WHO WE ARE
Narrow Path Investigations is a team of Licensed Private Investigators headquartered in NE Ohio.
ABOUT NPI
We Are Truth Finders
With offices in Ohio and Florida, Narrow Path Investigations provides services to attorneys, corporations, and individuals looking for answers. Our investigative team believes in revealing the truth, even if it hurts. While it may not always be common in the industry, our stance is to provide our clients with exceptional, ethical, and timely services. That is who we are. Our team is comprised of honest, hard-working, experienced investigators with extensive backgrounds at all levels.
Because our work is sensitive, we take great care to respect your privacy and the integrity of our team. We bring our reputations, experiences, and resources to the table — to get results and succeed in uncovering the truth. Additionally, as we continue to grow our team and extend our reach, we will never lose sight of our #1 priority — YOU.
Our Mission at NPI is simple:
“WE ARE TRUTH FINDERS”
Joan Bauer, Founder of NPI
“I began my law enforcement career at the Cincinnati Police Academy, where I trained under some of the best. My passion for investigations grew during my time with the CPD Central Vice Unit, and I knew then that uncovering the truth in unconventional ways was my calling. When life led me away from my hometown, I joined the Ravenna Police Department and was assigned to the Portage County Drug Task Force where I continued sharpening my skills. Later, assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of ATF. There, I worked on complex investigations that resulted in successful state and federal prosecutions, and I took pride in serving my community on a larger scale.
After leaving investigations, I became a training officer with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, where I developed courses like the Advanced Narcotics Investigations and Narcan policy training. Teaching and mentoring fellow officers became one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
However, my passion for hands-on police work led me back to uniform patrol with the Hartville Police Department. I was first tasked with a covert investigation that resulted in the conviction of a local murderer, featured in Discovery Channels When Philip Met Missy documentary and A&E’s Interrogation Raw and Court Cam. This case reaffirmed my belief in the importance of persistence in seeking justice.
Driven by my dedication to truth, I founded Narrow Path Investigations, inspired by Matthew 7:13-14. At NPI, we are committed to walking a path of integrity, dedication, and compassion, always striving to provide our clients with the answers they deserve.” – Joan Bauer
Our names and faces are not important — what we do is.
Private Investigators at NPI
At NPI, every team member embodies what we believe to be the highest standard of private investigation. Our team is made up of extraordinary individuals — highly decorated law enforcement veterans, respected scholars, and trailblazers in their fields. Each one is a certified expert, but it is their unwavering commitment to our mission that truly sets them apart. Under the guidance of Joan Bauer, we ensure that each investigator shares our dedication to uncovering the truth, no matter how elusive it may be. Together, we strive to provide not just expertise, but a deep, unrelenting commitment to honesty and integrity in everything we do.
WHY CHOOSE NPI
DOZENS
Of Private Investigators
On Our Team
HUNDREDS
Of Years Experience
Across Our Team
THOUSANDS
Of People Positively
Affected by NPI
What's New
Private Investigation
of the Highest Caliber
“NPI was incredible. When we would hit a roadblock, they plowed right through it with composure and ease . . . They truly are a group of experienced, determined and inspiring people.”
- Aleah K.
(Google Review)
Press Release
Narrow Path is honored to be mentioned in the Spring 2025 edition of The Light.
“At Lake Center Christian School, the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff remain a top priority. As the campus grows, so do measures to ensure a safe and secure environment. One of the most significant enhancements to security protocols has been a partnership with Narrow Path Investigations (NPI), a company guided by the biblical foundation of Matthew 7:13-14.
Founded in 2021 by Mrs. Joan E. Bauer, Narrow Path Investigations was established to provide fair and honest services. NPI specializes in school safety audits, fingerprinting services, investigative work, process serving, and security training. Their dedication to safety has played a pivotal role in strengthening the security infrastructure at Lake Center.”
We are humbled to be recognized by LCCS.
Dedicated to the Truth
An experienced player from a long career in law enforcement – including undercover, extensive operations – Joan Bauer founded NPI to assist attorneys, businesses, and individuals uncover the truth.
Unique Methods
NPI was founded and is run by Joan Bauer, as well as a network of top-tier investigators with a broad range of experience. We solve cases with the same out-the-box thinking responsible for innovation in law enforcement, coupled with a diverse perspective that opens up a whole different side to investigative work.
Extensive Connections & Network
Our investigations are enabled by an information network throughout the country, also strengthened by decades of working relationships which span across multiple careers.
Another “Arm of the Law”
We work to assist in their creating rock-solid court cases based on facts. Furthermore, our experience shows in our composed, thorough, and court-ready reports which are easily adapted into an official affidavit.
Thousands of Successful Investigations
Our team members have decades of experience investigating cases throughout their careers, including successful white collar, narcotics, and homicide investigations. Cases that were highly diverse in nature resulted in removing thousands of evasive criminals off YOUR STREETS.
Impressive Experience
Our PI team has extensive investigation experience and is accomplished in a multitude of law enforcement roles — from your neighborhood officer with his/her finger on the pulse of the street, extensive undercover work with ground-breaking results, to unraveling and prosecuting complex white-collar crimes.
Licensed & Trained
We pull from a vast and diverse history of advanced training that goes toward solving cases — from the police academy through instruction at both state and federal levels (as student & teacher) to higher education. Furthermore, we have dedicated decades towards being masters in the field.
Our Affiliates & Licenses
Ohio License #A 20212100402324
Florida License #A 3300019
Find Answers in 3 Simple Steps
Bring us
your case.
Get started today by filling
out our easy online form.
Consult with
our experts.
Every case is unique.
Let’s review the details together.
Secure
the facts.
Receive confidential,
detailed, court-ready reports.
