About & Backgrounds: Training and Experience
About Us: Our Story, Expertise, and Unwavering Commitment
Our Journey & Expertise
James “Jimmy” Lewis began his lifelong mission in public service as a Military First Responder, Firefighter, and EMT in the United States Army from 1977 to 1981. His early career shaped a foundation of discipline, technical precision, and the fearless pursuit of truth — qualities that would define his decades of leadership in law enforcement, technology, and modern investigations.
In 1980, Karl Griffin began his distinguished law enforcement career with the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) Police Department. When Jimmy returned from military service, the two joined forces, patrolling federally supported housing and enforcing compliance with HUD and Section 8 housing regulations. Their combined impact extended far beyond public housing: their enforcement knowledge, investigative instincts, and understanding of community dynamics earned them recognition citywide.
They transitioned together into the San Francisco Police Department, continuing their service in one of the country’s most demanding urban environments. While Karl’s path led him to secure his Private Investigator’s license in 1996 (in good standing to this day), Jimmy pursued an elite track in tactical surveillance, digital video capture, and strategic consulting.
Jimmy went on to serve 33 years in the San Francisco Police Department before retiring with honors. However, retirement only marked the next chapter — one rooted in cutting-edge surveillance, AI-enhanced investigations, and a national consulting strategy now leading the charge with his initiative, IDAP2025 (Illegal Dumping Abatement Program).
Merging Traditional Mastery with AI Intelligence
Today, Karl and Jimmy operate as a specialized investigative force. Karl Griffin, as Lead Investigator, brings decades of traditional PI excellence in surveillance, interviews, background checks, and evidence compliance. Jimmy Lewis enhances that with an entirely new dimension — AI-powered investigative strategy, video analytics, forensic enhancement, and advanced digital surveillance workflows.
While many investigators remain rooted in outdated methods, Jimmy’s evolving technical fluency places this team at the top tier of modern investigative services. His AI toolkit includes:
- Runway ML for video forensics and enhancement
- Blue Iris (AI-integrated) for real-time surveillance detection
- Plate Recognizer for vehicle movement tracking
- ChatGPT-4o for legal document analysis, complaint preparation, and timeline generation
- Descript & Synthesia for AI-generated client deliverables and case summaries
Jimmy’s ability to learn and apply emerging AI technologies — often months ahead of other firms — is what makes this partnership uniquely capable of documenting criminal activity hidden within civil violations, especially in areas like HOA misconduct, fair housing retaliation, or illegal property targeting.
Our Mission: Safeguarding Truth, Property & Justice
We are not just investigators. We are strategic partners in helping clients document abuse, expose fraud, and secure justice. Our investigative approach is framed by professionalism, discretion, and evidence-grade reliability.
Services We Offer
- Investigative Consulting – For attorneys, property owners, or agencies seeking expert guidance on potential violations or criminal exposure.
- Private Investigations – Conducting thorough background investigations, interviews, and surveillance to build clear, actionable reports.
- Video Property Documentation – Tactical video walkthroughs, asset recording, and timestamped footage for insurance, legal, or investigative purposes.
- Video Support for Investigators – Professional equipment deployment, covert video consulting, and digital enhancement for PI firms.
- Security Systems Architectural Resources – Design and planning services for advanced surveillance infrastructure.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Two Lifetimes of Law Enforcement Expertise
Combined 60+ years of real-world investigative knowledge, from street patrols to federal housing compliance to digital surveillance deployment. - AI-Augmented Intelligence
We don’t guess — we analyze. Our work is powered by real data, digital forensics, and learning systems that elevate every investigation. - Specialized HOA & Fair Housing Experience
We specialize in cases that cross from civil into criminal territory — and we help clients build the bridge needed to push cases into prosecution. - Integrity. Precision. Innovation.
Every case is handled with absolute confidentiality, compliance, and a drive for justice.
Built for What’s Next
In August 2024, Karl and Jimmy committed their combined expertise to a new national focus: investigating and exposing serious violations against homeowners. These investigations often reveal systemic HOA abuse, targeted retaliation, illegal surveillance, and coordinated financial misconduct — areas law enforcement may overlook.
Whether operating through James Lewis Investigative Consulting, the national IDAP2025 initiative, or strategic collaborations with legal teams, our partnership is redefining what modern investigation looks like.
