Debra Allen is the founder of 808 Investigations and a licensed private investigator in Hawaiʻi with more than 40 years of investigative experience. She brings a steady, methodical approach to cases where accuracy, integrity, and clear documentation matter.

Her background includes complex investigations involving missing persons, crimes against children, homicide investigations, narcotics investigations, and crisis negotiation. Individuals, families, attorneys, and organizations across Hawaiʻi turn to 808 Investigations when experienced guidance and reliable results are essential.

808 Investigations operates as a licensed private detective agency in Hawaiʻi, providing professional investigative services across the Hawaiian Islands.

Over 40 years investigative experience
Former Senior Detective
Former District Attorney Investigator
FBI Crisis Negotiation Training
Team Adam Consultant, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Licensed Private Investigator in Hawaiʻi and California

Debra Allen’s investigative career began in law enforcement after completing the California P.O.S.T. 26-week academy. Her first assignment was within the San Bernardino County jail system, where she advanced to Training Officer. She later transitioned to patrol operations and served as a Field Training Officer and police academy instructor.

In this role she trained officers in police procedures, use of force, and professional report writing, helping investigators develop clear and accurate documentation that holds up in court.

Throughout her career Debra developed extensive expertise in investigative report writing and case documentation. She produced detailed, court-ready investigative reports in complex cases and trained other investigators in articulating facts clearly for criminal and civil proceedings.

Debra also served seven years as a SWAT negotiator and received specialized training through the FBI in crisis negotiations. This experience helps her negotiate and navigate high conflict situations.

Her investigative approach also incorporates cognitive interviewing, a structured interview method used to improve the accuracy and completeness of information obtained from witnesses and involved individuals. This technique helps witnesses recall details by allowing them to reconstruct events in a calm and supportive environment. Cognitive interviewing is widely used in professional investigations to develop reliable timelines and gather accurate statements.

Debra was later promoted to Senior Detective and worked within the Specialized Investigations Unit, including Crimes Against Children, before advancing to the Homicide Detail.

She was later offered a Senior District Attorney Investigator position with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, where she supervised a team assisting Assistant District Attorneys with intake cases, filing recommendations, case reviews, dismissals, and trial preparation.

She regularly served as second chair during trial, managing newly discovered evidence through verdict.

A central focus of Debra Allen’s work is helping families pursue answers in missing person cases.

Many families contact 808 Investigations when they feel overwhelmed or unsure what steps to take next. The agency conducts missing person investigations in Hawaiʻi using professional skip tracing, investigative research, and field inquiries.

Debra also serves as a Team Adam consultant with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), assisting with cases involving missing and exploited children.

808 Investigations provides professional investigative services including:

Missing person investigations
Skip tracing and locating individuals
Infidelity and relationship investigations
Criminal and civil investigations
Workplace investigations
Fraud investigations
Death and serious incident investigations

If you are unsure what type of investigation is needed, the agency welcomes confidential inquiries to help determine the most appropriate next steps.

808 Investigations provides licensed private investigator services throughout the State of Hawaiʻi

Oʻahu
Maui
Hawaiʻi Island
Kauaʻi
Molokaʻi
Lānaʻi

Investigative services are available for individuals, families, attorneys, and organizations across the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiʻi TOP COP Award – Private Investigator
Featured in Hana Hou! Magazine by Hawaiian Airlines

The History Channel – History’s Greatest Mysteries
The Somerton Man
The Sodder Children Disappearance

Starz Network – Wrong Man, Season 2

Debra Allen maintains membership in professional investigative and law enforcement organizations and participates in ongoing training and professional development.

She holds FEMA and Homeland Security clearances for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Debra Allen is also a registered federal contractor.

Unique Entity ID: GQCNABKJ1WX9
CAGE Code: 8LCS1
SAM.gov compliant

Private Detective Hawaiʻi
HI PD#28766

Private Investigator, California
License #29141