflecting his dedication to advancing industry standards and practices.
As a nationally recognized surveillance expert, Jim has provided instruction to thousands of private investigators and has been featured in media outlets such as “20/20” and “America Tonight.”
Jim currently serves as a Senior Contributor and Writer for the profession’s leading publication, WORKING PI MAGAZINE (WorkingPIMag.com) with a readership of over 17,000 private investigators and support staff.
Jim is the owner and chief surveillance technician of his new equipment company, Spy Gear Pro (SpyGearPro.com), a company specializing in covert surveillance equipment.
Through his training company, The PI Coach (ThePICoach.com), Jim offers personalized mentoring to both novice and seasoned private investigators and hosts the associated audio/video podcast, The PI Coach Podcast.
Contact Information
Apple Investigations operates offices in Rio Grande and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and serves clients throughout the state. For professional, discreet, and effective investigative services, contact Apple Investigations at 609-534-4555 or visit appleinvestigations.com.
With a steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth and a proven track record of excellence. Apple Investigations stand ready to assist clients with their investigative needs.