SCOTT MCKNIGHT
California Private Investigator License: PI 28763
Professional experience
Scott McKnight is the Founder and Supervising Manager of Double Badge Investigation Incorporation, a role he has held since 2015. In this capacity, he has conducted investigations for law firms and private parties, providing thorough and professional investigative services. Additionally, he serves as the in-house investigator for Robinson Calcagnie Inc., a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, where he contributes to high-stakes cases with my expertise and attention to detail.
Scott McKnight served with the Newport Beach Police Department and the Orange County Regional Narcotics Suppression Program from 1983 until his retirement in 2011, advancing to the rank of Police Lieutenant and Area Commander. In this role, he managed all police activities in the West Newport Beach area, including overseeing investigations, supervising Sergeants, and developing crime-fighting strategies. In addition, he managed budgets and coordinated major community events, such as the July 4th celebration, which involved the deployment of 250 officers. Additionally, he led the Field Training Officer and Defense Tactics programs, ensuring the effective training of new officers and maintaining high standards in arrest and control procedures. Scott’s responsibilities extended to collaborating with city officials to address crime-related issues and enhancing community safety.
In his role as Officer in Charge of Professional Standards/Internal Affairs, he handled investigations into police misconduct, including serious allegations such as substance abuse and excessive force, making final determinations and recommending disciplinary actions. He also served as the Officer in Charge of Vice/Intelligence, where he gathered and maintained sensitive criminal information related to organized crime, and coordinated high-profile criminal investigations. As the Lead Investigator for the Orange County Regional Narcotic Suppression Program, Scott targeted Colombian Cartel members, introducing innovative investigative techniques that led to significant arrests and seizures. Throughout his career, he conducted numerous narcotics investigations and served as a Field Training Officer, supervising and evaluating new officers.
Throughout Scott’s law enforcement career, he received numerous accolades, including over one hundred letters of commendation, the City of Newport Beach Police Award of Merit (1990, 1994, 1999), and the prestigious J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement (1994). He was twice named the Orange County Narcotics Officer Association's Narcotics Investigator of the Year (1991, 1994) and earned commendations from the Los Angeles County District Attorney for my contributions to narcotics enforcement (1996, 2011). Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis and CSU Long Beach, along with specialized certifications from California P.O.S.T. Scott is also a graduate of the Sherman Block P.O.S.T. Supervisory Leadership Institute and have taught and lectured extensively on Criminal Justice and Leadership Principles.