Nancy Amoroso
Nancy Amoroso is a retired detective from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), bringing 28 years of law enforcement experience across patrol, narcotics, robbery, homicide, major crimes, counterterrorism, and covert surveillance. During her tenure, she became one of only two designated Subject Matter Experts in surveillance for the LAPD and served as a California POST-certified instructor, training personnel at local, state, and federal levels. Her extensive operational experience and commitment to excellence in covert operations have made her a recognized authority in surveillance best practices.
In 2014, Nancy co-founded Vigilare, LLC with a mission to elevate surveillance standards beyond traditional law enforcement environments. Under her leadership, Vigilare has delivered specialized training nationwide, focusing on the fundamentals and advanced applications of covert surveillance. Her work has been especially impactful in supporting organizations combatting Organized Retail Crime (ORC), equipping investigators with the skills to gather actionable intelligence and build strong, prosecutable cases efficiently and safely. Nancy’s training emphasizes operational safety, ensuring that all participants return home safely after field operations.
Continuing to innovate post-retirement, Nancy expanded her efforts in 2024 by launching Vigilare Connect, LLC in partnership with Motorola, providing field-tested communication systems that enhance coordination and safety for surveillance teams. Her career reflects a dedication to standardizing training, sharing lessons learned, and mentoring others in the craft of covert operations. From teaching at the FBI in Quantico to guiding ORC investigators across the country, Nancy remains committed to advancing surveillance capabilities, operational excellence, and professional development for law enforcement and private-sector investigators alike.
• Vigilare Surveillance Training Certified
• Adjunct Instructor
• Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification
• Intermediate Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification
• Advanced Peace Officer Standard and Training Certification
• Certified Surveillance Instructor
• Supervisory Peace Officers Standards and Training Certification
• Bellevue University - BS
• Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
• Motorola
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to experience, dedication, and the ability to give back. Even in retirement, I continue to mentor and train, focusing on safety and helping others learn from my decades of experience. Breaking into surveillance, a male-dominated field, was challenging, but earning trust and respect along the way remains one of my proudest accomplishments. From training students and observing operations to teaching at the FBI Academy in Quantico, I’ve shared best practices that help law enforcement and retail professionals work safely and effectively, ensuring that my experience continues to empower the next generation.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from Brené Brown: to give yourself permission and to “put your chair at the table.” It’s a reminder to own your voice, claim your space, and actively participate in opportunities rather than waiting for permission or recognition. Embracing that mindset has helped me navigate challenges, build confidence, and create a meaningful impact throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: give yourself permission and put your chair at the table. Don’t wait for validation—step into opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable, and trust that you belong. You may be judged differently as a woman, but confidence and self-belief are key. Learn from setbacks, get back up, and keep moving forward. Too often, women underestimate themselves, while men may display more outward confidence, but success comes from trusting your abilities, owning your space, and holding yourself to a high standard—because you’re there for a reason.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the lack of standardization in surveillance and organized retail crime investigations—a gap that became especially apparent after 9/11. Many private-sector investigators operate without badges or firearms and need safe, consistent training. At the same time, there’s a significant opportunity to expand standardized training for law enforcement and retail investigators and improve reliable field communications—a need I addressed by starting my own communications business to help bridge that gap.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are safety, giving back, continuous improvement, and mentoring others. I’m especially committed to empowering women to participate, lead, and confidently claim their space in male-dominated fields. These principles shape how I approach every opportunity and interaction, ensuring I make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Locations
Vigilare, LLC / Vigilare Connect, LLC
117 River Lane, Martindale, TX 78655