Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, Second Edition

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Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, Second Edition

This book describes the range of investigations for which a professional investigator's services might be required such as criminal investigations, fraud detection and investigation, surveillance, arson and insurance, skip tracing, and missing persons. This handy resource also covers everything from how to set up, market, and run an agency to the ethics of confidentiality and conflict of interest.

By Rory J. McMahon,

ISBN: 9780849370458

Retail price: ~~$93.95~~ $71.95

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Presents the basics of professional investigation from licensure and business advice to proven investigative tactics

Provides updated case studies illustrating both civil and criminal case investigation

Offers numerous online database service providers and Web sites for faster searching

Includes names and contact information for all internationally, nationally, and state-run professional associations

Since the publication of the first edition many new certification programs have begun in private and community colleges, including a course designed by the author for Boston University and a specialty certification by the U.S. Association for Professional Investigators. Reflecting the surge in interest into the investigative field, this second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Private Investigators contains more than 20 percent new material and has been adopted as required material in several new certification programs.

A highly useful reference, the Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, Second Edition describes the range of investigations for which a professional investigator's services might be required such as criminal investigations, fraud detection and investigation, surveillance, arson and insurance, skip tracing, and missing persons. Packed with case studies and examples drawn from the author's 33 years of experience, this handy resource covers everything from how to set up, market, and run an agency to the ethics of confidentiality and conflict of interest. It includes sections on how to get licensed, how to use various lo- and high-tech investigative tools including the internet, and how to take statements and implement effective interview and interrogation tactics by the non-law enforcement professional. New information in the second edition includes an updated and revised job description, realistic earning capabilities, and future outlook for the profession; new case studies involving legal investigatory practices and how to navigate the most recent privacy legislation; additional advice on case file management with examples of new paperwork and updated forms; and increased information on fraud and domestic cases, as well as the component method of criminal defense investigations.

Designed as an up-to-date, nuts-and-bolts learning tool for students and as a day-to-day reference resource for the investigative professional of any type or level of experience, the Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, Second Edition provides an unparalleled guide to the ins and outs of the world of today's private investigator.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Job Outlook
Earnings

Skills Needed to Become a Successful Investigator
Three Methods That Investigators Use To Obtain Information
What is an Investigator?
Attributes of a Successful Investigator

Foundations of Investigation
Types of Investigation
Assignments Performed by a Professional Investigator
Sources of Information
Undercover Operations in Business Settings
Asset Protection - Loss Prevention - Access Control

Interviews, Interrogation, and Taking Statements
Introduction to Interviews
Purpose of the Interrogation
Taking Statements

Legal Investigations
The Legal Investigator
Structure of the U.S. Constitution
Bill of Rights
Habeas Corpus
Criminal and Civil Procedure
The Concept of Crime
The Effective Limits of Criminal Law
The Authority to Arrest
Investigative Detention Short of Arrest - Stop and Frisk
Searches
Interrogating the Accused
The Trial
Legal Investigations
Role of the Legal Investigator
Evidence
Conducting Legal Investigations
Case Study: United States v. Nancy Walter

Fraud Investigation
Corporate Fraud
Economic Crime Schemes
White-Collar Crime
Corporate Crime
How to Conduct a Criminal Fraud Defense Investigation
Case Study: Investigative Methodology
Appendix 6.1: Sample Activity Reports

Computer Crime
Computer Crimes
Computer Fraud
The Computer Crime Investigator
Investigative Methodology
Areas of Computer Abuse
Institutional Vulnerability

Criminal Investigation
The Investigative Function
Role of the Criminal Investigator
Reasons for Investigating Crime
Limitations on Solving Cases
Investigative Theory and Methods
Types of Evidence
Uses of Evidence
Development of a Set of Suspects
Methods of Investigation
Phases of the Investigation
Rules of Evidence
Role of the Police
Government Agencies
Nuts and Bolts
Conducting a Criminal Investigation
Case Studies
Component Method™ of Criminal Defense Investigation
The Grand Jury

Insurance and Arson Investigation
Insurance
Risk
Probability
Ideal Requirements for Insurability
Insurance Contracts
Negligence
Insurance Adjusting
Types of Insurance
Government Regulation of Insurance

Domestic Investigations

Due Diligence and Background Investigations
Due Diligence Investigations
Scope of Investigations
Content of Investigations
Legal Constraints
Preemployment Screening

Locates and Skip Tracing
The Basics of Skip Tracing
Relevant Federal and State Statures
Beginning the Process
Skip Tracing Resources
Searching for Financial and Business Information
Searching for Legal Information
Search Engines
Internet Sites
Government Records

Surveillance
General Rules
Presurveillance
Foot Surveillance
Automobile Surveillance
Stakeouts
Tactics
Surveillance Equipment
Technical Surveillance
Glossary

Service of Process
Types of Service
Proof of Service
Pitfalls to Avoid

Testifying in Court
Pre-Trail
The Trial

Ethics
Confidentiality and Privacy
Truth
Keep Informed
Promote Education and Advocacy
Business Conduct
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Fair Representation to Clients
Treatment of Competitors
Legal Issues
Render Services That Match Your Qualifications
Reporting
Compensation
Advertising
Client Relations
Testimony
Equal Rights

Finding a Niche
How to Find Your Niche
Double Check Your Choices

Operating a Professional Investigative Agency
Choosing a Name
Form of Operation
Location
Pricing
Bookkeeping
Business Problems
Licenses and Permits
Taxes
TIPS for Operating Your Agency
Case File Management

Professional Associations
National Associations
International Associations
State Associations

Getting Licensed

Publication Date: 2/15/2007
Number of Pages: 440