UNLOCKING TALENT. HELPING TO BUILD SAFER COMMUNITIES.
Our Work
The Investigations Academy provides specialist training, consultancy, and development for UK police forces and partner agencies. Our team of former senior detectives and law‑enforcement professionals deliver practical, evidence‑based support that strengthens investigative performance.
From accredited courses to organisational reviews and tailored coaching, we help teams build capability, improve outcomes, and meet the demands of modern policing.
What Our Clients Say
“This is a great course which will be very beneficial for all attendees enhancing our investigative role.”
Detective Constable Metropolitan Police
“Excellent, just what is required, at the right time”
Detective Sergeant Metropolitan Police
“It was really good overall. Much better than anything I have had before.”
Detective Constable Metropolitan Police
Meet The Founder
Simon O’Brien is a highly respected former senior police leader with more than three decades of operational, investigative, and executive experience.
Simon spent over 30 years as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Service before retiring as a Chief Officer. He then spent a number of years as the deputy inspector at the Garda Inspectorate, ensuring the effectiveness of the police service in Ireland, An Garda Síochána, by inspecting, reviewing and reporting on their operations. Following this he took on the role of the Executive Chair at the Police Ombudsman for Ireland.
For the last 10 years, Simon has worked as a strategic advisor in complex and fragile environments, supporting governments, police forces and security agencies across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East as well as establishing The Investigations Academy.
He brings unparalleled expertise in leadership, investigations, oversight, and organisational improvement, all grounded in a lifelong commitment to public service and safer communities.
A Team of Policing Experts
Our associates are a diverse network of former detectives, senior officers, and specialist practitioners with decades of frontline, strategic, and organisational experience. Each brings deep subject‑matter expertise, accredited skills, and a shared commitment to raising standards across policing and public protection. Together, they deliver practical insight, credible guidance, and real‑world solutions that strengthen investigations, support leadership, and improve outcomes for communities.