We started this blog in October 2011, as we began our 24th year in business!
Click on the blog title for the full post. Here are the Best of the Blog from then to the present:
What does AFI-LLC do? Case studies to help you understand!
06/01/2012 -- Follow the link to for examples from civil and criminal cases involving legal investigation, expert consultations and expert witness services.
http://www.forensic-investigators.com/sample-cases.html
Licensing Private Investigators in Colorado
05/29/2012 -- Greetings from Colorado, home of the new ‘Voluntary Private Investigator Licensing Program’ – how … strange sounding. Not as strange as the anti-license quote from a person choosing to be licensed in another state - were there is no protection of consumers, or oversight of investigators, within Colorado.
Proving a Person Deceased
05/22/2012 -- There are many reasons to need to prove a person deceased, usually it involves probate, or the unavailability of a victim or witness, and sometimes in a civil case that a witness or party is deceased. We have also seen it when investigating identity theft and false identities. 20 years ago it was much easier to verify a death through public records, but identity theft and other personal privacy concerns changed that.
Proving a death depends on several factors - from where to how, and if they were transient, etc.
Who Needs a Death Case Review?
05/14/2012 -- When someone asks me what type of investigative work we do, I usually go down the list of what our agency offers. However, nine times out of ten, the only item on the list that draws their attention is equivocal death case investigation, or equivocal case death review. I have not decided yet, which of two words grab their attention the most, either the word “death” or the word “equivocal”.
Book Review 'Forensic Interview - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Method
05/01/2012 -- Brandon Perron's first book, 'Uncovering Reasonable Doubt: The Component Method' has been used by public and private sector investigators since 1998 and is the foundation of all competent criminal defense training and investigations. Brandon has taken this concept to a new level with his latest book and methodology.
Attacks on the 4th Amendment
04/26/2012 -- When one truly ponders how our history and the evolution of our laws and governing bodies have progressed, one will recognize the fact that our freedoms have slowly been taken away from us. However, there is usually a process that the governing bodies should abide by while stealing our rights.
In April and May so far this year (2011), three significant mouth dropping decisions have been handed down by a US Supreme Court, a US Court of Appeals 7th Circuit and an Indiana Supreme Court.
Public Records - Thinking Outside the Box
04/25/2012 --
Dean and Karen Beers guests on Crime Time with Vito Colucci
03/30/2012 -- Dean and Karen join friend and renowned private investigator Vito Colucci on his syndicated talk show - Crime Time with Vito Colucci!
How Exploitation and Manipulation Equals Rush to Injustice
03/28/2012 -- In the news, non-stop, is the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year old black male that was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watch member that was armed. The purpose of this blog is not to analyze this case, but to point out some key issues.
Scene Investigations - Conducting vs. Completing the Investigative Process
02/29/2012 -- As investigators we get the opportunity to investigate all aspects of a case. Sometimes a case may require some scene work. Even if at first it appears that the case does not require a visit to the scene, if you have the opportunity, it is always recommended to go back where the event first began. Whether the case involves a death, a motor vehicle accident, or some type of crime, take the extra time, go that extra mile and visit the scene. You might be surprised once you visit the scene to find out that something could not have occurred the way the witness, victim or police officer claims. It is best not to rely on others to do the work you need to do yourself. You are the investigator, and someone is depending on you to see, hear, and get an overall feel of what the scene was like.
Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports - encore repost at PursuitMag.com 02/24/2012 -- Voltaire said ‘To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth.’ This is the definitive task of the medicolegal death investigator and forensic pathologist. The course of the death investigation has multiple phases including: scene investigation body assessment medical records ...
False Confession and Accusations
02/24/2012 -- Karen's third published article and second for www.PursuitMag.com!
To most of us, false confessions and accusations seem completely unfathomable. The first couple of questions that come to mind are, “Why would anyone admit to a crime that he/she did not commit?” and “Why would anyone knowingly accuse a person of a crime he/she did not commit?”
How skilled are you at individual locates, backgrounds and assets & liabilities?
02/17/2012 -- I recently came across a test I developed in 2002 for a 'Certified Locate Specialist' exam. Believe it or not, not much has changed in 10 years when it comes to the core skills and knowledge necessary for these types of records checks and investigations. So, I thought I would have a little fun and share it. I've put it on the page with our updated and revised eBook, which was developed from the course for this certification.
Who Needs an Equivocal Death Case Review?
02/17/2012 -- When someone asks me what type of investigative work we do, I usually go down the list of what our agency offers. However, nine times out of ten, the only item on the list that draws their attention is equivocal death case investigation, or equivocal case death review. I have not decided yet, which of two words grab their attention the most, either the word “death” or the word “equivocal”.
What are the 10 Drugs found in toxicology testing of decedents
01/21/2012 -- Did you know that AFI-LLC will provide documentation of injuries both clinically (i.e. home or hospital) and at funeral homes? We will also collect decedent toxicology specimens and submit for second testing. This service is only available in CO, WY and the NE panhandle. We are working on other locations.
The Importance of A Thorough Investigation
01/13/2012 -- A story today regarding a death that occurred in 2010 is a perfect example of why you do not jump to a conclusion when you first enter the scene where a death has occurred. It takes several angles of an investigation in finding all of the facts to have an accurate determination of a death.
Homicides are down, while Natural and Accident deaths rise
01/12/2012 -- Statistics for 2010 from the Center for Disease Control for the top five leading causes of death. Slayings (homicide) is no longer on the list, has been since 1965. #5 is accidents and #10 is suicides. The other good news...infant mortality is down 3.9%.
What are Equivocal Death Investigations and Equivocal Death Analysis?
01/01/2012 -- What does it mean to conduct an Equivocal Death Investigation or Analysis (EDI, EDA)? We get asked this question time and time again. An Equivocal Death Investigation is an in depth investigation into a death that has lingering questions. Many families have come to us for help in understanding the circumstances surrounding a loved ones death. The manners of death can be classified as any of the following: homicide, suicide, natural, accident or undetermined. Sometimes the family/loved one of the deceased individual does not agree with the final determination and have a yearning for more answers.
Understanding Suicide and its Prevention
12/17/2011 -- The 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.
What is the value of hiring a PI for background checks and investigations?
12/09/2011 -- Over the years it has been increasingly easy for the private citizen to check the backgrounds of other individuals at little to no cost. In many states various public records have been made more available directly, or by data services reselling data. At the same time there have been more restrictions on records that can be accessed, often requiring a PI license, or redacted considerably or completed banned from access. One record that is easy and free, in most jurisdictions and via online sources are the sex offender registrations - from local to national. But, each of these resources does no good if not used, used improperly or not verified.
Referral Program from AFI-LLC to Investigators - launched!
12/04/2011 -- We are proud to announce AFI-LLC has launched a special referral program just for our colleagues. The concept is simple - our agency provides services that are complimentary to yours; and often, your clients will contact you first about services that we offer and you can benefit from. From that is born our referral program.
Statement Analysis - How Much Does a Statement Reveal?
11/12/2011 -- This is not meant to be a political review, but given this well-known statement and alleged incident, a cursory review reveals more questions than answers, and perhaps some insight into truth v. deception.
FIVE TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING COLLISIONS
10/27/2011 -- As a Legal Investigators and death investigators, previously with two area medical examiner’s offices, we have investigated many tragedies due to driving in inclement weather. We would like to share some useful tips, should you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle collision. This information may be particularly helpful should you find your city or town in a state of emergency, where non-injury collisions are ‘counter reports’ – law enforcement will not be able to respond.
LaPorte investigative team takes pride in helping victims
10/13/2011 -- The local newspaper did this business profile on us - published Monday 10/10/2011. Although we did not choose the title, interestingly they chose to describe us as a 'team', our first emphasis, and 'pride', our second emphasis. PRIDE is an acronym we use for Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence.
Click on the blog title for the full post. Here are the Best of the Blog from then to the present:
What does AFI-LLC do? Case studies to help you understand!
06/01/2012 -- Follow the link to for examples from civil and criminal cases involving legal investigation, expert consultations and expert witness services.
http://www.forensic-investigators.com/sample-cases.html
Licensing Private Investigators in Colorado
05/29/2012 -- Greetings from Colorado, home of the new ‘Voluntary Private Investigator Licensing Program’ – how … strange sounding. Not as strange as the anti-license quote from a person choosing to be licensed in another state - were there is no protection of consumers, or oversight of investigators, within Colorado.
Proving a Person Deceased
05/22/2012 -- There are many reasons to need to prove a person deceased, usually it involves probate, or the unavailability of a victim or witness, and sometimes in a civil case that a witness or party is deceased. We have also seen it when investigating identity theft and false identities. 20 years ago it was much easier to verify a death through public records, but identity theft and other personal privacy concerns changed that.
Proving a death depends on several factors - from where to how, and if they were transient, etc.
Who Needs a Death Case Review?
05/14/2012 -- When someone asks me what type of investigative work we do, I usually go down the list of what our agency offers. However, nine times out of ten, the only item on the list that draws their attention is equivocal death case investigation, or equivocal case death review. I have not decided yet, which of two words grab their attention the most, either the word “death” or the word “equivocal”.
Book Review 'Forensic Interview - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Method
05/01/2012 -- Brandon Perron's first book, 'Uncovering Reasonable Doubt: The Component Method' has been used by public and private sector investigators since 1998 and is the foundation of all competent criminal defense training and investigations. Brandon has taken this concept to a new level with his latest book and methodology.
Attacks on the 4th Amendment
04/26/2012 -- When one truly ponders how our history and the evolution of our laws and governing bodies have progressed, one will recognize the fact that our freedoms have slowly been taken away from us. However, there is usually a process that the governing bodies should abide by while stealing our rights.
In April and May so far this year (2011), three significant mouth dropping decisions have been handed down by a US Supreme Court, a US Court of Appeals 7th Circuit and an Indiana Supreme Court.
Public Records - Thinking Outside the Box
04/25/2012 --
Dean and Karen Beers guests on Crime Time with Vito Colucci
03/30/2012 -- Dean and Karen join friend and renowned private investigator Vito Colucci on his syndicated talk show - Crime Time with Vito Colucci!
How Exploitation and Manipulation Equals Rush to Injustice
03/28/2012 -- In the news, non-stop, is the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year old black male that was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watch member that was armed. The purpose of this blog is not to analyze this case, but to point out some key issues.
Scene Investigations - Conducting vs. Completing the Investigative Process
02/29/2012 -- As investigators we get the opportunity to investigate all aspects of a case. Sometimes a case may require some scene work. Even if at first it appears that the case does not require a visit to the scene, if you have the opportunity, it is always recommended to go back where the event first began. Whether the case involves a death, a motor vehicle accident, or some type of crime, take the extra time, go that extra mile and visit the scene. You might be surprised once you visit the scene to find out that something could not have occurred the way the witness, victim or police officer claims. It is best not to rely on others to do the work you need to do yourself. You are the investigator, and someone is depending on you to see, hear, and get an overall feel of what the scene was like.
Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports - encore repost at PursuitMag.com 02/24/2012 -- Voltaire said ‘To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth.’ This is the definitive task of the medicolegal death investigator and forensic pathologist. The course of the death investigation has multiple phases including: scene investigation body assessment medical records ...
False Confession and Accusations
02/24/2012 -- Karen's third published article and second for www.PursuitMag.com!
To most of us, false confessions and accusations seem completely unfathomable. The first couple of questions that come to mind are, “Why would anyone admit to a crime that he/she did not commit?” and “Why would anyone knowingly accuse a person of a crime he/she did not commit?”
How skilled are you at individual locates, backgrounds and assets & liabilities?
02/17/2012 -- I recently came across a test I developed in 2002 for a 'Certified Locate Specialist' exam. Believe it or not, not much has changed in 10 years when it comes to the core skills and knowledge necessary for these types of records checks and investigations. So, I thought I would have a little fun and share it. I've put it on the page with our updated and revised eBook, which was developed from the course for this certification.
Who Needs an Equivocal Death Case Review?
02/17/2012 -- When someone asks me what type of investigative work we do, I usually go down the list of what our agency offers. However, nine times out of ten, the only item on the list that draws their attention is equivocal death case investigation, or equivocal case death review. I have not decided yet, which of two words grab their attention the most, either the word “death” or the word “equivocal”.
What are the 10 Drugs found in toxicology testing of decedents
01/21/2012 -- Did you know that AFI-LLC will provide documentation of injuries both clinically (i.e. home or hospital) and at funeral homes? We will also collect decedent toxicology specimens and submit for second testing. This service is only available in CO, WY and the NE panhandle. We are working on other locations.
The Importance of A Thorough Investigation
01/13/2012 -- A story today regarding a death that occurred in 2010 is a perfect example of why you do not jump to a conclusion when you first enter the scene where a death has occurred. It takes several angles of an investigation in finding all of the facts to have an accurate determination of a death.
Homicides are down, while Natural and Accident deaths rise
01/12/2012 -- Statistics for 2010 from the Center for Disease Control for the top five leading causes of death. Slayings (homicide) is no longer on the list, has been since 1965. #5 is accidents and #10 is suicides. The other good news...infant mortality is down 3.9%.
What are Equivocal Death Investigations and Equivocal Death Analysis?
01/01/2012 -- What does it mean to conduct an Equivocal Death Investigation or Analysis (EDI, EDA)? We get asked this question time and time again. An Equivocal Death Investigation is an in depth investigation into a death that has lingering questions. Many families have come to us for help in understanding the circumstances surrounding a loved ones death. The manners of death can be classified as any of the following: homicide, suicide, natural, accident or undetermined. Sometimes the family/loved one of the deceased individual does not agree with the final determination and have a yearning for more answers.
Understanding Suicide and its Prevention
12/17/2011 -- The 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.
What is the value of hiring a PI for background checks and investigations?
12/09/2011 -- Over the years it has been increasingly easy for the private citizen to check the backgrounds of other individuals at little to no cost. In many states various public records have been made more available directly, or by data services reselling data. At the same time there have been more restrictions on records that can be accessed, often requiring a PI license, or redacted considerably or completed banned from access. One record that is easy and free, in most jurisdictions and via online sources are the sex offender registrations - from local to national. But, each of these resources does no good if not used, used improperly or not verified.
Referral Program from AFI-LLC to Investigators - launched!
12/04/2011 -- We are proud to announce AFI-LLC has launched a special referral program just for our colleagues. The concept is simple - our agency provides services that are complimentary to yours; and often, your clients will contact you first about services that we offer and you can benefit from. From that is born our referral program.
Statement Analysis - How Much Does a Statement Reveal?
11/12/2011 -- This is not meant to be a political review, but given this well-known statement and alleged incident, a cursory review reveals more questions than answers, and perhaps some insight into truth v. deception.
FIVE TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING COLLISIONS
10/27/2011 -- As a Legal Investigators and death investigators, previously with two area medical examiner’s offices, we have investigated many tragedies due to driving in inclement weather. We would like to share some useful tips, should you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle collision. This information may be particularly helpful should you find your city or town in a state of emergency, where non-injury collisions are ‘counter reports’ – law enforcement will not be able to respond.
LaPorte investigative team takes pride in helping victims
10/13/2011 -- The local newspaper did this business profile on us - published Monday 10/10/2011. Although we did not choose the title, interestingly they chose to describe us as a 'team', our first emphasis, and 'pride', our second emphasis. PRIDE is an acronym we use for Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence.
