Skip to content

Trusted Investigative Professionals

Established in 1988, Hawk PI provides complete investigative services for families and businesses in the Metropolitan Atlanta area and throughout Georgia and Florida. We maintain resources worldwide to ensure our clients’ needs will be handled promptly and professionally.

An Award-Winning Investigative Firm

Hawk PI has the experience and resources to quickly and legally get the results you need.

We thoroughly review each case to fully understand our client’s needs and objectives. We understand that our clients are facing a difficult situation and may not know where to turn for advice, help and closure. We are committed to providing necessary and appropriate guidance to help resolve the issue at hand.

We have been serving the southeast for more than 30 years and will continue providing the best professional investigative services.

All of our investigators are highly trained, state licensed and responsive to ensure you have an exceptional experience.

We ensure that you are fully supported in your journey by supplying you the best national and international resources.

We have a vast network and can refer you to other professionals whenever you need them.

Thomas P. Hawkins

FOUNDER & CEO

Tom Hawkins founded Hawk PI in 1988 and has built it into the premier investigative firm in the Southeast. His business philosophy has been honed over three decades of investigative experience, and is comprised of personal integrity, client satisfaction, and the utmost professionalism. These are not empty words. Tom manages his firm by these values and instills them in each team member.

Core Qualifications:

  • Comprehensive understanding of client needs and case management built on thousands of cases and thirty-seven years of investigative experience.
  • Known for integrity and professionalism leading to trust-based client
    relationships that span decades.
  • Provides the leadership, vision, and direction to make Hawk PI the
    Southeast’s premier investigative firm and recognized as such by attorneys across Georgia and Florida.


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator

He is known for his consultative approach with clients, which ensures a thorough investigation, clear communication, and results that give clients the evidence they need and the peace of mind they want.

Tom continually invests in technology, enhancing Hawk PI’s capabilities with the latest digital tools and training. He carefully selects each investigator, supports them with the newest technologies, and provides his clients with one of the highest success rates in the region.

Intensely proud of his team, Tom’s Hawk PI was named the top private investigation firm by Georgia attorneys, winning the prestigious Daily Report’s Best Of award for the fifth consecutive year.

Brent M. Williams

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

With over 15 years of professional investigative experience, Brent has successfully handled nearly 2000 cases, amassing nearly 30,000 hours of dedicated service. Renowned for his honesty, integrity, and exceptional observation and communication skills, Brent is entrusted with managing and overseeing a diverse range of case matters, including high asset divorces, insurance fraud, and employee embezzlement. Brent has been licensed by the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Board and in good standing since 2009.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 15 years of experience working more than 2,000 cases and accumulating more than 30,000 hours of professional investigative experience.
  • Honest, Trustworthy with excellent observation and communication skills
  • Trusted to provide management and oversight in case matters ranging from high asset divorces to insurance fraud to employee embezzlement

 

Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators – Member
  • National Association of Licensed Investigators – Member
  • National Association for Investigators and Security Services – Member
  • ASIS International – Member
  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator

Brent serves as the air traffic controller of Hawk Professional Investigations. In this role, he leads investigations, meticulously selects and directs team members, provides regular updates to clients, and coordinates with independent resources and law enforcement agencies.

As the primary point of contact at Hawk PI for many investigations, Brent ensures clients are kept informed of case developments while navigating highly sensitive and confidential matters. Leveraging his extensive experience with over 1,000 cases, Brent formulates effective, executable strategies that contribute to a high success rate in resolving investigations.

Beyond case management, Brent assumes responsibility for the day-to-day business operations of Hawk PI, including client development and the secure handling of evidence. Clients can trust in Brent’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of security and confidentiality throughout the
investigative process.

Recognized among Hawk PI investigators and clients for his ability to make swift and sound decisions in dynamic field situations, Brent’s leadership, investigative expertise, and strong communication skills are
invaluable assets to the team.

Amanda D. Argo

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH

Amanda’s journey at Hawk PI, starting as a research analyst in 2007, demonstrates her dedication and commitment to honing her skills and becoming an invaluable asset to the organization. By staying updated on the latest technologies and methodologies, she ensures that her research techniques are cutting-edge and effective, enabling her to deliver high-quality results.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 16 years of investigative experience supported by degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Paralegal Studies
  • Detail-oriented, reliable, and resourceful; traits of an outstanding researcher.
  • Excels at critical components of investigations including research needs for all investigations.
  • Also serves as Corporate Vice President of HPI, contributing to the continual growth and improvements of the Southeast’s premier investigative agency.


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators – Member
  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator

Through her tenure, Amanda has proven herself capable of handling various types of investigative assignments. Her versatility and adaptability enable her to navigate complex scenarios and deliver results even in challenging circumstances. Whether it’s conducting background checks, locating missing persons, or gathering intelligence, Amanda’s diverse skill set and experience make her a valuable asset to the team.

By leveraging her diverse talents and skills, Amanda plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Hawk PI investigations are among the most thorough and effective in the industry. Her problem-solving insight, team leadership, communication abilities, and cost management expertise contribute to the agency’s reputation for excellence and reliability in delivering comprehensive investigative services to clients.

As the Corporate Vice President of HPI, Amanda plays a pivotal role in driving the agency’s growth and success through strategic leadership, operational excellence, client relations, talent management, and brand building. By staying abreast of regulatory changes and industry standards, Amanda ensures that Hawk PI operates within legal and ethical boundaries, mitigating risks and safeguarding the organization’s reputation. Amanda’s contributions are essential in ensuring that HPI remains the premier investigative agency in the Southeast and continues to thrive in a competitive market landscape.

Shannon L. Terzo

FIRM ADMINISTRATOR

With a proficiency in all things Hawk PI, Shannon’s keen eye for detail ensures that the firm is in order and that the client’s experience is seamless from initial conversations to the closing of the case.

Core Qualifications:

  • Possesses a solid foundation of experience in investigations, evidence
    handling and preparation and administration that all culminate as a vital
    asset for Hawk PI.
  • Supportive, detail-oriented and creative, a familiar and welcoming resource.
  • Working in a critical role, she ensures that Hawk PI runs smoothly and
    efficiently for clients, investigators and management.


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator

Shannon possesses an understanding of the ins and outs of investigations as well as the inner workings of the firm. She is involved in every function – from initial client conversations to evidence preparation, final report completions and handling payments. She is proficient in all of the office systems, applications and databases and supports the CEO, Director of Operations and Director of Research administratively.

Shannon’s past experience is in video production and after starting out with Hawk PI as a video editor, her role in the company has continued to evolve over the years with her work in the office and with the field investigators.

When you call into Hawk PI, your client experience will most likely start with
Shannon’s kind voice. She is a constant resource for clients along the way, 
knowledgeable, resourceful, and guiding.

James G. Tarvin

INVESTIGATOR
GBI ASSISTANT SAC – RETIRED

James Tarvin specializes in corporate investigations and white collar crime for Hawk Professional Investigations. His 33 years of law enforcement experience, 31 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, provide clients with top tier skills, integrity, and professionalism.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 35 years experience in investigations ranging from top tier federal agencies to leading and instructing classes.
  • Specializes in white-collar type investigations including elder abuse and neglect, premise liability cases and security consulting for businesses and organziations.
  • Dedicated, determined and knowledgeable. A recognized and respected leader in investigative techniques and complex cases.


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator
  • Georgia Peace Officers Association of Georgia – Member
  • Top Secret Security Clearance

He is currently an investigator for Hawk PI and teaches counter-surveillance, surveillance video, electronic tracking, and other technical surveillance disciplines. James has conducted background investigations for the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal agencies, in addition to field investigations of drug trafficking, health care fraud, and identity theft.

James holds a masters degree in public administration from Columbus State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement from Jacksonville State University.

Randy Z. Morrell

TECHNICAL INVESTIGATOR (TSCM BUG SWEEPS)
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

With more than 30 years in telecommunications and investigations, Randy brings a diverse understanding and expertise to corporate investigations that few others match. He is a vital component of the Detection and Debugging Team, working closely with other specialists to ensure a complete and comprehensive sweep.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 30 years experience in corporate telecommunications with an
    understanding of configuration and programming as well as analysis and security examinations.
  • Works in parallel with other technical forensics investigators and client
    representatives to provide a comprehensive technical and physical sweep,
    needed to ensure a secure corporate network.
  • Detail-oriented, attentive and knowledgeable. A unique asset to Hawk PI’s
    Detection and Debugging Team.

 

Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator
  • Investigator Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Licensed Investigator
  • National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. – Licensed Investigator
  • Research Electronics International (REI) – TALAN, ORION, OSCOR, ANDRE and MESA – Certified
 

Randy is uniquely capable of performing both physical and technical sweeps, relying on his extensive knowledge of telecommunications systems, their installation, design, and programming. He is trained and certified on major platforms including Avaya, Lucent, Grandstream, Yealink, Cisco, Panasonic, and Samsung, among many others. This depth of experience makes him one of the best in the business at preventing, or discovering, an attack on telecommunications systems and networks.

Randy’s knowledge and capability with telecommunications gives Hawk PI’s clients the specialized services that few others in the industry can offer.

Randy’s friendly and personable demeanor supports easy cooperation with client representatives to get a complete understanding of a particular system, its history and configuration. His presence on a case ensures a company and their executives can move forward knowing their telecommunications systems are secure and working as intended.

Todd D. Kelly

TECHNICAL INVESTIGATOR (TSCM BUG SWEEPS)

Todd is a licensed private investigator who specializes in electronic surveillance detection (known as Technical Surveillance Countermeasures). Conducting both civil and corporate investigations, his industry leading training and decade of TSCM experience has armed him with the tools, knowledge and practices to discover evidence that would otherwise be unobtainable or unknowable.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than a decade of experience with the newest concepts and trends in electronic eavesdropping detection.
  • Extensive knowledge and training complimented by friendly demeanor and outstanding communications skills.
  • Provides Hawk PI clients with powerful technology capabilities focused on safeguarding confidential matters from exposure to electronic surveillance and monitoring.

 

Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator
  • Research Electronics International (REI) – TALAN, ORION, OSCOR, and ANDRE – Certified
  • Espionage Research Institute International – Member
  • Cellebrite – Certified
 

Todd’s goal is to provide premium protection from electronic surveillance and eavesdropping threats to assure one’s privacy and safety remain secure.

Certified by Research Electronics International, Todd ensures that Hawk PI clients can be confident that their cases are handled legally, professionally and diligently while the information obtained is secure and confidential.

 Todd’s knowledge and training combined with an approachable and friendly demeanor make him an asset to any investigation.

Robert J. McDonough

ASSOCIATE, SECURITY CONSULTING
U.S. SECRET SERVICE, RETIRED

Bob brings 44 years of elite security experience to Hawk PI, including 23 years with the U.S. Secret Service in which he rose to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Presidential Protection. In addition to protecting the President, Bob has served as Director of Security for Fortune 500 companies as well as for high-profile organizations. In these positions, he was responsible for
the safety of tens of thousands of employees, dozens of executives and high-profile individuals, and hundreds of office, manufacturing and retail sites.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 44 years of security experience spanning government, corporate and private security.
  • Leveraging his wealth of experience, he provides a strategic and comprehensive approach to all aspects of security for individuals and organizations.
  • A well-respected and trusted leader, advisor and mentor in the industry.


Specialization:

  • Skilled in Protection of Associates & Executives, Corporate Assets & Proprietary Information
  • Integrity Investigations, Risk Assessments, Vulernability Analyses, Event Planning, Security Strategies & Emergency Preparedness & Critical Incident Training & Response

Bob’s duties and accomplishments span all aspects of professional security practices, from vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, and incident response planning to loss prevention, personal protection, and active shooter training. He also was a certified polygraph examiner involved in major Secret Service investigations and supported a variety of federal investigations to include the FBI, CIA, and Department of Defense. His background in government, corporate, and private security provides experience with virtually any security challenge you may face.

Whether your concerns are reactive to a security breach or proactive to prevent one, clients can be confident that Bob McDonough and the Hawk PI security team can protect your family, business interests and assets from today’s multi-faceted threats.

Timothy J. Keener

DIRECTOR, GLOBAL TSCM & PHYSICAL SECURITY
U.S. SECRET SERVICE, RETIRED

Tim recently completed a remarkable 20-year career with the U.S. Secret Service where he was responsible for assessing, planning and implementing secure environments for the President and the Vice President of the United States. While serving as a technical advisor for large-scale protection projects and special security events, he also coordinated law
enforcement, military units, and foreign entities to secure a variety of protective sites.

General Skills & Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Clearance
  • Leadership
    Development
  • Specialized Firearms
  • Surveillance & Countersurveillance


Physical Security for Personnel & Facilities Training

  • Active Shooter
  • Alarm Implementation, Assessment & Response
  • Detection/Response for CBR
  • Explosives
  • Facility Protection
  • Fire, Life Safety & HAZMAT
  • Terrorism Protection & Response


Information Technology Systems Training

  • Computer Investigation & Counterintelligence
  • Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
    (TSCM)
  • Telecommunications & Electromagnetic Security (TEMPEST)

His duties included security recommendations which accounted for fiscal and manpower limitations, worldwide site surveys to identify vulnerabilities and countermeasures to negate them, as well as worldwide deployment of U.S. Secret Service assets, military units, vehicles and equipment in support of Presidential visits. In addition to physical security, Tim contributed to the research, design and integration of new security assessment technology and trained other Secret Service personnel in their use.

Tim is a rare combination of exemplary management and coordination of resources, meticulous security assessments, and innovative, thorough implementation in an environment where failure is not an option.

Timothy J. Griffin

U.S. SECRET SERVICE, RETIRED

A retired Special Agent with 20 years of criminal investigation experience, including computer and telephone forensics, Tim is Certified Cellebrite Forensic Examiner with over 400 mobile phone examinations under his belt applied in federal and state court. In addition to protecting 5 former Presidents and dozens of foreign dignitaries, Tim conducted over 170 federal criminal investigations totaling 64 million dollars in actual loss for crimes related to financial/medical fraud, child pornography, network intrusions, production of counterfeit currency, credit cards and checks, identity theft, access device fraud, bank fraud, check fraud, medical device fraud, counterfeit medical devices, counterfeit/foreign prescription drugs, and Medicaid/Medicare fraud.

Core Qualifications:

  • Retired Special Agent with 20 years of criminal investigation experience.
  • Certified Cellebrite Forensic Examiner
  • Dedicated and Proficient Computer and Telephone Forensics Expert


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Cellebrite Certified Operator and Certified Physical Analyst
  • Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist
  • Access Data Advanced Forensic Specialist
  • EnCase FIM Live Forensic & Advanced Internet Examiner
  • CompTIA A+ Microsoft Certification
  • Basic & Advanced Evidence Recovery Specialist
  • Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist

Tim offers a unique combination of investigative experience (Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, Food & Drug Administration), national certifications, diversified training, and quality education that will be an asset to every client requiring the identification, acquisition, and preservation of their cellular/mobile phone data. A comprehensive report will be

generated and certified for every exam and Tim will explain technical concepts, forensic procedures, and digital artifacts in common language, so everyone understands the evidence.

Prior to his law enforcement career, Tim was a high school teacher and basketball coach for 10 years in Kentucky, Alabama,
and Georgia. Tim has lived in the Atlanta area for over 25 years.

If you have concerns that your iPhone or Android phone may be compromised/hacked, or you need text messages, location
history, call logs, or a complete timeline of all phone activity, you need Tim and Hawk PI on your team.

W. Larry Davis

PROTECTIVE SERVICE SPECIALIST
DIRECTOR, TRAINING DIVISION

W. Larry Davis is Hawk PI’s liaison to the past, present, and future of private investigations. His broad knowledge is a culmination of his experience as a Military Police Criminal Investigator, hand-to-hand combat/ firearms instructor, and protective service agent in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the private sector, he worked product liability investigations for General Motors as well as working in the Special Investigation Units for several large insurance carriers where he investigated a myriad of claims. In addition, he has worked for numerous celebrities, professional athletes and corporate executives handling all aspects of their personal security.

Core Qualifications:

  • More than 39 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, close protection, security, and management with extensive knowledge in insurance claims, fraud, and accident investigations.
  • Anticipates the needs of all stakeholders in an investigation through broad and diverse investigative experience.
  • Known as a prolific trainer and mentor in the investigative and security professions having conducted training for more than 5000 students and countless others that have attended seminars or training events.


Credentials & Professional Affiliations:

  • Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators – Board of Directors/Dir. of Training
  • GA Board of Private Detective & Security Agencies – Licensed Investigator & Cert. Training Instructor
  • Gwinnett Technical College – Director of Private Investigations Training Programs
  • Certified Close Protection Speicalist & Recognized Executive Protection Expert
  • The Professional Private Investigator Program – Author/Chief Instructor
  • National Association of Legal Investigators and INTELLENET – Member
  • Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator and Fraud Claim Law Specialist

Presently, as director of training, he utilizes this information to keep Hawk PI on the forefront of investigative trends and best practices. Larry also oversees all facets of protective service operations, security consulting and our insurance claims investigation division handling auto/trucking accidents and claims investigations for all lines of insurance. 

The constantly evolving future of private investigation is important to Larry, and he is an active participant. A recognized thought leader in the field, he is a frequent speaker at events throughout the Southeast. He is also shaping the future as an instructor in private investigation training courses, providing his diverse knowledge to the next generation of investigators.

Hire Professionals. Hire With Confidence.

When hiring Hawk PI, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care.