Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Visit us:
  • Learn More
  • Contact Us

Necessity of Due Diligence Investigations

4/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
One of the most fundamental skills, and staple offering, of Professional Investigators is the Due Diligence Investigation. These types of investigations range from personal to business clients - and personal to business subjects. Not including business due diligence - such as IPO or merger projects - most investigators find themselves learning and being able to specialize in Individual Locates, Backgrounds, Assets & Liabilities, and Heirs for Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. Like most of our colleagues, it is also how we started. These types of investigations not only cover the basic skills and resources, but are also a necessity in almost every type of investigation conducted. They are also specialties in themselves, and share common practices, resources and methodologies. Learn the basics of one - and you will know the basics for another.

A good start is our book at www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com - it is designed for the novice, rookie, and veteran investigator. We also highly recommend checking the offerings of other experts in these fields.

Some have seen the proliferation of online resources, open to the public, as a threat to these services. Having been in the profession for 30 years - we have seen this 'threat' and have met it head-on. Most often what is available to the public is unreliable and unverified. Services aggregate various public records and make them available by name - no other means to search or verify is available. These are not threats to us or our profession. In fact, they are beneficial. Our clients need accurate, verified and sourced information. There are no secrets from our clients - we may be testifying, or at least providing affidavits, as to our findings. We must also follow state and federal laws and regulations. This makes our profession and services even more valuable and necessary than before. No matter the availability of public information available, the core value is our ability to find information, private resources for information, and our ability to cross reference and verify information. No public online resource does so - and, in fact, their disclaimer all but assures you the information is likely inaccurate for any number of reasons.

Here is an example, from this month. A private client contacted us for two tasks, and one being multiple background checks of persons involved in an official death investigation. They had first paid $30 for each subject for an online records check - and all had felonies; we recommended they retain a local investigator to conduct the verifiable backgrounds. in a follow-up to a consultation, we learned they had retained a local private investigator and received a 'certified' background report, which they were told could be used in any court as evidence of character. After explaining how the admission of evidence, which a report is, works - the use of a 'certified' report and their context also caught our attention. The history of the case included some public officials and elected positions. The private investigator, not known to us, provided a report that stated an elected county magistrate had been dead for five years prior to signing a search warrant in the death we were examining. While on the phone with our client, we conducted a quick Google search of the name. Within five minutes we learned the client had been provided inaccurate information on her 'certified' report. It would have been embarrassing to bring to any attorney for litigation, or a court. The name, fairly uncommon, was the same as a person deceased as reported; however, it was not the magistrate - and never was a magistrate. The magistrate was alive, and was still presiding. This made all of the other subjects' background investigations questionable. We suggested the client contact the private investigator with the information we quickly learned. This was an egregious and serious error and should not have happened with a simple verification process.

Also this month, we were contacted by a political candidate to do opposition research. The candidate had also obtain a $30 online background check and learned the opponent had a historical bankruptcy in the state he had resided, until moving and running for office. The position involved fiduciary duties worth hundreds of millions in public funds. Of course, this would be concerning. After conducting our own, we did find a bankruptcy; however, it was not the subject. In fact, we found no negative information of the subject.

Individual Locates
Every case involving litigation, or potential litigation - from domestic relations to criminal defense and civil torts - has witnesses, parties and others that need to be located and found. Probate cases for heirs is simply determining who needs found, then finding them - except, most often even a basic name is unknown. Adoption cases, although similar to all of these, does take on a different scope due to the nature and secrecy of adoption, and confidentiality of records - and having less to work with than heir and probate cases. The scope of adoption cases are changing with social media, society, and laws. Those cases with witnesses are most often some of the easiest, as the subject is not actively looking to hide, and often does not realize they may be important to your case. Defendants, particularly in collection cases, and sometimes in adverse litigation, can be the most challenging in litigation cases.

Two unique areas of individual locates are adoption and heirs. Both generally start with knowing only the client - a decedent / estate, and the adopted person. Both of these require working backwards from known information in order to develop the subject's history, and then finding connecting information for relatives. As previously noted, these are hindered by resources and privacy protections. These also tend to use much more public records than the data resources available to professional investigators. Each of these are important to verify. In adoptions, finding and contacting the wrong person will happen; however, providing that information to the client unverified can result in serious issues. Similarly, in reporting unverified persons as relatives and heirs, without verification, will have serious issues - as there is a decedent's estate involved.

Individual Backgrounds
The need and purpose of a background check (records only) or investigation (records, and often interviews and more in-depth) has grown with various needs from litigation requirements to online dating. Sure, there is information and records available to the public; however, it is our expertise to find and verify information using reliable resources available to professional investigators that makes our services important and valuable to the client.

Conducting a background check and/or investigation is essentially the same as an individual locate investigation. The resources and skillsets are the same, and the goal of learning verified information about the subject is the same. There may be consent involved or required, and additional details will be known about the subject.

Assets & Liabilities
This is essentially the financial background of an individual, and will involve mostly public records. This is important, as private resources are not considered primary source and, in many cases, cannot be used. Private resources are excellent aggregators of information used to develop a subject's basic profile and then researching the appropriate resources to develop a financial picture of the subject. Often a client will ask for 'Assets' - as only assets can be attached to collect debt, seek a civil judgment, etc. However, knowing the subject's liabilities is as important - liabilities may be asset collateral not subject to being attached for a judgment, or in domestic relations both the assets and liabilities are to be reported by both parties - the unscrupulous tend to forget to include assets and only reveal liabilities.

There are many limitations to this scope of investigation, due to various privacy laws and regulations. As long as the investigator stays with known and primary sources, and verifies the information obtained, there should be no issues.

Key Commonalities
First, we need to define the distinction of a public vs. private record. A public record is maintained by a public agency - it does not imply it is publicly available. A private record are those aggregated from multiple resources and made available through a private data provider - it does not imply only private investigators have access. Public records (or contents) may be available, in some form, through private data providers. Federal and state laws and regulations provide for the legal means to collect, distribute, access and disseminate these records. Professional investigators will use a variety and combination of these resources to conduct and complete the assignment.

Each of these types of investigations is essentially taking the basic personal identifiers and developing a comprehensive and verified dossier of the subject. For each of these investigations, you will need to have - or develop - the following:
  • Full Name (Given, Middle, and Surname), any suffixes (Jr., Sr., etc.);
  • Date of Birth;
  • Social Security Number; and
  • Address History.

If you do not have this information, or have trouble developing any, use the best you have - middle initials, nicknames, age, last known address, etc. This information is used to develop new information, and also verify information given, obtained, and ultimately reported.

Laws and Regulations
Please be familiar with the applicable state and federal laws, and respective regulations in conducting your investigations. Of importance is different purposes of investigations have permissible and denied purposes, as well as reporting. An employment background may require releases from and notices to the subject, and may have limitations on what can be accessed, as well as reported - and may have time limitations for reporting. Just because the investigator sees the information does not mean it can be reported. What can be accessed for a pre-employment purpose is not the same as what may be for a person checking out a potential online profile for dating.

Most important, be certain of your client and their purpose. Even if the client is a close personal friend or relative, treat their case the same as you would a cold call for the same type of investigation. One ploy often used by persons with restraining orders is to have a background check done for someone they met online. First, they may not reveal their own real identity - that is your first verification: identity and a minimum of checking their history of negative concerns. Then, your duty to report does not include - and should not include - any personal identifiers or sensitive information. In fact, you may be specifically restricted from providing such information by the data provider and/or applicable laws and regulations. Internally, we do not take any cases that do not have an attorney of record - we suggest the same. However, if you opt to provide these services to the public - it is important to not release any sensitive information not already provided to you. This would include the 'confirm or deny' ploy - in which a nefarious client gives you a subject's address they dug up and asks you do a background. What they are actually seeking is for you to verify the address they provide you.

What do you do if you come across a situation in which a prospective client has contacted you, and you determine the subject may be endangered? This will depend on several factors - from if you were retained and confidentiality, to the nature of the concerns. Have an agency policy - and stipulations in your retainer agreement - for all circumstances.

The National Council of Investigations & Security Services, our professions national legislative advocate, adopted the following resolution, which should be guidance for all:
NCISS’ POSITION ON HANDLING LOCATE REQUESTS (09/12/2008)"A member shall, prior to providing a person any personally identifying or location information of an individual, conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that the person has a legitimate business or legal interest in obtaining that information. When such due diligence is not possible or appropriate, or if the person appears to not have a legal or business interest, the person shall be informed that their contact information will be provided to the subject they are seeking and the personal identifying information of the subject they are seeking will only be provided to the person if that party consents."

Trust But Verify
This applies to potential clients, as noted above; however, here we are specifically addressing the information you receive and report. Of course we would like to trust our resources, especially those public records that are primary sources. However, mistakes are made from a person filling out a form, to the person entering the data, and finally the person extracting the data. Garbage in is garbage out.

Assuming those mistakes are not found or are resolved, of important next is verifying the information received as being complete, accurate, and applicable specifically to the subject. If there is something which cannot be verified, and is to be reported - be sure to note this in your final report. As noted in the examples introduced, and countless others we have all experienced, mistakes happen - but not verifying the information before reporting is not a mistake - it is a potential egregious liability. A person could be not hired, fired, denied housing, or other circumstances based on your report. Your report may be required by law and/or regulation to cite and include the source - and, many types of background investigations that may result in negative action, cannot use private data resources (and the Terms of Service may specifically prohibit their use).

Skill Building and Expertise
One of the earliest skills, and first areas of expertise, Dean self-taught and acquired were these areas. Together we have presented seminars, distance learning, articles and a book on this subject matter. This is a changing and growing area of expertise and each professional investigator must continually learn and adapt to better serve their clients.

Not only are these basic skills and services for every investigator, they are also a constant for the client. It is important to thoroughly research and familiarize yourself with the techniques, resources, and limitations to these investigations - and continually. A good start is our book at www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com - it is designed for the novice, rookie, and veteran investigator. We also highly recommend checking the offerings of other experts in these fields.

0 Comments

NCISS 2018 Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill

4/2/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The NCISS 2018 Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event was held in Washington DC from March 19th to March 21st.

Monday was the Board meeting, following by the Annual Meeting and elections.

Tuesday was the Hit the Hill with each member visiting the offices of their Senators and Representatives. Also on Tuesday was the special luncheon and presentation of the "Duffy Award" inside the US Capitol building, and an afternoon reception, also in the US Capitol building.

Wednesday brought some unexpected challenges. Inclement weather overnight resulted in cancelled and changed flights, and having to adapt the schedule for our members. The new Board meeting was held, followed by the presentation of the Vinson Award and the Wunder Award, swearing in of Officers and Directors, followed by special speakers - Terry Kilburn for Tracers Information Specialists, and Cynthia Hetherington for The Hetherington Group. Tim Dimoff, for SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, was scheduled to speak and instead yielded his time so Cynthia could give her full presentation (one consequence of the weather and schedule change). Tim has agreed to come back next year.

Here are some photos and videos of this years events - NCISS_2018_HTH_Photo_Album

NCISS 2018 Annual Meeting - Elections
At the Annual Meeting, held March 19th, NCISS held its Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event in Washington DC. As part of the Annual Meeting, elections were held and awards presented.
 
Officers (serving one-year terms):
  • President - Brad Duffy
  • 1st VP - Andrea Orozco
  • 2nd VP - Chris Reynolds
  • 3rd VP - Wes Bearden
  • Treasurer - Candace Ivey
  • Secretary - Mark Gillespie
  • Board Chairman - Terry Myer
 
Regional and At Large Directors (serving alternating two-year terms)
Mark Gillespie (Region 4 – AL-AR-MO-LA-MS-NM-OK-TN-TX)
Michael Julian (Region 6 – AK-CA-HI-ID-MT-OR-NV-WA)
Tim Gilbert (appointed to Region 1 – IL-IN-MI-KY-OH-PA-WV)
At Large Directors – Dean Gluth and Tawni Tyndall
Installation of elected Officers & Directors by President Brad Duffy
https://youtu.be/AUMEQnDD7mE
Swearing in of Brad Duffy (r) by Michael Duffy (l)
President 2018/2019
https://youtu.be/_7N6MW6xnd8
NCISS 2018 Awards (www.NCISS.org/awards)
Picture
John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award (www.NCISS.org/john-j--duffy-memorial-achievment-award)
This year, the committee of the "Duffy" past recipients selected two persons - U.S. Capitol Police Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey. for their acts in stopping a shooter and saving the life of Rep. Scalise and others at the softball practice on June 14, 2017 in nearby Alexandria VA.
 
This award was presented during the Hit the Hill luncheon, in the US Capitol Building. Giving the keynote address was Rep. David Young (IA) and presenting the award was House Majority Whip, Rep. Steve Scalise (IA).


Presentation of the John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award
Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey
United States Capitol Police
March 20, 2018 – United States Capitol, Senate Visitors Center
https://youtu.be/6bgxzKqoTqg

Wayne J. Wunder Memorial Award - Andrea Orozco (www.NCISS.org/wayne-j--wunder-memorial-award)
The award recognizes exceptional contributions to NCISS by members who characteristically are not in the forefront in terms of recognition. This year the committee of the “Wunder” past recipients selected 2nd Vice President, Andrea Orozco. Her steadfast leadership and accomplishments on behalf of the Council and the profession epitomize what the Wunder family originally had in mind for recipients of the Award.
 
Here are some comments from NCISS leaders who have worked with Her: “When she says she will get it done – it gets done.” “She goes outside the box for solutions – and this is reflected in her tenure as a Board member.” “She is always thinking of others first.”“She quietly goes about her work and never cares about taking credit.” and “The Council owes her a lot over the past several years and she will play an integral part in securing its future.”
 
Presentation of Wayne J. Wunder Memorial Award by past recipients Brad Duffy and Michael Duffy:
https://youtu.be/P7whQoGSDyo
Vinson Award - Brandy Lord (www.NCISS.org/vinson-award-for-outstanding-service)
The award is presented annually since 2012 to an elected Director, Committee Chair, or other member in recognition of outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to the National Council of Investigation and Security Services. Selected by the Executive Committee, this year’s award was presented to At Large Director, Brandy Lord.
 
Brandy is alternatively described as “dynamic” and a “powerhouse.”  An unabashed NCISS supporter who knows the importance of the Council’s existence and lets other professionals know every chance she gets.  She is a respected President of her state association in Indiana and a recruiter extraordinaire for the Council.
 
Presentation of Vinson Award to Brandy Lord by the first and most recent recipients, Dean Beers and Terry Myer:
https://youtu.be/ujQo3HMUObI
NCISS is now on social media!
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NCISS.Association (please note the period between NCISS and Association)
Twitter – https://twitter.com/nciss_assoc @nciss_assoc (please note the underscore between NCISS and Association)
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lsMjDxG-rGTU3enyVfgcg
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Personal Morals and Professional Ethics

3/5/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Personal Morals and Professional Ethics – what is the difference? We have written, and given presentations, extensively on professional ethics; including a free distance learning course on ethics in the relationship of the professional investigator and attorney client. One of the few times personal morals comes into the equation is when the issue of moral turpitude is raised – particularly in professional licensing. Moral turpitude refers to an act or behavior which violates the standards of the community. This is about professional investigations – not personal advocacy.
 
Doing something, or not, based on any scope of one’s personal life – is personal.
 
Doing something, or not, based on business practices – is professional.
 
If a potential client contacts our agency and requests our involvement, we do not introduce potential bias or prejudice by asking about age, gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status – or any other personal criteria. Those categories may come up specific to the charges (i.e. defending a ‘hate crime’ assault). At intake, the questions are pretty simple: 1) are we qualified for the case – is it within the scope of our education, training, experience and expertise; and 2) is there a conflict – personal or professional relationship with any parties being the most common.
 
As the case progresses, we may learn – and often do – of history and actions which are offensive to a reasonable person. The allegations of criminal charges are, by their nature, offensive; or, the defendant’s background may be. Perhaps even the victim’s background is offensive. With the exception of impeachment, character and other needs specified by the attorney-client, these are generally irrelevant to the assignment. Our role is to investigate – we are fact finders – not attorneys, judges, or jury. Our job is based on our Constitution – each aspect of due process. We do not introduce the ultimate bias of assessing an opinion of guilt or innocence, or any degree thereof. We do not judge our role based on if it may, or may not, aid in the finding of innocence or guilt – again, not our purpose. Our role, as professional investigators, is not personal advocacy.
 
Some will disagree with this position. There is no moral high ground to accepting a case, and then submitting a long-held personal objection when it becomes personally or morally disagreeable. There is no moral high ground to accepting, or rejecting, a case for personal reasons. This is simply cognitive bias.
 
We are objective in our process, subject to the facts we seek and the parameters – legal and ethical – we work within. The time to object to a case is before accepting it – not after. Once a professional investigator is in, they should be expected and committed to do so, for the duration. Any professional objection which arises, with relevance, needs to be addressed immediately.
 
As they say, “nothing personal, its just business” – is how it should be. If personal morals will have any role in any investigative or decision making process, the time to object is at intake. Even then, do the objections really have any relevance? Frankly, no. If personal morals will interfere with conducting an unbiased investigation or potential testimony, this is the wrong profession to be in.


1 Comment

Expanded Expert Affiliations

2/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our agency is often turned to for experts in other forensic fields. Going into 2018, we have been working diligently to bring our clients and colleagues the best in their fields. We have known each expert personally and professionally extensively. This is not an exclusive list - or one of exclusion - they are our recommendations for those we take pleasure in having working relationships.

​To find our recommended and Affiliated Forensic Experts - please visit our updated Affiliated Experts page at www.DeathCaseReview.com/affiliated-experts.html for details.

​The area of forensics for investigations has many specialties - the first thought of areas are those driven by media and events. At the time of the popular "CSI" television series, it was criminal, scene and evidence forensics. In the current time of popular electronics it is cellular and computer - digital - forensics. We are now seeing a specialized field of debugging forensics - Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM). We are proud to know some of the best. In addition, many think of forensics as strictly science; however, that is incorrect. Forensics is an area of expertise and evidence specific to our judicial system - as noted by Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC), "...the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation..." and at our agency we like to say that forensics represents "Facts or Reasonable Evidence Necessitating Systematic Investigative and Critical Solutions" as it applies to legal investigations.

​The following specialties are being added to our Affiliated Experts page - at
www.deathcasereview.com/affiliated-experts.html:
  • Forensic Pathology
  • ​Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Nursing
  • ​Forensic Photography
  • ​Digital Forensics - Cell Phones
  • Digital Forensics - Computers
  • ​Digital Forensics - GPS / Vehicles
  • ​Forensic Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
​
​We are pleased to extend our relationships with each of these colleagues, bringing better opportunities in evidence collection to our civil and criminal litigation attorney clients.


If you have any questions or need a direct referral to one of our Affiliated Experts, please contact our agency:
< Contact Page >
Office (970) 480-7793 ~ Fax (970) 480-7794
Email us - associates@DeathCaseReview.com

0 Comments

Our Services - How We Can Help You in 2018 and Beyond

1/1/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
In 2017 we found ourselves celebrating 30 years in business as professional investigators! We are excited to usher in 2018 with you - our friends, clients and colleagues. Some we have known 30 years - others 20, 10, 5 or very recently. To each of you - Thank You and we wish you a very healthy and prosperous 2018 for you and your families!
​

Our beginnings were pretty humble and some of life's circumstances found us with new and better opportunities. This is a good time to remind you - from attorneys to investigators - what we can do for you, and what we have planned for 2018. Start with visiting our updated and re-designed agency website at www.DeathCaseReview.com!

​Our agency provides Legal Investigations and Expert Consultations in Personal Injury, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. From non-fatal traumatic and serious bodily injuries, to fatal events of wrongful and equivocal deaths - we are here to help you and your clients. We have not forgotten our roots, as pioneers of 'Finding People...Finding Out About Them' with Individual Locates, Backgrounds, Assets & Liabilities, and Heirs & Relatives Records Checks and Investigations, also in Civil, Criminal and Probate cases. 

​We do not accept contingency cases, and have several flat rate bases services. We always offer free initial case evaluations and consultations. We are also expanding our Affiliated Experts program - stay tuned for more next month!


If you have any questions about what we offer in an expert death case review, contact our agency < Contact Page > or:
Office (970) 480-7793 ~ Fax (970) 480-7794
Email us - associates@DeathCaseReview.com


Legal Investigations
We conduct every investigation using our 'Practical Methods for Legal Investigations - Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases' proven technique.

We are experienced investigators in personal injury, negligence and death in civil, criminal and probate litigation.

Dean and Karen are certified in Medicolegal Death Investigation, with extensive education, training and experience.

Dean is one of less than 80 Certified Legal Investigators; and Dean and Karen are both Certified Criminal Defense Investigators.

Karen's education, training and experience in social work, as well as both of their experiences in the death investigation system are supportive of our clients' investigative needs.  The following are for direct assignments and do not include time or expenses for written reports.

Contact our office to discuss your litigation investigative support needs in detail and confidentially.

Death Investigations / Serious Bodily Injury (SBI)
Our agency uses a proven technique, now taught and used as continuing education in multiple states, in our death investigations and consultations.

Our agency has provided expert consultations in several states and is available nationwide.  With our network of investigators nationwide, we are able to assist and be an independent component of the legal team.

In non-litigation, most often family, fatal and non-fatal injury cases, we offer flat fee services in Expert Equivocal Death or SBI Analysis.

Please contact our office for details and specifics.


The best description of our services:
"We are Expert Medicolegal / Forensic Investigators available to review the records, reports, photographs and evidentiary documentation in order to provide a non-medical expert opinion, within the scope of our education, training and experience, as to the totality of the circumstances of the fatal or non-fatal event and the competency of the official investigation, with respect to death investigation protocol and standards."

General Investigations
Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation.

For over 30 years our agency has provided cost-effective and accurate verified Individual Locates, Backgrounds, and Assets & Liabilities.  States and availability of records vary.

Contact our office for details, fees and your request.

Probate - Heirs and Relatives
Our agency has developed services specific to probate attorneys and estate matters.

This includes finding missing heirs and relatives to an estate, as well as verifying reported heirs and relatives.

Please note - this is not a contingency fee service and is for court appointed or attorneys of record in estate probate matters.
 
Why is it important to understand Death Investigation?
Fractions of an inch or an alteration in an event, or series of events, may be the only difference between a serious bodily injury or death.

Death investigation is not limited to homicide – a homicide investigator may not understand death investigation, and therefore personal injury investigation.

Any component of death investigation can be applied to personal injury investigation – from the chain of events leading to the injury and/or death, to the mechanisms of injury or death.

The circumstances, Cause and Manner of Serious Bodily Injury or Death, can impact:
  • Insurance – including accidental double indemnity
  • Inheritance – including spouse survivorship, biological and step children
  • Civil, Criminal and Probate lawsuits
  • How the families and victims cope

Because, as Voltaire said, "To the living we owe respect.  To the dead we owe the truth."

The following types of cases may involve legal investigations, particularly personal injury and death:
  • Personal Injury and Negligence
  • Consumer Safety and Product Liability
  • Occupational Safety and Workplace Incidents
  • Wrongful and Equivocal Death
  • Motor Vehicle Collisions
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Crime and Incident Scenes
  • Assault and Bodily Injury
  • Elder & Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Felony Criminal Defense

1 Comment

My007Spy Online Spy Shop

12/4/2017

0 Comments

 
Caught on Covert Camera! Denver deputy pulls gun on debt collector trying to deliver $150 overdue bill
The person being was at home, in the daylight of afternoon, and was an off-duty Denver Sheriff's deputy (he resided in a nearby metro county). The PI had already talked to him once - and suspected he was being lied to by the male who denied being the subject of the papers being served. After going to his car, confirming the identity by social media photographs, the PI returned to the door to attempt to serve again - and found himself looking at a handgun when the door was answered.
https://www.rawstory.com/2017/11/watch-denver-deputy-pulls-gun-on-debt-collector-trying-to-deliver-150-overdue-bill

This was all caught on camera using a covert camera. This is legal in Colorado, but not all states. Is it time for you to consider a covert body worn camera? It might be - the off-duty deputy was immediately suspended and has been charged with felony menacing. The evidence is the covert video footage. Just 10, 20 or 30 years ago, it was one person's word against another - and charges were very rare, favoring the homeowner.

Something to think about - and if you are - I am an authorized LawMate USA suppliers at www.My007Spy.com (GPS and other products coming soon).

At all times - be safe - nothing is worth your life or traumatic injury!
Picture
After seeing our friend, Jamie Martin, at the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) conference in late August, we struck up a conversation about expanding his LawMate USA products to Colorado, Wyoming and throughout our network of friends and colleagues - YOU!

Jamie took over the LawMate USA franchise, after working for the previous franchisee for several years. He is the exclusive wholesale supplier of LawMate USA covert products - audio and video recorders.

We are proud and honored to be an authorized affiliate of LawMate USA and retailer of these exception products for PIs, process servers, law enforcement, military and other public service and safety groups.

Available Products
As an authorized retailer for LawMate USA – we offer:
  • DVRs
  • Digital Audio Recorders
  • Batteries and Accessories
  • Body Worn Cameras
  • Nanny Cams
  • Personal Cams
  • Car and Travel Cams
  • Home Office Cams
  • Counter Surveillance (TSCM)
Until December 31st, all products are at least 25% off retail - the lowest they will ever be. From January 1st, all products are 10% off retail, with additional professional discounts! Visit www.My007Spy.com or call (888) 940-0101 or email info@My007Spy.com NOW!  

Professional Discounts
  • Are you a member of your state association (PI, Process Server, Bail Enforcement)?
  • National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)?
  • National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS)?
  • World Association of Detectives (WAD)?
  • Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC)?
  • National Rifle Association (NRA)?
  • Law Enforcement, Active or Veteran military service?
After January 1st, verified members of these associations and professions will be eligible for 10% off retail. Email info@My007Spy.com for a discount code and save another 10%!

Future Products
By the end of this month, and introducing in January 2018, we will be adding GPS and more TSCM products! We will continue to offer the same discounts on all the products.

If there is a product you are looking for - or have a need, but don't know the best product - give us a call and the team of specialists will give you the best advice from experience!

-----
My007Spy.com
LawMate Authorized Retailer

Dean A. Beers and Karen S. Beers

(888) 940-0101
www.My007Spy.com
info@My007Spy.com
www.facebook.com/My007Spy

0 Comments

Our Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Experience

11/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
As part of the 2017 Rocky Mountain Investigators Conference, hosted by the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org), we registered for the full-day pre-conference event for the Certified Forensic Investigator - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER). This was developed, and is taught by, our good friend and colleague, Brandon Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER and certified through the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC - www.DefenseInvestigator.com). We are members of both associations and strongly recommend joining them and their resources.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma hit Florida and Brandon was unable to come to Colorado as scheduled. A make-up day was scheduled for October 7th and it turned out to be better than planned.

The course is generally intended to be taught over two days, split between instruction and practical application throughout the course. For the pre-conference events, the course is reduced to one day and focuses primarily on instruction. To obtain certification, the training has been categorized into two practical learning assignments. Each assignment will be evaluated by the instructor. The questions from the textbook must also be answered in essay format and submitted for grading. The final exam involves a 100 question multiple choice/true or false test. The test will be emailed to you and must be completed within 24 hours. All tests are open book. You have 8 weeks to complete the program. Extensions are available upon request. Upon successful completion of the course of study a Certificate of Training will be provided. A passing score of 80% is required to earn the designation of CDITC Certified FTER Forensic Interviewer (CFI-FTER).

You do not have to wait to attend a scheduled or hosted training event - distance learning is available. We highly recommend the personal experience of Brandon's interactive and energetic instruction. If needed, the final textbook questions and final certification exam can be completed within a prescribed period following the course instruction. We highly recommend doing so. You can learn more about the course from Brandon through this video - < About the CFI-FTER Method >.

Being in business for 30 years, and having a combined 50 years of legal investigation experience, interviews almost come second-nature, and conducting effective interviews is a priority in all areas of investigations. Doing so effectively, and in preparation for documenting and testifying, requires as much practical training and experience as possible. We personally know other professional investigators who have been designated as expert witnesses following certification - CFI-FTER. In fact, part of this curriculum is specific to acknowledging and attaining recognized expertise. This is another tool in our box of skills, resources and expertise - and we believe a must for every investigator.

The core of the course is Brandon's book - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery - The FTER Method - is available here - http://amazon.privateinvestigations.org (and other important investigation books).

Dean had an opportunity to review and recommend this book when first released in 2011. Here is a link to that review - www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/forensic-testimonial-recovery

Although fun, interactive and informative - the easy part is the instruction. Although open book, the textbook chapter questions and final exam do challenge the investigator's grasp, understanding and application of the CFI-FTER process. It is a learned and earned process and certification!

*** How did we do? ***
Karen - 97% on chapter exam and 98% on final exam!
Dean - 98% on chapter exam and 94% on final exam!
0 Comments

Dean Beers - 2017 Investigator-Philosopher Award

10/7/2017

0 Comments

 
We are honored to announce that Dean Beers, CCDI, CLI is the 2017 Investigator/Philosopher Award winner. It is our most distinguished award presented for scholarly contributions and leadership. Thank you for all that you do to promote the highest level of investigation in defense of the U.S. Constitution and the right to a fair trial.
Picture
The Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council - Philosopher Award
"Mr. Dean Beers has distinguished himself through meritorious and dedicated service to the discipline of criminal defense investigation as a nationally recognized leader. His significant contributions to the discipline via field investigation, discussion, debate, education, and leadership has elevated him to a position of prominence. Mr. Beers's intellectual acuity and reverence for truth has left a lasting impression on the next generation of criminal defense investigators. One of Mr. Beers's greatest assets is that he recognizes the investigator as a professional thinker engaged in the process of evaluating all the facts of evidence. His philosophy is one shared by the CDITC, a philosophy that declares the investigator as an "impartial and objective advocate of the truth". Mr. Dean Beers, CCDI is a Defender of the United States Constitution!"

Picture
Presented by Brandon Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER - CDITC National Director 10/07/2017
 
"We are honored to announce that Dean Beers, CCDI, CLI is the 2017 Investigator/Philosopher Award winner. It is our most distinguished award presented for scholarly contributions and leadership. Thank you, Dean, for all that you do to promote the highest level of investigation in defense of the U.S. Constitution and the right to a fair trial." and "Well deserved Dean Beers! Your efforts to promote truth and fairness in our justice system is greatly appreciated by all who fight the good fight! I am proud to call you and your partner and wife Karen colleague and friend."

0 Comments

Celebrating 30 Years in Business!

10/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Celebrating 30 Years in Business!
 
​On October 1st, 30 years ago, after leaving his high school job at a local family run grocery store in 1987, Dean filed his business tradename registration - Investigative Services. Karen joined him in 1996.
 
In 2008 the agency focus became Legal Investigations and Expert Consultations in Personal Injury, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.
 
Many ask how our agency was started, our background and experience – all the usual questions. It has been an interesting 30 years.
Picture
Gage Alan (8), Jacee Sue (8), Cash Michael (8), and Lincoln Kyle (17 mths now)
Picture
The Beginning
How Dean came to found our agency, as with all things, was about timing. At the time, Dean had been working at a local family grocery store since high school. He was moving up and being prepared for management at age 20. Always keeping his ear to the ground, he became aware of some troubling issues affecting the business – and the economy. With that, Dean decided a different career was due. What career?
 
Working in a grocery store for almost five years, you meet a lot of people – especially those working downtown and in the local courthouse. Several attorneys and judges often came in and one suggested process serving. What is that? He offered Dean a statute book from a collection recently replaced. Although interesting, it didn’t have that special ring to it. It did give him the idea to look closer at the legal field, and he gave his two-weeks notice in early September. Still finding nothing, Dean began looking in the Yellow Pages for ideas. Starting at the beginning, he came across ‘Detectives’ and that was his interest.  Having no experience – what was next?
 
Having experience was going to be important, so Dean contacted other agencies in town. He found four agencies - one interviewed him and no others returned his calls. The one interview didn’t go far – it was mostly surveillance and the pay was going to be rough to start out. So, Dean declined and they would become friends. Still having no experience or prospects – now what?
 
Deciding to double-down – having no detective experience, or business experience – he decided to form his own agency – at least something to hold over for about six months, until he found something more career oriented. Filing a business tradename, and then having business cards printed, designing some marketing materials and purchasing an answering machine that would call his new beeper – Dean was in business. Sort of. He went to every law office in town personally. The phone was silent for weeks – almost a month – what seemed like months.
 
The Learning Curve (1987-1997)
Then the first call came - to serve a bank garnishment. So, it was time to read that state statute book given to him – the first assignment was completed and the invoice left at the law office. Then the paralegal wanted a ‘Return of Service’. A what? Time to read the book again – and deliver an affidavit with the invoice. Within a short time, he was getting calls for more process serving. It was a way to meet attorneys and paralegals to get a foot, or both, in the door. It turned out the leading process serving company in town closed its doors after the passing of the owner. Process serving was not what Dean was looking to do, but it did grow – and into other opportunities.
 
Looking back on his ability to find lost family and friends – from when his Dad was in the Navy, Dean realized he could offer something more – Finding People and Finding Out About Them! Reaching out to other private investigators for tips and resources – all declined to help. More research – and without the help of the web or Google. The first tool – the phone book. Most people were found simply looking in the phone book. Over the next several years, Dean would develop resources and techniques through diligence and growing experience.
 
In October 1991 Dean met his future Wife and business partner, Karen and her two daughters. It was, truly, the most positive life changing event. Shortly after, while riding his motorcycle in town, Dean was struck by a car turning left. He was laid up for a couple of months with limited driving for field work ability. Those same private investigators who did not hire him early on had become friends and took care of Dean’s clients. They truly showed friendship and professionalism.
 
By the early 90s he became one of the most sought after private investigators specializing in the areas of locating people and background checks. He gave his first presentation in 1993 to the Larimer County Young Lawyers – many would become clients, and are reading this newsletter now. In 2000 he would then give his first national conference presentation. Shortly after, he developed the ‘Skip Trace Seminar on CD’ sold nationwide – after learning how to burn CDs and make labels.
 
In 1996, his Wife Karen joined the agency part-time. Karen pushed to market more investigations and less process serving. Developing clients throughout Colorado of primarily collection and landlord plaintiff attorneys, adding assets and liabilities investigations became a growing service. Also growing was communication. Beepers were replaced by pagers, and voicemail replaced answering machines. Soon, cell phones – large and cumbersome – became available. Then databases became available, although very limited. Most research was still needing to be done at the local library and also the university library. Fax machines had come in, and email had just started. Dean’s first email was to a friend from elementary school – and he instantly replied – wow! A short time later, Dean did some research and found how to use a cell phone – much smaller now – and laptop to communicate from the field. This was in 1995 – long before public safety agencies had the ability. In fact, a law enforcement friend had needed help finding someone wanted on a warrant. After being successful, he asked Dean about his mobile setup. In the following years, local law enforcement agencies began working with the largest provider for mobile communications to equip supervisors’ patrol vehicles; now every patrol vehicle has a ‘Mobile Data Terminal’ or MDT and remote access to data and communications. 
 
Then some federal and state laws on privacy began to have a negative impact on available resources. It was again time to adapt and overcome some obstacles. Leading into the Y2K scenario, a multi-year contract with the local county child support enforcement unit lead to an unprecedented program of both enforcement and paternal rights for DNA testing without default paternity determination. The program boosted the county from the bottom third for enforcement to the top five in Colorado. The concepts used would later be used in our own plaintiff personal injury legal investigations, also with great success for our clients.
 
The Middle Years (1998-2007)
The late 90s continued with adapting to new laws, new resources and new demands of clients and their growing needs. Then, on September 1st 2000, tragedy struck our family and business. On a personal trip Dean took his Dad to Colorado Springs to see his aunt / Dad’s sister, they were hit by a drunk teenage driver. It was an experience that would change everything. Months of recovery for both Dean and his Dad, as well as Karen – from hearing the collision while talking to Dean on his cell phone (and headset), they had much to be thankful for and work on together. Like in 1991, Dean was unable to work – other than at home – for several months. His Dad remained at his sister’s for a year to rehabilitate. As before, friends and fellow private investigators offered to help and took care of their clients. They, again, truly showed friendship and professionalism. Even as recovery progressed, multi-tasking and running a business – it was either work or run the business – both had become almost impossible. Shortly after Dean’s Dad returned home, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 happened. Another round of a difficult nationwide economy would follow.
 
Based on some occupational therapy and testing at the local university, Dean’s testing showed his primary skills were in law enforcement and investigations related fields. Having an interest in forensics, in the summer of 2002, Dean contacted the local coroner’s office. He spoke to an investigator who shared they were accepting applications for their reserve investigator / deputy coroner training program. Dean applied and was one of five accepted for the group that would start in September. He was the first to complete all the required modules and was recruited to join a newly appointed forensic pathologist in a neighboring county, who had just been appointed the county coroner. Dean would work part-time for the next couple years. In the interim, the group completed the modules and graduated from the program in June of 2003. To this day, Dean and Karen hold a close relationship, as this forensic pathologist remains the agency’s consultant and direct referral. Dean was recruited from a volunteer reserve investigator / deputy coroner to part-time. In 2004 Dean was offered a full-time position, contingent upon him completing a required Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training law enforcement academy. Dean attended in 2005 and graduated with honors in November, and was hired full-time.
 
At that time Dean and Karen limited private investigations to individual locates, individual backgrounds, and individual assets and liabilities investigations. Just before starting the academy, Dean also finished the first edition of a book on these specialties. The first of what would become more books and many articles from their agency to their peers and profession.
 
Karen also had the desire to learn more about forensics and death investigations. Still being the only training of its kind in Colorado, Karen was accepted for the 2004 investigator / deputy coroner program in June and also completed her modules. She was also recruited as a volunteer reserve investigator / deputy coroner, and also part-time office administrator, then hired as a part-time investigator. This would continue to mid-2006.
 
Their experience includes scene investigations, interviews, assisting with autopsies, photography, and all aspects of death investigations. In January 2003 Dean also introduced digital photography to the coroner’s office. Through a grant, the county became the first agency – of any kind – in Colorado to issue and use digital cameras for their investigators. Dean left the coroner’s office in the summer of 2008, having a strong need to return to the private sector. Before leaving, he developed policies for retention of digital files, as well as on-site and off-site backup, converting to paperless and digital formats, and investigators use of enhanced communications and remote access to files. These are processes Dean and Karen would adapt to their renewed private investigations agency. In 2006 Dean predicted a downturn in the state and local economy by 2007. This would become a national economic crisis, unlike any seen for decades – including 1987 and 2001.
 
The Recent Years (2008-2017)
The most current years were very busy – from re-starting their agency to a growing family! Their new agency was going to focus only on legal and death investigations – personal injury, negligence and death. Learning from experience, and wanting to share their experiences, they also became involved in state, national and international associations. These were to develop networking, experience, learning opportunities, and to give back to a profession that had been good to them and helped raise their family – through good times and rough times. Within days of contacting their client list, calls and cases came in. The struggling economy followed and created some setbacks, and were predicted to resolve by 2018. They adapted and overcame, and also grew.
 
In December 2008 their first grandchild, and only granddaughter, Jacee Sue was born to their oldest daughter. Jeberly had a very difficult experience after, and was hospitalized – they almost lost her. After she had recovered, they learned their youngest daughter was pregnant – with twin boys. In July 2009 their grandsons, Gage Alan and Cash Michael were born seven weeks early. Winter had a difficult pregnancy and was hospitalized weeks before their due date, then flown to Denver for emergency delivery. Their grandsons were in NICU for seven (Gage) and ten (Cash) days. The children’s hospital was fantastic and Ronald McDonald House took care of the parents. They still donate to both at every opportunity.
 
In addition to their Certification in Medicolegal Investigations, from late 2008 to June 2009, Dean studied for the Certified Legal Investigator examination series. He passed with four others, being the “Nashville Five”; since that time, one of them – Susan Carlson – passed away after a long illness. This was followed by Dean and Karen earning the Certified Criminal Defense Investigator designation after the examination. Following this, Dean published a textbook – ‘Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases’ – through CRC Press, and together they revised a second edition of ‘Professional Locate Investigations: Individual Locates, Backgrounds & Assets & Liabilities’. This would be followed with distance learning courses, books and articles contributed by Dean and Karen.
 
Since 2008, Dean has been continuously involved in multiple association boards and committees – from training to legislation for their professions. Karen continues to also be involved equally in the cases and consultations, which includes being administrative manager for the largest international association of private investigators.
 
Their agency grew and soon expert consultation requests came in. They began offering flat fee consultations to families in equivocal deaths. These are most often suicides, and the family has legitimate questions and concerns, and seeks answers. These are the only private cases they accept, and are most often through their direct referral program for private investigators. Their agency grew to offer legal investigations and expert consultations in personal injury, negligence and death / serious bodily injury in civil, criminal and probate litigation. This includes expert consultations in criminal defense.
 
In the summer of 2012 Dean and Karen decided to sell their house and travel before the grandkids started school. It was decided to travel, and work, by RV. From the summer of 2012 – with the maiden voyage being to a joint association conference – to early 2015, they traveled and worked. They covered 27 states in those years, taking trips for a few months, then returning for a few months. As their grandkids were getting closer to starting school, it was time to be near them and settled again. In 2015 they settled back in northern Colorado, where Dean is a 7th generation native and Karen has called home since the early 1980s.
 
In May of 2016 their youngest grandson, Lincoln Kyle was born to give Jacee Sue someone to play with and pester. Jeberly had issues after delivery, thankfully reduced with having the same doctor – and many of the same nurses – as when Jacee was born, everyone had a close eye on her.
 
Celebrating 30 Years!
Since 1996, they have worked together on cases – from locates and backgrounds, to neighborhood canvasses and witness interviews, to civil and criminal serious bodily injury and death investigations. They work together and independently. Karen has long brought a unique perspective of women’s intuition and insight to every case. Not only two sets of eyes and experience, but an additional sense of detail in reviewing the evidence found in records, reports and photographs.
 
They make their home in northern Colorado and have the joy of their grandkids often – sometimes not often enough. They have continued to travel and attend conferences for various reasons and benefits. Dean continues to be a frequent speaker multimer times a year, and both are often asked for contributing articles in leading association and professional trade journals. They have grown their professional friends and colleagues, many like family. They are both fond and proud of these growing relationships. Their clients, many dating back to Dean’s first phone calls, continue to grow. Clients have retired or become judges, judges have retired, and the landscape of private investigations has changed dramatically. Dean and Karen were fortunate to begin at a time of early technology and grow with it, while keeping the time-tested skills necessary for effective investigations.

Reflecting back, they have seen and done many great things and have been through many experiences. Everything used – from beepers and answering machines, to phones and fax machines, to cameras and video, is now held in a small phone. The Yellow Pages are all but extinct, and not long after finding ‘Detectives’, the category was removed – leaving ‘Private Investigators’ – now not a used category. Licensing of private investigators now exists in Colorado, to protect their profession and consumers. There are now over a dozen agencies where Dean and Karen first started, yet very few garner the majority of the legal investigation work for attorneys.
 
The reserve investigator / deputy coroner training program has ended, as it was adapted into a new coroner requirements and training statute in 2007. The training and certification has been replaced by the state coroner association and their annual conference.
 
Their newsletter, published quarterly to local clients on paper in 1996, is now monthly and digital – reaching thousands of clients and colleagues – like you – locally, nationally and internationally. Times change, or actually grow – like their family and agency. They never know where their paths lead us – or when they may cross, like ours did by chance 26 years ago – when Dean was just starting out and still wondered what the future would bring.
 
Today their legal investigations and expert consultations are a passion for their clients – from attorneys and their injured or wrongful death clients, to private investigators and their family clients looking for answers, and their criminal defense. In each of these, they are passionate about assuring the rights of their clients are protected, and answers found to further their case or bring healing and closure to their loss. Their passion for helping those who have lost a loved one has also found us assuring that a person, often a suspect in a death, is not wrongfully accused, arrested and convicted – and at other times, the right person is brought to justice.
 
The Next Years…
They plan to simply continue. To continue taking care of their family. To continue taking care of their clients. To continue being involved in their profession as much as possible.
 
To continue working with you and making a difference – no matter how small – in the lives they touched. Just as you have made a difference and touched their lives.
 
They love and are passionate about their work, and hope to pass on something to any or all of their grandchildren. At the least, they will share the values and experiences they have learned.

Thank You! Dean and Karen
0 Comments

Underlying Importance of Equivocal Death Investigations

9/4/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Since 2008, our agency has provided Equivocal Death Investigations to families - directly, or through other investigators and attorneys. The majority are as officially ruled, many have discrepancies in the official investigations - most don't change the official findings, some do - and these issues are what troubles families. In addition, there is false information to deal with. We have had many cases used in training, with confidentiality. Most often, the beginning of the concerns arise from 1) lack of good communication with the families by the investigating agencies; and 2) lay persons providing opinions and stirring up already traumatic and emotional issues. Karen has written on these contributing problems before.

Our goal, our passion, is to simply provide answers to families. Our opinion memorandums are detailed, not as much as for litigation, but enough to summarize the fatal event, investigation and evidence, and then our analysis and conclusions. It is our hope this puts all of the information into a concise and informative document which will bring some answers and closure to loved ones. If there remains any questions, we are available to the family. We learned this while in training and as active deputy coroners - to be a source of factual information for the family. This personal concern - without making the cases personal - was important to families; however, sadly seen in the private cases we review - findings are made and reported, case closed.

We do this for a fee that is significantly lower than what would be charged in a pre-litigation or active litigation case with an attorney. Here are two questions we often hear: 1) why don't we give 'ideas' of our review before we are done; and 2) why do we only provide written findings to families?

First, an important question - What Is the Underlying Importance of Equivocal Death Investigations (EDIs)?
We are asked to consult and review on equivocal death cases for much the same reason as those for litigation - to review the records, reports and photographs (criminal discovery or civil disclosures) and reach a conclusion. Our conclusions are not based on anything else - no other opinions or strategies. We do consider questions and concerns, and see if they can be answered. In litigation cases, there is an accuser (prosecutor, plaintiff) and accused (suspects, defendants). In our EDIs we often have the same - accusers and accused. If someone did not commit Suicide, it is either a Homicide or an Accident - most often concerns and questions of homicide; we rarely see natural; Undetermined is a different topic.

If the decedent was found under suspicious circumstances - either by law enforcement and/or family, there is a person suspected of committing a homicide. In the event the official findings are suicide, and the family disagrees - they may understandably continue their own lay investigation, often having input from others without specific education, training and experience, and exacerbate their emotions. They may pursue a wrongful death civil case - and/or perhaps seek criminal charges against whom they suspect. Regardless of their reasons, which may be very sound in their hearts and minds - and even based on evidence - they may struggle for months to years. Moreover, a person suspected of a crime, which did not happen, may face arrest and confinement - even charges and trial. At best, they are inconvenienced and have some legal fees. At worst, they are convicted and face a long sentence to the death penalty. We strongly feel that our services not only help families with answers and a path to closure, but also prevent a false accusation and wrongful conviction. We are proud of both of these roles.

Why Don't We Give 'Ideas' of Our Review Before We Are Done?
The simple answer is we don't want to give any misleading or potentially false information. We appreciate families checking on the status of our review of their loved one's death. These take time - and we do not rush, although our interest is in not delaying or putting families on another hold for answers. Our process includes each of us independently reviewing all of the available records, reports, and photographs; followed by discussion of the evidence and our independent findings. We then typically will review one more time for details discussed - as each of use may find different key points of consideration. Following that, a determination is made and our findings reduced to writing and sent to the family. Pretty straight forward.

However, as we progress through the evidence, what may be an initial opinion may be amended by additional evidence as we continue. What was initially reported, such as witness statements or the type of injury and circumstances, may be updated by the official investigating agencies. We have found, this is one source of the problems families face - they recall everything they were initially informed of, but struggle with new evidence that changes that. It becomes more complicated when there is a potential, or initial consideration of, criminal charges - leaving families with limited information. We have had agencies provided limited information, to full information on open cases. We only have to work with what is available and provided.

If we were to update a family after reviewing photographs, but no records or reports, and misinform them (or the reverse) - that is a disservice to them. Therefore, we wait until our full review and findings are complete.

In a recent case, with the family represented by their attorney, we were provided limited information by the law enforcement agencies. The attorney requested a report - however, there were two underlying issues - one being we knew there was incomplete information provided. Our initial findings found extensive discrepancies and issues, and the possibility the reported suicide was a homicide. A few months passed, and unexpectedly the balance of the information was released to us. We continued the review and found almost every question and discrepancy answered, as well as additional information that literally brought all of the ambiguity together. We reached a firm conclusion of suicide, and were able to fully demonstrate this to the family. Had this proceeded, as was planned, with a wrongful death claim - it would have been dismissed or lost, and embarrassing to many. Long before this case, we have had a firm position of not having an early and inadequately formed opinion. It is like the media rushing to tell a story, only to change their 'facts' later - no one forgets what was first reported, or pays attention to any subsequent corrections.

Why Do We Only Provide Written Findings to Families?
First, an important differentiation between private consultations and expert consultations in litigation - attorneys may not want reports, based on findings, due to required disclosure. We provide answers through opinions after review of the facts in evidence. We do not provide what might best fit a legal strategy - which would be working backwards from a solution to the questions, and may be in conflict with the facts in evidence. However, we do only provide written findings to families.

Families come to us for answers - and a path to their personal closure. Our written findings provide the following:
  • A clear and concise, thought details, document of the case synopsis, our process, and our findings;
  • A document that may be shared with other family members, an attorney, other investigators, insurance companies, and medical examiners or other experts specific to the needs of the families;
  • A document which prevents forgetting or unintentionally misstating our process and findings; and
  • A document which is available any time - without needing to recall a conversation one week, month or year - or years - and relying solely on memory; and
  • We have eliminated being misunderstood, our findings misrepresented, and a record of the consultation for our files.

We hope this helps you - as a surviving family member, a fellow investigator or expert, or an attorney - understand our process, goals and purpose. We welcome your inquiries and the opportunity to do for you, what we have passionately done for many since 2008.

Please contact our agency any time - we are always available. For more information about our services - please visit www.WasItSuicide.com

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Dean - LinkedIn
    Karen - LinkedIn

    News and Events in the legal, investigative and forensic world...

    As our services focus on the areas of expert consultations and legal investigations of personal injury, negligence and death in civil, criminal and probate litigation - these are what our blog will be about.  Also look for news from our associations - PPIAC, NALI, NCISS, WAD, NAME, etc.

    Archives

    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011

(c) 2019 Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC ~ Expert Consultants and Legal Investigators
CO (970) 480-7793 and WY (307) 222-0136 ~:~ Associates@DeathCaseReview.com

The information found on this website is for general, informational and educational purposes only. Any information found on this website does not constitute advice or a solicitation of clients, nor does it create a relationship between the reader and Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC or its principals.