About us
History of Lion Investigation Academy
After entering the world of private investigation and executive protection, Joseph Alercia II opened his own Private Investigation Firm, American Detective Agency, in Freemansburg, PA in 1969. With years of experience under his belt he noticed a need for industry specific education delivered in an easy to comprehend manner. It was with this idea in mind that Lion Investigation Academy was formed in 1974 and licensed in 1988 by The Pennsylvania State Board of Private Schools, Joe has been able to share his wealth of knowledge with others looking to expand their career in the field.
After several successful years, LIA has transferred all courses offered to an online format; allowing us to continue to produce the most sought after investigators, guards, and security personnel in the industry.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the incredible people who make the Lion Investigation Academy a success.
Dean / Founder
Joseph Alercia II
Joseph Alercia II, is the Principal Owner/Director of Lion Investigation Academy. For over the past 45 years students from Pennsylvania State University, Bloomsburg University, and various private business colleges intern under Alercia’s auspices for the final semester of their criminal justice program.
Joseph Alercia II has conducted major investigations on a regular basis since 1970, with his forte being an expert in civil and criminal defense investigations.
Assistant director
John D. McCann
Former Drill Instructor for the US Marine Corps., John McCann joined LIA as our Assistant Director and Instructor. He is a licensed private investigator as well as the owner of an international counterintelligence firm.
John also currently sits on the Advisory Board for Duchess Community College in New York where he guides the Criminal Justice Curriculum. He frequently serves as a guest lecturer for various universities throughout the USA.
Executive Protection SPECIALIST
Leo J. Strand
Security expert with bachelor’s degree in social science and psychology, graduate of POHS Officers Academy, responsible for the immediate protection of his royal highness Carl XVI Gustaf Bernadotte and family.
Holding certifications including Masters Diploma in Protection Services, Diplomatic Security Services, Private Investigator, and Security Consultant, with 35 years+ of industry experience and comprehensive understanding of security implementation, terrorism and threat mitigation.
Accounts Manager
Kitty Wood
Kitty has been involved in the business side of private investigation for years. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Cedar Crest College she is responsible for keeping our day to day operations going as well as managing student accounts.
Research and Development specialist
Mark Wood
A Private Investigator and Loss Prevention Specialist for over two decades, Mark keeps LIA cutting edge by researching and developing curriculum based on the most current trends and equipment in the private sector. He is a proud Lion Academy graduate and employee of The American Detective Agency.