New for 2012, we are beginning the “Pursuit Magazine Professional Spotlight” in which we will feature one (1) of our subscribers on the home page of PursuitMag.com for an entire month in a self-styled promotional article. Think of it as a mini-autobiography of you and your business reaching all of our subscribers (several thousand people and growing every day), social network followers and website visitors in a VERY big way.

This opportunity could be a MASSIVE marketing turbo-boost for you (and it’s FREE)!

Here’s the write up on Brian Taylor, in first Professional Spotlight feature!

But there is a catch… there always is, right???

1. You must be a private investigator, bail agent, process server, forensics guru, collateral repossession professional, security consultant, skip tracer or in a related profession.

2. You’ve got to write a really good article about yourself! Be original, interesting, humorous (if it works for you), but most importantly… be compelling! Make us WANT to put you in the spotlight. You don’t have to be the next Hemingway or even really write that “good” (we’ve got editors for that).

Don’t worry, I’ve got some suggestions (and just a few guidelines) that can be found right here:

http://pursuitmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Professional-Spotlight.pdf

The directions are simple:

1. Check out the resource link above.

2. Write your featured article.

3. Send it to me! (My email address is in the document.)

We’ll review all of your submissions and post the next spotlight the following month. Will you be in the spotlight?

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As an entirely standalone receiver, the IP receiver does not require a computer and eliminates the hassle of installing special software or programs.   It plugs directly into a wireless router and then transmits video wirelessly to the receiver, which also serves as a DVR.  In addition to recording video to an SD card, the IP receiver also streams video over the Internet.  This functionality gives the user complete remote control: including the ability to change the recording mode and to view past recordings and live video. The live feed is accessible from any computer, web browser, or Smartphone.   The IP Receiver also has email notifications that alert the user of power loss, IP address changes, and motion detection.  The motion detection email alert attaches an image so the user knows if there is an intruder in the house or if it’s just the family pet.

The IP receiver’s design makes it the most covert camera system on the market.  There are no markings or cables on the receiver and a locked metal plate protects the SD card from tampering.

Click here to choose from nine camera styles featuring IP receivers available at IRBstore.com.  Purchase any camera with an IP Receiver from IRBstore.com now through July 31st, 2011 and received $70 off!  Use coupon code IP70 at checkout to redeem!

Learn more about covert cameras by watching IRBstore’s online covert cameras and video webinar:

Covert Cameras Webinar 06.30.11 from IRBsearch on Vimeo.

Register for the Covert Camera Webinar by Clicking Here!

IRBstore carries a diverse range of DVRs, from lower cost, DIY models to high definition, professional grade DVRs.  Once the initial investment has been made for one of these DVRs, they can be paired with any of our body-worn cameras.  Body-worn camera systems are advantageous when it’s imperative to see details, catch certain angles that a stationary camera cannot, or in situations where it is impossible to plant a camera, as is the case with much undercover work.  Going back to the opening scenario, let’s say that you’re being asked to do office surveillance.  In this case, a button-style camera would likely be the ideal choice in order for you to get the picture you need, and it’s a great investment because it has the functionality to serve many purposes for future cases.  However, another assignment may call for surveillance that requires you to be able to get video inside tight spaces such as between walls or inside a car.  An inspection-style camera would be the best fit for this type of project.  Since you already have the DVR, you would only need to purchase the new camera.  Alternatively, if you specialize in one type of investigations and only need one camera model, a camera with a built-in DVR might be the best way to go.

IRBstore offers webinars each month on products that professional investigators have specifically asked us to carry.

Following this month’s Body-Worn Cameras webinar, we will be giving a presentation in April that will cover products in the Computer and Cell Phone Monitoring category.  May’s webinar will be on our most popular product category, GPS Trackers.  Sign up for any or all of our upcoming webinars by following the registration links below!

Body-Worn Cameras

March 24th at 4pm EDT
http://goo.gl/NBsFL

Computer & Cell Phone Monitoring – Learn about the technology available for monitoring computers and cell phones.

April 28th at 4pm EDT
http://goo.gl/Q6OnG

GPS Trackers – We’ll cover the different types of GPS Trackers that IRBstore has to offer and the benefits they provide.

May 26th at 4pm EDT
http://goo.gl/0mvU9

All IRBstore webinars are free of charge and for participating we’ll give you a special promotion at the end of each one to be used at http://IRBstore.com.

First of all, Mr. Johnson writes in a manner which speaks to every-man/woman.  His explanation of photographic terms, e.g., exposure, aperture, etc., puts us on the same level as professionals who have long kept their secrets hushed in order to protect their elite status and the preservation of expensive literature, equipment and instruction.  Mr. Johnson’s instruction ensures each of us can learn ‘better than basic’ photography skills, relatively quickly and relatively easily – with a certain degree of practice.

Each section touches on a particular subject and I particularly like that Mr. Johnson stresses it’s the practicing of shooting photos that determines the quality of your work, not necessarily the price you were talked into paying for your equipment.  He compares the nuts and bolts of camera brands and particular characteristics to be aware of and suggests a few useful after-market tools – all on a friendly budget.  Of particular interest to me, and probably to all investigators, is his instruction on capturing an expert image quickly and clearly.  This, he advises, can only be achieved from a thorough knowledge of your camera and practice, practice, practice!  Along the way, he offers easy to understand lessons in lighting, contrast, composure and content.  He also discusses movement and stabilization and I can now see how to better catch that photo ‘on the fly’ when an investigation must be done quickly and unobtrusively.  For those particular situations, i.e., capturing images of defective buildings, stairways, roadways and the like, his instruction provides a framework for staging the scene through the use of a variety of options.  Included are samples of his work for reference.

While we may think creativity either comes naturally or it doesn’t, Mr. Johnson does not.  He believes everyone can shoot quality photographs and strongly encourages independent thinking while doing so.  Most importantly, keep in mind your objective, whether it’s a person, location or otherwise you’re surveilling, prepare beforehand what your scenario may entail and be prepared.  Preparation and practice – built on a foundation of knowledge of photographic possibilities that you will learn in this book – will enhance your worth in the investigative field.

WARNING! All the above being said, however, I strongly issue the following caveat:  While there are many software programs available today to “enhance” or otherwise “improve” the quality of your photograph, DO NOT!, I repeat DO NOT!, edit in any way, shape or form the original photograph(s) you submit to your client.  If editing is required for whatever reason, either to clarify a scene or provide a reference point, make those changes on a copy and submit both photos, clearly labeled, with explanation.  If called as a witness in a court of law, you may be asked to identify the original photograph, attest to the copy enhancements and you must be able to clearly demonstrate the editing process used.  Failure to do so would render this “evidentiary” submission invalid and might possibly win the case —- for the WRONG attorney!  Only submit to your client a report, photograph or other piece of evidence you have obtained during your investigation in its original form, and if necessary, an edited copy, both of which you can attest to, under oath, are “true and correct” versions of your work.

All in all, I would recommend reading this book and after having done so myself, I feel I am better equipped in my ability to provide to my clients excellent photographs as concrete evidence of my investigation.  I can also add that I am inspired by Mr. Johnson and believe I will not only take better photos as a professional but as a hobbyist as well.

If you are interested in purchasing this e-book, you may do so by contacting the author directly at (219) 242 9765 or via the Internet at: http://minimalistphotography101.com/low-cost-high-impact-photography-ebook/

Legal Investigations should be a “must-read” for every new investigator making his or her way into criminal defense and civil negligence matters.

To begin, Mr. Beers outlines in clear and concise detail the entire process of the role of the investigator from the initial intake of an assignment, through a discussion of each of the steps to be taken during the course of the investigation and then takes the investigator on into the successful conclusion of the matter by his/her handing over a well written report to the client.  The most important point that Mr. Beers initially makes is that the professional investigator is a fact finder; one without bias, prejudice or investment in the outcome.  These facts are then left up to lawyers and triers-of-fact to dissect and arrive at their own outcome.  Legal investigations in particular usually incorporate information culled from scene investigations, witness interviews and a gathering of the forensic facts.

Legal Investigations is broken down into three basic sections.

The first section comprises the concepts of an investigation, e.g., the role of the investigator in a case as well as the absolute need for preparation, accurate information gathering and research, an unbiased analysis of the findings and thoroughly and accurately documenting and reporting these findings.  Also in this section is a helpful discussion of rules and ethics to be professionally maintained at all costs.

In the second section of the book, there are numerous examples of assignment types and scenarios the Legal Investigator is likely to encounter.  Perhaps more importantly, the real value of Mr. Beers’ book lies in the detailed description and the specific methodology used to investigate matters including:

• Comprehensive Background Investigations
• Forensic Photography and Scene Documentation
• Reviewing and Understanding Autopsy Reports
• Nursing Home and Elder Deaths (and Abuse)
• Equivocal Death Analysis
• Motor Vehicle Collisions
• Criminal Defense Investigations in Reference to Felony Assault and Sexual Assault

The third section of the book contains information-packed material designed to refine the knowledge and skills of the investigator.  There is the glossary which should be a part of every investigator’s vocabulary, first and foremost.  What follows is an appendix full of information condensed from the 20+ years of education, training and experience of Mr. Beers and designed so as to assist an investigator at all stages of an investigation with basic principles useful in a wide variety of cases.  Just before the index is a set of acronyms – invaluable to know in the investigative field if you are going to “talk the talk” and “walk the walk.”

In spite of Mr. Beers’ brush with short-term memory loss as a result of a serious automobile accident in 2000, and the tedious therapy required to improve his physical and mental health challenges, there was no keeping him from the profession he loved.  It appears his career path as a Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) was, and always has been, second nature to him. Throughout his book, you sense his passion for discovering the truth in any given case.  In a profession where the facts don’t always prove what one wants to believe true, Mr. Beers remains a consummate professional and seems untainted by life’s darker events that he has encountered on occasion in the past.  He is proud of his career, rightly so, and generously shares what he has learned with others in hopes they, too, will enjoy the same satisfaction and reward from investigative work as he has enjoyed.

Perhaps most admirably, Mr. Beers not only practices his profession and writes books, he also lectures and makes sure to find the time to enjoy his wife, two children and, now, three grandchildren!

In my opinion, Legal Investigations is a must-read for all investigators and should be in everyone’s library from which to learn, and as an essential reference going forward.  The wealth of information in this book is both comprehensive and timeless.

Thank you, Dean, for this important contribution to our profession.

This book can be obtained via the publisher, CRC Press:

http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9781439844847

or through the Amazon website:

http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Methods-Legal-Investigations-Protocols/dp/1439844844

Cut-Tex™ PRO is a groundbreaking combination of high-tenacity, high-modulus polyethylene fibres – combined with several other “technical fibres” – weaved by special high-density knitting machines, resulting in an outstanding cut and slash resistant clothing and fabric.

For additional information, please see this important documentation and video by clicking here.

PPSS Body Armour, the company which produces UK Home Office certified body armour and stab vests for clients around the globe, says its Cut-Tex™ PRO could be the world’s best, which is reinforced by passing the stringent British and European blade cut resistant standard 388 6.2 Level 5 – the highest level possible for textiles or protective gloves.

The CEO of PPSS Robert Kaiser said: “The potential applications for our world-beating knife, bite and slash resistant clothing is endless. Already there has been a huge amount of interest in Cut-Tex™ PRO from countries all over the World, especially those countries experiencing extremely hot summer months.

“PPSS Body Armour specialises in developing unique, bespoke knife protective clothing for local government, law enforcement, emergency services, prison service, hospital staff, schools and private security companies around the world.

“With Cut-Tex™ PRO, we now have a slash and cut resistant textile that is incredibly lightweight and breathable, and we have already been able to manufacture a number of bespoke slash resistant items, all using this great new fabric as inner or outer layer:

• Slash resistant sweatshirts for prison officers, security professionals and factory workers for one of the world’s leading metal pressing companies.
• Slash resistant sleeves for professional working within the field of ‘challenging behaviour’ or ‘special needs’.
• Slash resistant boiler suits for high security mental health hospitals and prison’s ‘first response units’.
• Slash-resistant work trousers for refuse collectors
• Slash resistant gloves for security professionals, law enforcement and emergency services.

“BS EN 388:2003 Level 5 is the highest level you can achieve for testing knife, bite and slash resistant clothing or cut resistant gloves and our high performance fabric Cut-Tex™ PRO has passed this protection level with flying colours. This is why we believe it is only a matter of time before our Cut-Tex™ PRO slash resistant clothing saves a human life.

“‘Prevention is better than cure’ and ‘better safe than sorry’ are two sayings which make more sense within personal safety than anywhere else.

“Issuing knife and slash resistant clothing can mean preventing potentially fatal injuries.”

Please call PPSS Body Armour in the UK on +44 (0) 845 5193 953, email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

The Ultrasonic Dog Chaser is the most humane and safest way to deter unfriendly dogs. Using the latest ultrasonic technology, the Dog Chaser produces a discomforting, but not harmful, high frequency sound that is audible to dogs but not to humans.

This simple, hand-held device will stop the approach of unwanted dogs at up to 20 feet and is easy to use:

Just point the dog-repeller at the animal and press the button.

Most dogs will have an immediate reaction to the sound and will back away but proper and prudent caution should always be maintained in all circumstances involved with an animal who may bite, regardless if you are using this excellent device or not.

The Dog Chaser should be a part of every professional investigator’s gear.  It’s inexpensive, small and easily stows in your glove box or gear bag for ready use.

Side note: I personally used one of these to take the bark out of my neighbor’s dog too… when I finally got fed up with the constant yapping, I started pushing the button every time the dog started barking. It only took a few afternoons and the barking has dramatically improved.