Pursuit Magazine » Partners http://pursuitmag.com A Magazine for Private Investigators and other Investigation Professionals Wed, 16 May 2012 05:36:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 American Private Investigator May 2012 Podcast is Live http://pursuitmag.com/american-private-investigator-may-2012-podcast-is-live/ http://pursuitmag.com/american-private-investigator-may-2012-podcast-is-live/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 10:11:16 +0000 Guest Author http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15469 The American Private InvestigatorThe May 2012 podcast of The American Private Investigator with your host, Paul Jaeb of Heartland Investigative Group, features Mike McIntee and Paul Jaeb with the API news segment. Hear about how Lake County officials near Chicago hired a private investigator to look into two deaths in the county jail, how a private investigator is helping in a missing college student case that stumped police due to lack of leads, how a Washington state man got a sentence after threatening an investigator with a weapon, and how Ikea France admits hiring an investigator to spy on customers and employees.

Next, Terry Cox, CLI, current National Director of the National Association of Legal Investigators, and Ellis Armistead, CLI, President of Heartland Investigative Group, join Paul to talk about how to handle very large, media driven criminal cases. Terry and Ellis gained their expertise in cases that were sensational in their time. Among these, Terry Cox handled the Mary Winkler preacher’s wife murder trial in Tennessee, and Ellis handled federal appeal of Timothy McVeigh. Hear the details about each case, how each got involved, what attracts a media frenzy, how press scrutiny can affect the investigator’s personal life, and learn how to balance the work without losing your core clients.

Regular contributor Peter Psarouthakis of ISPLA joins Paul with a legislative update and to talk about what’s going on nationally among private investigators. Hear about the latest bills, such as the right to carry reciprocity act, and what ISPLA is doing to support this bill and the private investigator industry. Hear how ISPLA was at the forefront in Indiana where the legislature introduced a bill to repeal mandatory licensing of private investigators, security guards and a host of other professions. Learn how ISPLA helped kill that bill and how your involvement can help protect and support the industry.

Tune in next month to learn about how investigators expand their businesses into other areas, like security, forensics, pre-employment screening, and get the scoop on using metrics within your company to better manage your business.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST NOW

Guests on the May 2012 podcast are:

See The American Private Investigator resources for links to the organization websites mentioned in this podcast.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/american-private-investigator-may-2012-podcast-is-live/feed/ 0 Review: “Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery – The FTER Method” by Brandon Perron http://pursuitmag.com/review-forensic-testimonial-evidence-recovery-the-fter-method-by-brandon-perron/ http://pursuitmag.com/review-forensic-testimonial-evidence-recovery-the-fter-method-by-brandon-perron/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 18:40:38 +0000 Guest Author http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15461 Interviewing is one of the fundamental skills required of almost every public and private sector investigator.  Brandon Perron, CCDI, is a General in our profession.  He is known to many of us as a devoted criminal defense investigator, founder of the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council and the coveted Certified Criminal Defense Investigator professional designation.  Although his life has been devoted to defense investigation skills, these are all adapted to any of the other areas of investigations – from civil to workers compensation, and including law enforcement.

“Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery – The FTER Method” is described as the art and science of the interview.  This is Brandon’s second investigative book; his first is “Uncovering Reasonable Doubt:  The Component Method.”  Although it is not necessary to have studied and read the first book for the benefit of the FTER Method, it is highly recommended as the two complement each other.  The two are based on the same fundamental evidentiary issues necessary for criminal defense, justifying about 1/3 of this book devoted to those concepts.

The book opens with reminding the reader that as investigators, we are truth seekers as an ultimate goal.  Achieving that goal, through the investigative process, often relies greatly on the skills of the investigator as an interviewer.  The investigator pursues evidence, truth and facts.  This book consists of 13 chapters that progressively and logically follow a series of informative steps to an in-depth explanation, study and application of the FTER Method.  This book was written for all investigators – from the novice to the experienced.  Those areas for the novice remind the experienced, and those written for the experienced prepare the novice.  This is done through three basic areas of the book – evidence and fundamental concepts, application of the concepts, and advanced techniques.

Brandon takes the investigator through the understanding of evidence, fact finding and recovery of evidence.  This is a process and it is important to understand what evidence is and how it is admitted as evidence by the court.  Knowing this process is fundamental to being able to investigate and conduct interviews, that successfully elicit evidentiary information.  The FTER Method takes the evidentiary process further in defining testimonial evidence.  As pointed out, testimonial evidence is often forgotten or overlooked, which is a detriment to the investigative process.  The successful investigator knows, or will learn, the value of testimonial evidence and the interview methodologies necessary to conduct and complete successful forensic interviews.

The novice is briefly introduced to The Component Method as part of the fluid and dynamic investigative process.  Having a defined and consistent investigative methodology is necessary to assuring that all investigations leave no stone unturned – this book demonstrates the interview skills necessary, and how to apply those skills.  Leaders of the investigative profession may have different methodologies, but they all share the same purpose and fundamentals.  That further makes this book a practical adaptation to all manners of investigations and methodologies.  This is where the challenge of the book and FTER method begins.  The reader is challenged to learn, adapt and apply the concepts – including with practical mini-tests throughout each chapter.

In the process of interviewing, the investigator is an astute observer making inquiries to assess the facts leading to the truth.  Brandon clearly defines the history and purpose of the interview, and its application to the law and judicial process.  This is what begins to define the forensic interview.  He defines the personal and professional influences, personal perspectives and professional perspectives experienced by the investigator.  The understanding of the influences and perspectives as they relate to the interview also guide the techniques used.

Brandon details how to maneuver through these influences in the interview preparation and actual interview process.  The job of the investigator is professional, and therefore only considerations of professional, legal and ethical exist; we must set aside any personal morality.

Is the interview an art or science?  Brandon reminds us that it is both, and subject to those personal and professional influences.  However, because interviews are fluid and dynamic, there is no method of scientific testing or validation.  He further reminds us of the difference between the interview and interrogation; including their purpose, application and what defines them legally.  This book and the concepts of FTER aid the investigator in avoiding confrontational and accusatory interviews.

Understanding that the interview is as much art as science is the premise of this book.  The interview is to obtain evidence (Recovery) in the adversarial judicial system – Forensic application.  Interviews are Testimonial.  Therefore, Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery.  This is a strong concept, that when appropriately applied, is a powerful technique.  When applied consistently as part of an overall investigative methodology, it strengthens any criminal defense investigation and strategy.  Combined, the concepts of Brandon’s Component Method and FTER Method will Uncover Reasonable Doubt.

Critical thinking and deductive reasoning are vital to the investigator and the evidence recovery process – including the forensic interview.  As fact finders – truth seekers – this is the underlying purpose of the interview.  Without the interview, a critical component of the investigative process, and related evidence, is lost.  This process begins with the review of the provided discovery, other investigative information and concluding with truth assessment.  To fully apply these investigative principles the investigator must understand the moral and malicious anatomy of the lie – and how the same applies to why a person would tell the truth.  Is it to spare a person’s feelings or avoid punishment?  Perhaps to see someone punished for an unrelated event, retribution?  Brandon presents various scenarios of applying the FTER Method to the concepts of assessing the truth.  Brandon details this importance by presenting this decades old tried and true methodology.  This is from review to question preparation, and then the forensic interview stage of evidence recovery.

It is important to pay close attention to how Brandon describes, demonstrates and imparts the application of this FTER Method before continuing the book and learning process.  The basic interview techniques are necessary to conduct effective fact-finding and truth verification interviews.  He takes it to the next level for the experienced investigator in the stages of the advanced interviewing techniques.  In one book Brandon covers the fundamentals and foundations, as well as the techniques and application, with the opportunity for the investigator to learn and apply advanced skills.  The advanced skills include visual imagery, Kinesics techniques, and how the basic interview is further assessed and advanced using these techniques.

One key task that Brandon reminds the investigator to not, at any cost or purpose, skip or overlook is the interview of the defendant.  It is simply not possible to conduct any investigation or develop any legal strategy without the investigator conducting an interview – separate from any intake interview the attorney may have had.  Brandon explains how the defendant interview is a foundation to the remainder of the investigative and testimonial evidence recovery process.  This empirical information is vital to demonstrating reasonable doubt to any element of any charge presented against the defendant.

In 13 chapters and a summary, renowned and respected Brandon Perron, CCDI, takes the criminal defense investigator down a road that is not well traveled but should be.  He maps out the concepts of the FTER Method, demonstrating and imparting the art and science of the forensic interview and related testimonial evidence recovery.

To no surprise, Brandon bridges the art and science in a clear and concise methodology and plan of action.  He packs a lot of punch in this book in the fight to assure every defendant is able to exercise their Constitutional right to an adequate defense.  As a stand-alone book, the FTER Method is excellent.  With its predecessor, “Uncovering Reasonable Doubt:  The Component Method”, it is a powerful testament to the skills and necessity of a criminal defense investigator and how they can and will succeed in the most important role of our adversarial judicial system.

© Dean A. Beers and Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC – April 2012.  May be reprinted with permission and source acknowledgment.  Contact beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com

Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI is a Certified Legal Investigator and Certified Criminal Defense Investigator.  He is a published author and has lectured extensively and authored multiple articles, peer-reviewed white papers, including Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases, released by CRC Press in February 2011, and previously Professional Investigations:  Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities.

Mr. Beers a member and Forensic Investigations Advisor of the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council.

He began his investigative career in 1987 and operates Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC, with his wife, Karen, also a CCDI.  They have two daughters, a granddaughter and identical twin grandsons.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/review-forensic-testimonial-evidence-recovery-the-fter-method-by-brandon-perron/feed/ 0 The American Private Investigator April 2012 Podcast is Live http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-april-2012-podcast-is-live/ http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-april-2012-podcast-is-live/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:01:10 +0000 Guest Author http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15439 The American Private InvestigatorThe April 2012 podcast of The American Private Investigator with your host, Paul Jaeb of Heartland Investigative Group, features Mike McIntee and Paul Jaeb with the API news segment. Hear about licensing issues for online information providers Intellius and People Finder, how PI’s are seeing a new boon in divorce law, the escapades of the Millionaire Madam, and the latest on the PI running for Wisconsin’s lieutenant governorship.

Next, Jennifer Brown, J.D. and Kevin M. Cosgrove, PI, CFE join Paul to talk about conducting witness interviews. Get tips on preparing for an interview, building a rapport with witnesses to get the facts, and learn how to deal with objections. Learn to handle demanding attorneys who push to get information in a method that’s unethical or illegal. Hear the do’s and don’ts of closing an interview and leave the door open. See Interviewing the EMT or Paramedic, Jennifer Brown, J.D., The Legal Investigator, and Important Witness Interview Strategies and Considerations for Investigators, Kevin M. Cosgrove, PI, CFE, Pursuit Magazine.

Regular contributor Alan Goodman joins Paul to talk about how the evolution of training is legitimizing the profession. Learn about the various universities, community colleges and other venues offering training and training information.

Next Paul challenges listeners to answer Alan’s question, “Would you hire someone who graduated from one of the programs at City College or Boston U, or are you more comfortable training yourself?” and Alan talks about upcoming investigator events.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST

Guests on the March 2012 podcast are:

See The American Private Investigator resources for links to the organization websites mentioned in this podcast.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-april-2012-podcast-is-live/feed/ 0 Proposed “Mobile Device Privacy Act” Legislation http://pursuitmag.com/proposed-mobile-device-privacy-act-legislation/ http://pursuitmag.com/proposed-mobile-device-privacy-act-legislation/#comments Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:39:46 +0000 SiteOwner http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15271 Mobile Phone GeolocationRep. Edward Markey [D-MA-7] has prepared draft legislation of the “Mobile Device Privacy Act” relative to last year’s disclosure of geolocation of cellphones by the company Carrier IQ to communication carriers, telephone equipment manufactures, and operating systems manufacturers like Apple and Google.

In a follow-up  last  week, The Washington Post writes: “The push for legislation comes after it was found that a piece of software called Carrier IQ was installed in about 150 cellphones from AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. The software recorded data such as carrier networks, data transmission speeds, phone numbers called, Web sites visited and battery life. The software was designed to tell mobile carriers about the status of their networks, but the company admitted in December that its software might have captured keystrokes or the content of messages by accident.”

Rep.Markey wants the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether Carrier IQ was being unfair or deceptive toward consumers, saying that the software raised serious privacy concerns. Federal investigators are believed to be investigating those allegations.

In a press release from Markey’s office he states: “Consumers may have no idea that through monitoring software their mobile devices are transmitting personal information, including who is called and what is typed in text messages, to third parties, including companies such as Carrier IQ.  The presence of this type of monitoring software on mobile devices should be disclosed to consumers, says Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-Chair of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus. Which is why today, Rep. Markey released a discussion draft of “The Mobile Device Privacy Act,” legislation that would require companies to disclose to consumers the capability to monitor telephone usage, as well as require express consent of the consumer prior to monitoring. News broke last month that Carrier IQ software installed on millions of smart phones and mobile devices can track every keystroke of users and send the information back to the software company without user knowledge or permission.”

Representative Markey states his “Mobile Device Privacy Act” would protect consumers by requiring:

  • Disclosure of mobile telephone monitoring software, including when a consumer buys a mobile phone; after sale, if the carrier, manufacturer, or operating system later installs monitoring software; and if a consumer downloads an app and that app contains monitoring
  • Disclosure to include the fact that the monitoring software has been installed on the phone, the types of information that are collected, the identity of the third party to which the information is transmitted, and how such information will be used.
  • Consumer consent be obtained before monitoring software begins collecting and transmitting information.
  • Third party receiving the personal information must have policies in place to secure the information.
  • Agreements on transmission to third parties must be filed at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • Outline an enforcement regime for the FTC and FCC, along with State Attorney General enforcement and a private right of action.

Link to Representative Markey’s 15-page draft of his “Mobile Device Privacy Act” is at:

http://markey.house.gov/sites/markey.house.gov/files/documents/Mobile%20Device%20Privacy%20Act%20–%20Rep.%20Markey%201-30-12_0.pdf

ISLABruce Hulme
ISPLA Director of Government Affairs
www.ISPLA.org

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/proposed-mobile-device-privacy-act-legislation/feed/ 1 The American Private Investigator March 2012 Podcast is Live http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-march-2012-podcast-is-live/ http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-march-2012-podcast-is-live/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:40:59 +0000 Guest Author http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15405 The American Private InvestigatorThe March 2012 podcast of The American Private Investigator with your host, Paul Jaeb of Heartland Investigative Group, features Mike McIntee and Paul Jaeb with the API news segment. Hear why the NCAA might hire private investigators for future investigations, get the latest on the Glenn Mulcaire tabloid phone hacking case, why air conditioner thefts have prompted scrap iron firms to hire private investigators, and what Chris Butler did wrong when he hired soccer moms to assist his private investigative firm with divorce cases.

Next, lawyers Jason Evans, Esq. of Leslie R. Evans & Associates and Sheila Engelmeier, Esq. of Engelmeier & Umanah join Paul and segment co-host Dave Pelligrinelli of AFX Search to talk about client expectations. Learn what lawyers look for when hiring a private investigator and the best methods for reaching potential legal clients. Get tips from Jason and Sheila on transitioning from a career in law enforcement to private investigative work. Hear Paul and Dave discuss price versus value from the client’s perspective, how to deal with the challenge of getting past the price issue, and the latest on marketing via your firm’s website and using LinkedIn to grow your business.

Regular contributors Peter Psarouthakis and Alan Goodman join Paul to talk about legislation attempting to regulate GPS use and how Nicole Bocra of Infinity Investigative Solutions was able to work with the legislature to kill a bill in Virginia. Peter, Alan, and Paul talk about anticipated privacy issues and how investigators can be proactive at the state level through ISPLA. Next, Alan gives his forecast for the process server industry, and Alan and Peter give the scoop on upcoming events.

Click Here to Listen to the American Private Investigator Podcast

Guests on the March 2012 podcast are:

See The American Private Investigator resources for links to the organization websites mentioned in this podcast.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-march-2012-podcast-is-live/feed/ 1 PPSS Body Armour’s CEO Gets Shot Testing New Body Armor http://pursuitmag.com/ppss-body-armours-ceo-gets-shot-successfully-testing-new-body-armor/ http://pursuitmag.com/ppss-body-armours-ceo-gets-shot-successfully-testing-new-body-armor/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:04:51 +0000 SiteOwner http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15192 Testing New Concealable Body Armor“In the world of executive protection it is of great importance to see how quickly you could become fully operational again after being shot from close range”, Robert Kaiser says after personally being shot, testing their new covert bullet proof vests.

A high definition video has now been made available on YouTube, highlighting the CEO of PPSS Body Armour being shot from approx 9 feet or 3 meters.

The shot was fired from a Glock 19 handgun, using 9x19mm FMJ 124gr ammunition.

Robert Kaiser is one of the very first men in this industry who has decided to ‘put his money where his mouth is’.

“I have seen many body armour companies making astonishing claims, so I decided to offer real physical evidence using live ammunition” he says.

Robert explained in great depth and personally ensured this video was not produced to create any type of tough guy image, and it should also not be seen a disregard to human life.

 

 

Having viewed the video, it is fair to say that all reasonable and necessary precautions have been taken prior to the production.  One of the country’s leading trauma nurse was present, paramedics were on stand by and an IV was prepared in order to infuse essential drugs in case something did go wrong.

PPSS Body Armour have now launched this ultra light and extremely thin NIJ Level IIIA+ bullet proof vest in order to offer executive and diplomatic security professionals the best possible concealable protection.

With a weight of only 1.65kg, a thickness of just 6.5mm and protective area of 0.28sqm, this new outstanding bullet proof vest certainly means business.

Made out of a high performance ballistic material, this new bullet proof vest also offers additional protection from Tokarev Ball 7.62 x 25mm and Makarov 9 x 18mm.

Waterproof and breathable Cordura® 180 and groundbreaking temperature controlling Outlast® space technology make this great body armour an ideal choice especially in hot and humid conditions.

A specially developed 0.85mm trauma liner provides extremely effective blunt trauma protection.

Please contact PPSS Group directly on +44 (0) 845 5193 953 email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

PPSS Group is a UK based company, specialised in the design, development and manufacturing of high performance bite and cut resistant clothing and body armour. PPSS Group is also the company behind Cut-Tex® PRO, a groundbreaking and one of the world’s strongest cut, tear and abrasion resistant fabrics, now being used to manufacture cut and bite resistant clothing for police, military, emergency services, prisons, mental health care and private security firms all over the world.

Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Group is a globally respected expert in body armour and known for his passion for personal protection and personal safety.  He is frequently invited to speak in front of large audiences about the latest body armour developments within homeland security and domestic frontline services.  He is acting as a body armour consultant for a number of organisations, associations, unions and government departments. 

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/ppss-body-armours-ceo-gets-shot-successfully-testing-new-body-armor/feed/ 0 February 2012 American Private Investigator Podcast has Launched http://pursuitmag.com/february-2012-american-private-investigator-podcast-has-launched/ http://pursuitmag.com/february-2012-american-private-investigator-podcast-has-launched/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:55:48 +0000 Guest Author http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15251

The American Private InvestigatorThe February 2012 podcast of The American Private Investigator with your host, Paul Jaeb of Heartland Investigative Group, features Mike McIntee and Paul Jaeb with the API news segment.  Learn about a recent BBC Breakfast feature on PI industry licensing and stopping illegal activities, such as phone hacking. Hear how the BBC asked respected investigator Tony Smith, Operations Director at Insight Investigations and Vice Chairman at World Association of PIs, to help them create a reconstruction of a typical surveillance operation by a reputable investigator. Next, hear why PIs are being asked to help out in cases of missing fryer oil in LA. Then get the scoop on PIs helping a mayor’s group gather evidence against gun retailers involved in illegal selling practices.

Next, Peter Psarouthakis of ISPLA and Kevin Whaley of The Campbell Group join Paul to talk about the status of House Bill 1006 which would deregulate several professions completely, including the private investigator and security guard professions in the state of Indiana. Peter tells about the latest events in the House of Representatives and what ISPLA and others are doing to educate about the dangers of deregulation.

Then, Phil Becnel of Dinolt Becnel & Wells Investigative Group LLC joins Paul to talk about his election in October 2011 to president of the Private Investigators Association of Virginia and his new book, Principles of Investigative Documentation. Phil gives Paul and listeners a sneak peek at key elements to best investigative documentation practices along with examples and practical applications. Hear why report writing is so critical and why you should write reports any time you may have to testify about why you did what you did, which is in almost every case. Learn about taking verbatim statements from hostile or unhelpful witnesses and obtaining declarations from friendly witnesses. Get tips on the best note taking methods, setting documentation retention timelines and criteria, and more practical guidelines to fine tune your practice and the way you present yourself for better results.

Regular contributor Alan Goodman joins Paul to talk about how to set client expectations and what happens if you don’t. Learn how to better communicate with difficult clients and outlandish requests right out of the gate. Hear Paul and Alan review and expand on key points mentioned by fellow investigator Kevin Cosgrove in his article for Pursuit Magazineentitled, “Dealing With Client Expectations.” Get practical advice from Alan and Paul on how to be upfront, careful, practical, and about the lessons seasoned investigators have learned in the field that can help you avoid pitfalls and build your practice.

Click Here to Listen to the February 2012 Edition of American Private Investigator Podcast

Guests on the February 2012 podcast are:

See The American Private Investigator resources for links to the organization websites mentioned in this podcast.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/february-2012-american-private-investigator-podcast-has-launched/feed/ 1 ISPLA ALERT: Indiana Investigative and Security Professionals Need Your Help Now! http://pursuitmag.com/ispla-alert-indiana-investigative-and-security-professionals-need-your-help-now/ http://pursuitmag.com/ispla-alert-indiana-investigative-and-security-professionals-need-your-help-now/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:56:12 +0000 Bruce Hulme http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15145 Vote NO on HB 1006!!

The Indiana legislature has introduced HB 1006 to repeal mandatory licensing of private investigators and security guards. The Indiana Association of Professional Investigators (IAPI) and the Indiana Society of Professional Investigators (INSPI) are working together to stop this bill from becoming law. Indiana has a short legislative session that will end in March 2012. It is important that all investigative and security professionals from around the country support the efforts of our colleagues in Indiana.

We are asking all licensed investigative and security professionals to download the attached letter that you can paste on to your own business letterhead (Feel free to add information you feel is important and to personalize it). The letter can be found by clicking on the following link:

Vote NO on HB 1006.doc
(If you are unable to open this link or download the document reply to this email and the document will be sent directly to you)

Once you have completed the letter please email it to isplavoice@gmail.com. ISPLA will be putting a booklet together of all letters received that will then be provided to the Indiana associations to use in their lobbying efforts. Please take a few minutes of your time to help our colleagues in Indiana fight this bad bill. The next time could be your state!!

Additional information on this issue, including the bill and the Indiana government report supporting the repeal of licensure, can be found at www.ispla.org/indiana

Peter Psarouthakis
ISPLA Executive Committee Chairman

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/ispla-alert-indiana-investigative-and-security-professionals-need-your-help-now/feed/ 0 The American Private Investigator January 2012 Podcast is Posted http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-january-2012-podcast-is-posted/ http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-january-2012-podcast-is-posted/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:37:33 +0000 SiteOwner http://pursuitmag.com/?p=15126 The American Private InvestigatorThe January 2012 podcast of The American Private Investigator with your host, Paul Jaeb of Heartland Investigative Group, features Mike McIntee and Paul Jaeb with the API news segment. Hear how Errol Morris, former PI and director of the films Thin Blue Line and Fog of War, used his experience as a PI to direct Academy Award winning films. Learn how online investigators have been changing the face of the PI industry in high profile cases. Hear why Georgia governor Nathan Deal has put on hold his appointment of an unlicensed private detective to the board that oversees private detectives and their licensing, and why they’re talking about eliminating private investigator licensing in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

George Aguilar, TPLI, TCI of Aguilar & Associates, Edward Spicer of Ocean States Investigative Group, LLC, and former guest Robert Orozco of Advanced Professional Investigations, LLC join Paul for a robust surveillance roundtable. Hear about regional differences in investigative challenges, crossing state borders, cultural issues, prevailing ethnic groups, preparing for unforeseen events, affects of weather, best equipment, and critical tips for preparedness. Find out where most investigators fail in getting ready for surveillance investigator challenges, how to avoid the same mistakes, and top tips for achieving success with your business.

Alan Goodman of Lawyers Investigating Service joins Paul to talk about how report writing can make or break your investigative business. Learn the critical practices for gathering information in the field, formatting, phrasing, style, and the pitfalls to avoid for reports that will differentiate your business and please your clients. Alan also talks about how the industry looks for first quarter 2012, and the key upcoming private investigator events and the business benefits of networking.

Guests on the January 2012 podcast are:

See The American Private Investigator resources for links to the organization websites mentioned in this podcast.

]]> http://pursuitmag.com/the-american-private-investigator-january-2012-podcast-is-posted/feed/ 0 Understanding Suicide and its Prevention – Equivocal Death Investigations http://pursuitmag.com/understanding-suicide-and-its-prevention-equivocal-death-investigations/ http://pursuitmag.com/understanding-suicide-and-its-prevention-equivocal-death-investigations/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:22:56 +0000 SiteOwner http://pursuitmag.com/?p=14985 Suicide and the Equivocal Medicolegal Death InvestigationThe New Year is quickly approaching, and let us all hope for a better year.  Even if your year was great, it doesn’t hurt to strive for better.  Life can be extremely hard on us, and some have a more difficult time coping than others.

Although the Christmas/Holiday season is a joyous time, people still have a hard time coping with the let down, the bills, the broken relationships and even the beginning of a New Year.  While some people look to the future on a positive note, others see only dread and feel overwhelmed with the sense of “here we go again”.

Many people know how burdensome life can be; many have struggled with depression and the feelings of despair.  While most people are able to seek the help they need, others feel the help just isn’t there, and nobody would understand them anyway.

Our agency has been conducting equivocal death investigations since 2002, and in this time frame we have seen more suicide deaths than any other deaths.  We have compiled the information contained in this article to assist in educating people on some of the aspects surrounding suicide deaths.

Suicide has no boundaries and it does not matter what age, race, ethnicity, sex gender, sexual orientation, career status, monetary status or where you live; it can strike at any given moment.  Those who believe suicide affects only certain types of people have been living with their heads buried in a fantasy of beliefs, not reality.

We have seen time and time again similarities between suicides even though the mechanism used may be different.  The list of questions goes beyond what is listed here, however a few of the repeated statements we have seen are as follows:

1.  They didn’t leave a note, so they couldn’t have committed suicide.  The consistency is that a suicide note is rarely left behind.  Sometimes even when a note is left behind, the questions are still unanswered.

2.  They never mentioned suicide, so they couldn’t have committed suicide.  Or they did mention suicide and we talked it through.  The consistency is some people will never mention it, while others will mention it here and there and still others talk about it what may seem like too much to be taken seriously.

3.  They were so happy; it was one of the best days so they couldn’t have committed suicide.  The consistency is that perhaps once the person has made this final decision, they no longer feel the depression, they feel relieved, and they are literally happy because they are not struggling with inner turmoil any longer.

4.  They couldn’t have committed suicide there was a new baby in the family. The consistency is that although a person may love that new family member, it brings on added stress from many aspects, maybe they were not ready for this new baby and everything might be too overwhelming for that person.

5.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they just got a new job.  The consistency is getting a new job in the scheme of overwhelming life issues is not that important.  Perhaps they felt pressured to take this job, when that job was not one they were truly interested in.

6.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they just started a new relationship with a great person.  The consistency is although they have begun a new relationship; they may still be feeling the effects of a past relationship and cannot cope no matter who walks into their life.

7.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they just bought a new car or new furniture, or some new gadget of some sort.  The consistency is, perhaps they bought the new item in hopes of cheering themselves up, when it just became another costly burden.

8.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they had no drugs or alcohol in their system.  The consistency is perhaps they wanted to make a decision being free from any effects of drugs or alcohol, but not everyone is under the influence when they have committed suicide.

9.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they just received a clean bill of health from their doctor.  The consistency is, although the doctor gave the person a stamped physical healthy card, the doctor cannot know if the person is suffering from any sort of mental disparity unless the patient tells them.  Being healthy does not stop someone from committing suicide.

10.  They couldn’t have committed suicide they had all kinds of money and had no reason to commit suicide.  The consistency is, it does not matter how much money a person does or does not have, and it is the struggles and stressors that come with having money or a lack thereof.  It seems to ring true that “money can’t buy happiness”.

Those are just a few of what we have seen in our equivocal death investigations, this list could go on and on.  Some of the resources listed below may have similar or different misconceptions, which only demonstrates just how broad the spectrum is and how there are no definite answers to this problem.

No matter what, it all boils down to an individual and every single one of us are different and every single one of us have our own unique brains and thought processes.  We cannot, no matter how hard we try or how much we desire get into another person’s brain to try and change their thoughts.

We can however, be there and let them vent to us, but we need to do this with patience and sincerity.  Contrary to what people might believe, a person can detect whether you are truly listening to them, or whether you are just sitting there pretending.  So make it a point to truly listen to people, you never know how important just “listening” might be to another human being.  If someone you know ever mentions anything surrounding suicidal thoughts, talk to them about it, offer them some resource options, and perhaps even offer to go with them to their physician.  Ignoring the situation will not make it go away, and these days there is no subject that is considered “taboo”.

If you or someone you know has been affected by someone committing suicide, whatever you do, do not play the blame game on the living, whether it be on yourself or someone else.  The devastation left behind after someone commits suicide is horrific enough without adding unnecessary fault finding.  Unfortunately the responsibility lies upon the shoulders of the person who chose to take their own life and what ifs and whys will not change that final act.  We have to find peace within ourselves, and that can sometimes take years as with any death.

Here are some suggested resources that may be helpful:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

http://www.afsp.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/

http://www.save.org/

Our hope is to reach out and help curtail in some way this world-wide problem of suicide.  If you or someone you know could benefit from this information we ask that you please pass it on, you might just save a life.

About the Author

Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI 

Legal Investigator

Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigators

Certified Death Investigators

Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC  (AFI)

www.Forensic-Investigators.com
beersks@Forensic-Investigators.com

(970) 480-7793 Office (Karen ext.2) and (970) 480-7794 Fax

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