30 Years of Experience is My Bedrock
Steve Garrett is a licensed private investigator with more than three decades of professional experience in investigations, intelligence gathering, and sensitive matters requiring discretion and precision. His work has involved complex family disputes, corporate investigations, litigation support, and high-risk privacy concerns.
Steve’s investigative approach is methodical and evidence-driven. He does not rely on shortcuts, automation, or third-party vendors to conduct core investigative work. All investigations are designed to withstand scrutiny — whether from attorneys, courts, or opposing parties.
In addition to traditional investigative work, Steven has extensive experience in digital investigations, online intelligence, and modern privacy threats. This allows Spade & Archer to address both physical-world and digital-world risks within a single investigative framework.
Steve personally oversees all investigations conducted under the Spade & Archer name.
Professional Ethos
I stay in the shadows. After decades of private, government, and law-enforcement-adjacent work, I have learned that the best investigators are rarely visible. I keep my head down, avoid publicity, and do not chase attention to secure my next case.
My focus is on confidentiality, lawful execution, and work that can withstand scrutiny long after an investigation concludes. Results matter more than recognition, and discretion is not a marketing phrase — it is a professional obligation.
Every engagement is approached with restraint, discipline, and respect for the serious consequences investigative work can carry.
Read about the San Francisco private investigation services I offer.
Professional Standing
I operate as a licensed private investigator and adhere to the regulatory, ethical, and legal standards governing professional investigative work. My experience spans matters requiring evidentiary discipline, discretion, and strict confidentiality, particularly where investigations may intersect with legal proceedings or reputational risk.
My work is not provided by virtual assistants, automated, or delegated to unlicensed personnel. All investigations conducted by Spade & Archer are personally overseen to ensure legal compliance, evidentiary integrity, and professional accountability.
For additional information regarding licensing, professional standards, and ethical practices, please refer to the firm’s Licensing & Credentials and Ethics & Confidentiality pages.