Discreet Private Investigation Services Across All of New Jersey

Whether you need surveillance, infidelity investigations, litigation support, or are in need of information Cowan Investigations offers free, confidential consultations statewide.

Cowan Investigations is a licensed, bonded and insured New Jersey private investigation firm led by former Jersey City Police Chief Bob Cowan, serving all 21 New Jersey counties. Every case begins with a free, discreet, 100% confidential consultation.

Bob Cowan - Owner of Cowan Investigations, a New Jersey Private Investigator

About Cowan Investigations

Founded by Former Jersey City Police Chief Bob Cowan

Cowan Investigations is a full-service New Jersey Private Investigation Firm founded by Former Jersey City Police Chief Bob Cowan. We truly believe that trust is an absolute foundation for any investigation. This is why over the years, we have worked diligently to develop and build upon the trust that our clients have provided us. We have worked in the investigative industry long enough to understand that clients expect more than just high-tech gear and effort, our clients expect results. This trust along with our tenacity for investigations has contributed to our outstanding success rate.

Our team includes Jersey City Police Captain Joe Ascolese (Ret), Deputy Chief Tom Cowan (Ret), and (Ret) Captain Brian Duval from the Hudson County Prosecutors Office. From street cops to Private Investigators, we are prepared to put our vast wealth of experience and knowledge to work for you.

Why New Jersey Trusts Cowan Investigations

Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Serving New Jersey Since 2016.

Experience You Can Verify

  • Founded in May 2016 by Bob Cowan, former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department and a decade of investigative service to New Jersey clients.
  • Bob Cowan served nearly 35 years with the Jersey City Police Department (1979–2014), rising through every rank to Chief of Police.
  • Over 100 combined years of law enforcement experience across our investigative team.

Licensing & Insurance

  • Cowan Investigations, LLC is licensed, bonded, and fully insured to operate in the State of New Jersey.
  • New Jersey State Agency License #9364, issued through the New Jersey State Police.
  • Authorized to provide Asset Search and Background Check services in the State of Pennsylvania.

Memberships & Recognitions

  • Member, New Jersey Private Investigators Association
  • New Jersey Honor Legion: “Outstanding Police Officer” (1998)
  • Jersey City Police Department Honorable Mention: the highest award within the department (2008)
  • World Trade Center “First Responder” Award: Jersey City Police Department
  • Rated 5.0 stars on Google by our New Jersey clients

Experience That Goes Beyond the Investigation

Every case deserves careful attention, discretion, and a strategy built around the facts. Cowan Investigations brings extensive law enforcement experience and proven investigative methods to cases throughout New Jersey, helping individuals, families, attorneys, and businesses get the information they need to make informed decisions.

Let Us Put Our Highly Advanced
Detective Skills To Use For You

Frightened young couple under the sheets - shock concept

Cheating Spouse

If your instinct tells you something in your relationship is not right, and you suspect your partner is cheating, then you might need to find out if your suspicions are correct. Let us find and gather the hard evidence you need to determine how to best move forward in your relationship.

Marital Private Investigators in Paramus, NJ

Cohabitation Investigations

With 35 years of experience in the field, our team possesses an incredibly deep and nuanced understanding of how to obtain legally admissible evidence. You can trust our investigation will be thorough and professional from the inception of the investigation until our appearance in a New Jersey Court.

Sad child from this father and mother arguing

Child Custody

When fighting for the legal or physical custody of your children, retaining the services of a skilled private investigator in combination with a qualified, local NJ lawyer can go a long way in making your case. Our teams’ detailed knowledge of the court system can help you acquire the legal evidence you need for presentation in a New Jersey Family Court.

Legal law concept image, scales of justice

Litigation Support

If you are an attorney retained by a client in either a civil or criminal case having a need for litigation support and/or expert witness who possesses a substantial background in the conducting of investigations, contact Cowan Investigations, we will put our vast experience to work for you.

Background Checks

Backgrounds are a crucial aspect of any private investigation case. Cases that will often require a background investigation include divorce-related investigations, alimony elimination investigations, child custody investigations to protect the health, welfare, and rights of children, and witness screenings.  

Asset Searches

Our hidden bank account and brokerage searches can legally find all bank accounts Nationwide. Best of all, the individual who is the subject of our search will never know that you are searching for their hidden bank and brokerage accounts. Using proprietary software, the private investigator is able to locate hidden assets like no other investigation firm is able to.

The Cowan Investigations Private Detective Team

Robert (Bob) Cowan

Robert Cowan

Owner of Cowan Investigations

Former Jersey City Police Chief Bob Cowan owns Cowan Investigations. Bob rose through the police department’s ranks to become the Chief of Police after 35 years of service. Bob oversaw the Special Investigations Unit, which investigated sensitive cases and protected Jersey City’s mayor. He also worked with outside authorities on important investigations.

JOSEPH ASCOLESE

Joseph Ascolese

Regional Operations Manager

After serving over 27 years with Jersey City Police, Joseph Ascolese became the Special Operations Division Captain. He managed the Central Communications Bureau and criminal investigations departments. Joseph safeguarded several residential properties as an interstate security service site manager after moving on from the police force.

THOMAS COWAN

Thomas Cowan

Chief Operating Officer

Thomas Cowan became Jersey City Police Deputy Chief after 30 years. Thomas was trained in administrative, operational, tactical, and investigative aspects throughout his career. As a Bureau of Criminal Identification supervisor, he managed crime scenes and documented evidence. As Cowan Investigations’ COO, Thomas is a dynamic and competent asset.

MICHAEL MANCUSO

Michael Mancuso

Director of Forensic Investigations and Polygraphs

Michael Mancuso is a 25-year New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office criminal investigator. Senior Investigator in the Major Crimes department, Michael handled multiple homicide investigations and crime scene analysis over his long law enforcement career. His expertise supports Cowan Investigations’ polygraph and digital forensics.

Our Google Reviews

I approached Cowan Investigations from out of state with a delicate situation that needed to be handled in NJ and Liz made me feel at ease and in good hands immediately! Both Liz and Bob reviewed my case and got back to be the same day with a great price and additional suggestions to make sure I was satisfied with the planning they had come up with. It was important to me for all parties involved in my case to feel comfortable and Liz and Bob definitely fit the bill! They took the time to gather all the information needed and completely exceeded my expectations. I originally chose to call Cowan Investigations because of the professional website and Bob’s credentials, but it was the personal care and service that cemented their agency for me. Thanks again Liz!!

If you find yourself in need of a PI, I can assure you that retaining Cowan Investigations is 100% the right choice. Bob and his wife Liz worked tirelessly to assist me with a very challenging situation and ultimately were able to exceed my highest expectations in terms of obtaining evidence. I truly cannot thank them enough for the level of care and professionalism they brought to my case.

I would highly recommend Cowan Investigations. From the time you speak to Liz on the phone until the time Bob is finished with the investigation you will always know what is going on, what is taking place, and what they found. You will be provided with detailed information and surveillance. Bob is very well trained in this field and will provide you with outstanding work. Both Bob and Liz are very compassionate and caring people and make you feel comfortable through the whole process. At the end of the investigation you’ll know that you have hired the right people for the job.

Worked with Bob during his tenure as the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department. All I can say is that you will be getting what you pay for with this results driven company.

A leader within the industry with over 34+ years in law enforcement as well as a proven track record of accomplishments in the field. If I needed a private investigator, Cowan Investigations would be my first choice, hands down.

As a retired Deputy Police Chief with the Jersey City Police Department I had the privilege of working with Bob Cowan for over 25 years. Bob is an honest and ethical professional who shows empathy towards people in unfortunate situations. Bob’s objective analysis and evaluation of an issue enables him to address the true problem at hand. His strong analytical abilities coupled with thorough research and attention to detail make him an ideal private investigator. I know his clients will receive a comprehensive detailed report that will stand up in any hearing or court of law. Bob is a high-caliber dedicated professional who will give it his all to address the issues at hand and achieve results.

Our Google Reviews

Mr. Cowan is exceptional. He’s sharp-witted and ahead of the curve. He was very patient and helpful with me. Should have come to him sooner. Thank you again and continue to provide great service.

Frank Rodriguez

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Cowan Investigations, our services, consultations, and what to expect when working with a private investigator in New Jersey. If you need more information about your specific situation, our team is available to help.

If you need answers that aren’t easy to find on your own, it may be time to talk with a private investigator. Online searches can only take you so far, and while an attorney can provide legal advice, a private investigator can help uncover and document facts. That might mean conducting surveillance, locating someone or their assets, verifying information, or gathering evidence for a personal, business, or legal matter. Cowan Investigations helps clients throughout New Jersey determine when professional investigative support may be the right next step.

Cowan Investigations works with individuals, attorneys, and businesses on a wide range of cases throughout New Jersey. These include infidelity and cohabitation investigations, child custody matters, background investigations, asset searches, litigation support, employee misconduct, computer forensics, and other situations where reliable information is needed. If you’re not sure whether your situation calls for a private investigator, a confidential conversation is a good place to start.

Discretion starts with the first conversation. Every case is different, so Cowan Investigations begins by understanding what’s going on, what you need to know, and what information may realistically be uncovered. From there, professional investigative methods are used to gather the information you need without drawing unnecessary attention to the investigation.

Yes. Cowan Investigations is a licensed, bonded, and insured New Jersey private investigation firm serving clients throughout the state. Our investigators work with individuals, attorneys, and businesses on matters ranging from sensitive personal situations to complex legal and business investigations.

You can request a quote or free consultation with Cowan Investigations by phone or through the website. Tell us a little about what’s happening, where the matter is located, and whether there are any time-sensitive concerns. We can then discuss your situation, what may be involved, and the next steps for moving forward.

AN INVESTIGATIVE AGENCY YOU CAN TRUST

Professionalism is not just time,
it’s skill and experience!

732-837-8444