50s: Starting with a storage ring

Chapter 624 Pinkerton's Fortune
In the presidential suite on the 12th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Sun Zhiwei poured a glass of whiskey for both himself and the pale-faced Alan.

I don't know if it's because he's adapting to local customs, but he's increasingly enjoying having a drink when he's discussing business with people.

Sun Zhiwei took a sip of his drink and casually asked, "How long have you been working as a detective at the company?"

"It's been five years. I joined the company right after graduating from university."

"why?"

Early detectives emerged in the gaps between dedicated police agencies, effectively filling the gaps in law enforcement capabilities at the time.

Detectives were a legendary profession in the 19th and early 20th centuries, fighting crime and protecting businesses and individuals, and were welcomed by all.

Image: The Pinkerton logo is a large eye with the words "WE NEVER SLEEP" written on it. This is Pinkerton's motto.

Even the term 'private investigator' is derived from the Pinkerton Company's trademark.

Classic detective figures like Sherlock Holmes also emerged during that era.

However, with the large increase in full-time police officers and the emergence of professional agencies such as the FBI, the detective industry gradually fell into a slump.

In modern times, many of the methods used by private investigators are restricted by law, and their methods of gathering evidence privately are even defined as illegal.

Therefore, being a detective is not a good profession these days; college graduates can easily become white-collar workers in large companies.

“I grew up listening to Mr. Pinkerton’s stories, and my elders would often tell me stories about the cases they handled when they were detectives.”

"So, I've always wanted to be a detective since I was little. That's my dream."

Sun Zhiwei never expected that there really were such extraordinary people who became detectives because of their childhood dream.

However, Sun Zhiwei noticed that his attire was not shabby; he wore a genuine leather jacket, crocodile leather shoes, and a watch worth thousands of dollars. He was also quite handsome.

His equipment was clearly not something that could be afforded by the salary of a small, ordinary detective.

His college degree, which he earned in the US, indicates that his family is well-off. The cost of attending university in the US is considerable if you don't want to take out loans.

That's true. If someone has to rely on a salary to support their family, they don't have the right to pursue any dreams.

You don't need to worry too much about this kind of person causing trouble. As long as you don't stop him from realizing his dreams, he's actually quite useful.

Therefore, he decided to keep this second-generation detective named Aaron Powell.

"Since you're so familiar with the company, why don't you stay? We'll go back together tomorrow and take stock of the entire Pinkerton Detective Agency."

The reason for taking stock is twofold: firstly, to conduct a thorough review of the company's personnel.

The employees at Pinkerton are a mixed bag, and there might even be spies from other companies. If he doesn't clean them up, it will be very inconvenient for him to do things in the future.

Another is to take stock of Pinkerton's assets.

From the establishment of the Northwest Police Department in Pinkerton in 1850, to the later peak of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and now to the Pinkerton Company.

Over the past 100 years, Pinkerton has accumulated a wealth of useful technologies and resources, and has also established a complete set of employee training processes and case-handling standards.

First is the 'Pinkerton Crime Database'. This is a database of criminals created by Pinkerton and his men, which uses methods such as newspaper clippings, facial photographs, and Bettylon anthropometrics to record detailed data on some important criminals.

Pinkerton also uses this data to issue arrest warrants and offer rewards for various criminals.

Although Pinkerton has gradually declined over the years, the company still has a dedicated department that continues to collect and supplement this database through its old connections with various police departments and official intelligence agencies.

These old connections, the data department personnel, and the entire database were all things Sun Zhiwei was determined to acquire.

Pinkerton also has a complete training program for training detectives, combatants, investigators, and support staff, among others.

Combatants are the department that directly carries out the operations; they are the main force in the fighting and killing. However, due to official suppression, Pinkerton Corporation has basically eliminated this department.

Investigators are responsible for gathering intelligence, but Pinkerton now mainly handles small cases such as commercial investigations, data collection, extramarital affairs, and catching adulterers. Many veteran investigators have left the company.

There are still quite a few support staff left. They used to be responsible for scouting ahead for the detectives and action departments, cleaning up the mess, passing on intelligence, and arranging logistical support, among other things.

For example, when a detective goes out on business, he can't possibly book his own plane ticket and hotel.

When you arrive in an unfamiliar city, you always need a local map guide, and you also need to call upon weapons and vehicles locally, etc.

If fighting occurs during the operation, then clearing the battle site, closing off traffic, disposing of corpses, and even finding someone to take the blame will all require the help of logistics personnel.

Many of these may seem like insignificant little things, but without them, the company's operations would be thrown into chaos and its actions would be hampered.

Many of these people don't earn high wages, and they have difficulty finding jobs outside.

Therefore, while many high-level talents such as detectives left the company, the logistics staff were the ones who stayed the most.

This is also what Sun Zhiwei lacks the most. He used to always work alone and rely on space to solve all his logistical problems.

From now on, he will be responsible for providing meals for many veterans, as there is no room for others. Therefore, a complete logistics line is essential.

In the future, the number of people in the logistics department will not only not decrease, but will be greatly expanded to ensure the company's continued operation.

A security company is not just about fighting and killing; their main purpose is to keep up with the times and use the most advanced security equipment to protect their clients and their property.

The ability to nip danger in the bud or even prevent it from arising is what an excellent security company should do.

Therefore, the technology department is also a specialized department of Pinkerton.

Back when photography had just emerged, Pinkerton and his detectives were already using it to gather intelligence.

With technology advancing rapidly and new technologies emerging one after another, Pinkerton's technology department has become quiet and its staff has dwindled.

The main problem is poor business performance and lack of funds, so the technology department has gradually fallen behind the times. If Sun Zhiwei wants to build the company better in the future, the technology department is a crucial area that needs support.

This year, Apple launched the first-generation personal computer, the Macintosh. Its emergence not only changed people's perception of computers but also brought a new direction to the development of the entire computer industry.

With the advent of the internet age imminent, it is essential to prepare for various computer software protection and hacking techniques in advance.

To make Pinkerton a success, Sun Zhiwei must keep up with the times.

(End of this chapter)