The Problem:

Our nation’s local law enforcement agencies are in crisis. Protest groups, media figures, and politicians have demanded that police departments be defunded and, in many cases, disbanded and replaced with ambiguous and often abstract conceptions of policing. Many cities and counties responded to political and social pressure by drastically cutting the budgets of their local law enforcement agencies. Now, nearly three years later, our country’s police officers, sheriff’s deputies and federal agents are understandably demoralized, feeling as though they have been abandoned by the jurisdictions they work for and the communities they have sworn to serve. 

Staffing issues plague agencies both large and small. LAPD reports being 800 sworn officers below authorized strength. A 2022 story covered by a local news channel details the resignation of the entire police force of Springfield, Colorado. Media outlets routinely describe the veritable flood of senior police officers who are opting to resign or retire rather than expose themselves and their families to the vilification of their chosen profession.

Against this backdrop, crime is rising nationwide and local agencies, particularly in small towns and rural counties, are ill-equipped to counter it. 

As senior officers and investigators leave their departments at a record pace, new resources and creative approaches are needed to ensure that major criminal cases get the attention and expertise required to solve them and bring criminal offenders to justice. The Retired Investigators Guild (RIG)was created to give small to mid-size law enforcement agencies help when they need it most: When the scope of a major investigation exceeds the experience and expertise of the responsible jurisdiction.

Our Mission

Who We Are

The RIG is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation comprised of former and retired criminal investigators from local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. RIG investigators are volunteers who are recruited based on a careful review of their career accomplishments. Each individual invited to become a part of the RIG has demonstrated, over a period of many years, that they represent the absolute best of the best in their ability to investigate homicides, cold cases and related major crimes. While every RIG investigator has already undergone rigorous multiple background clearances, the RIG performs an additional check that is similar to the process required to secure a U.S. Government Secret Clearance.

What We Do

RIG investigators comprise a nationwide network that is available to assist any U.S. Law Enforcement Agency on a 24X7 basis, whenever and wherever needed. Our response modalities include telephone, video conference, encrypted network exchange, and in-person response. 

How Your Donation Helps

By donating to The RIG, we will be able to fund our programs and get our organization up and running.  We are currently working hard to create strategic partnerships, staff key positions, build infrastructure, and get off the ground.  Your donations will go directly to funding this endeavor.  

Visit us:

therig.org

The Retired Investigators Guild is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.  EIN: 92-0554761