The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was a private detective agency founded in the United States in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. It was one of the first detective agencies in the country and played a significant role in law enforcement and detective work during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The agency offered a range of services, including detecting and preventing both criminal and civil offenses. They worked with law enforcement agencies as well as private individuals and corporations. Pinkerton agents were involved in cases such as solving train robberies, providing personal security for prominent individuals, investigating labor disputes, and infiltrating and disrupting criminal organizations. Over the years, the firm faced controversy for its tactics, including alleged union-busting activities, leading to laws restricting the agency's powers. The Pinkerton agency still exists today under the name Pinkerton Consulting and Investigations, providing various corporate risk management and security services.
