SUPPORTING INVESTIGATORS SINCE 1966
This study examines the input from many DITA students to see if the program has proven useful over the years. Quality training provides valuable skills to increase performance. As many know, there is a significant discrepancy regarding the training mandated and received by prosecution-oriented and criminal defense investigators. This leads to one of the many imbalances within the criminal justice system. This evaluation of DIA’s Defense Investigator Training Academy’s (DITA) effectiveness is crucial to the profession of criminal defense, as it is one of the only academy trainings for defense investigators in California and throughout the nation. The research looks at what students learned and their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to their job. Students reported they overall enjoyed the DITA trainings, learned the material that was intended, were able to apply the new knowledge and skills learned to their job, and ultimately felt that their work improved. The study concludes the DITA program is effective and provides employees with knowledge and skills to help them grow as investigators. * Special thanks to Investigator Sheree Martinek for conducting the study and sharing the results.
This professional organization was founded with several goals including the advancement of the science of defense investigation, promote the administration of justice and the public good, and establish and maintain closer and more effective relationships between members.
Harry GuytonFounder
Check out some historically important meeting minutes by clicking on the logos below:
INCORPORATION 1969 The Defense Investigator Association (DIA not cdia) was founded in 1966 and non-profit articles of incorporation were filed in February of 1969.
CREATION OF D.I.T.A 1999 Conceived and first planned out by LaWanda Lyons-Pruit, Jean & Scott Dittmyer, this Academy has been going strong over 25 years!
DIA 50th ANNIVERSARY 2016 Over 50 years of professional enrichment, networking, and the promotion of investigative techniques has enriched DIA members. Here is a snapshot of where we were after 50 years.
2025s DITA IV was attended by over 60 participants and 10% were San Diego State University Alums!
Articles by Journalist Anat Rubin highlighting the importance of Public Defenders and Defense Investigators. See the two links below for these powerful stories.
Defense work is about passion, commitment, and a professional commitment to excellence. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the stories we unravel as investigators are intense. Investigators are essential to the team and an experienced investigator can have a huge impact on the outcome of a case. No investigator is an island, and so we work best as a vital part of the defense team. We all know someone who influenced us in the work we do and was an inspiration on our path. The DIA recognizes Criminal Defense Investigators in various ways through the Investigator of the Year Award, recognition for becoming Certified Criminal Defense Investigators, presenting at our various events, and through this new award started in 2026 while celebrating DIA's 60th Anniversary. Thank you to all who mentor, share their knowledge and help our profession grow, so we can best prove the case for our clients.
AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED SOON!
