Gary Pastor is a nationally respected authority in security operations, executive protection, private investigations, and expert witness consultation, bringing more than 37 years of real-world operational experience to the profession. His career uniquely blends military service, sworn law enforcement, high-risk protection operations, investigative leadership, and executive-level business oversight, positioning him as a trusted expert for courts, attorneys, corporations, and government entities.
Gary’s professional background includes extensive service in Executive Protection, Security and Bodyguard Operations, U.S. Marine Corps Security Forces, Law Enforcement, and long-standing private sector leadership. This combination allows him to evaluate security matters not only from a tactical standpoint, but through the lens of industry standards of care, operational reasonableness, foreseeability, and risk mitigation.
Industry Leadership & Legislative Impact
Beyond operational work, Gary has played a significant role in shaping the private security and investigations industry at the state level. He has served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI), worked as a registered lobbyist, and collaborated directly with elected officials to help draft and advance legislation impacting private security and investigative professionals.
Gary continues to serve the industry through active participation on subcommittees for the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (NCPPSB) and is the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and advancement of private investigators.
Expert Witness & Consulting Specialties
Gary Pastor provides expert witness testimony, case analysis, and consulting services in matters involving:
- Premises Liability
- Negligent Security
- Crime Foreseeability
- Third-Party Criminal Acts
- Security Standards of Care
- Security Staffing, Training, and Supervision
- Security Systems Integration & Countermeasures
- Policies, Procedures, and Operational Failures
His expertise extends to security assessments, investigative analysis, wrongful death cases, insurance investigations, and complex security-related litigation. Gary evaluates cases with precision, drawing upon decades of hands-on experience in both armed and unarmed security operations, as well as his background as a former sworn law enforcement officer with the Greenville (NC) Police Department and United States Marine Corps Veteran.
Professional Reach & Instruction
Gary is a well-respected and recognized professional across North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida and beyond. He serves as an adjunct instructor with LaSorsa & Associates, where he teaches:
- Executive Protection
- Firearms
- Self-Defense
- Protective & Evasive Driving
- Private Investigations
Since 1999, Gary has served as Founder / Owner & President of NC Protection Group (d.b.a. Private Eyes, Inc.), leading investigative and protective operations nationwide and internationally.
Guiding Principles in Investigations & Protection
- Thorough & Competent Services: Every investigation and protection assignment is conducted with precision, diligence, and integrity.
- Professionalism in All Operations: The highest standards are upheld in conduct, reporting, testimony, and client interaction.
- Client-Focused Communication: Clear, respectful, and timely communication is foundational to every engagement.
- Competitive & Ethical Pricing: Services are structured to provide measurable value without compromising standards.
- Leadership & Accountability: All operations are guided directly by Gary Pastor, ensuring oversight, consistency, and compliance.
Driven by integrity. Defined by professionalism. Committed to protection and truth.
Education & Certifications:
- 1991 – 1994 United States Marines (Security Forces)
- 1993 – 1994 Basic Law Enforcement Training
- 1995 – 1998 Greenville NC Police Department
- 1998 – 1999 Chief Investigator at Michael Fox and Associates Law offices
- 1999 – Founder/Owner/CEO of Private Eyes Inc
- 2008 – NC Protection Group (Security Services and Executive Protection)
- 2016 – Executive Protection training (Lasorsa and Associates)
- 2017 – Executive Protection program (Fenix Law Enforcement Training Group)
- 2018 – TSCM courses (REI & L&A)
Licenses, Certifications & Affiliations
- North Carolina Private Investigator License – #2664
- Executive Protection & Private Security License – #1530712
- Security Guard & Patrol License – #321054-GP
- Electronic Countermeasures License – #928973-CI
- Armed Registration for Private Investigator – Issued by NC PPSB & NCDPS
- Armed Personal Protection Specialist (PPS)
- North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit (30+ years)
- North Carolina Notary Public
- United States Passport
- American Red Cross – First Aid, CPR, AED, Auto-Injector
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI)
- VP Training & Education (2010)
- Elected President (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016)
- Past President (2013)
- ASIS – American Society for Industrial Security
- SCALI – South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators
- COAL – Coalition of Association Leaders
- USCCA – United States Concealed Carry Association
- DAV – Disabled American Veterans
- NCSA – North Carolina Security Association