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!

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

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!

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!"

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."

​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.

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

This article is a small excerpt from Medicolegal Death Investigations for Private Investigators, an online continuing education course for private investigators available at PIeducation.com http://pieducation.com/catalog/about-medico-legal-death-investigations.shtml

Courtesy of PI Education
by Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI
(shared from https://pieducation.com/1110-2)

The Role of the Private Investigator in Equivocal Death Investigations (EDI)

Equivocal Death Investigations (EDI)Private investigators provide a number of important functions related to Equivocal Death Investigations (EDI).  The primary considerations are incident related concerns.  These include incident scene photography (including video) and investigation, evidence collection in some cases and evidence review, evidence analysis and expert referrals, complete party – involved persons – workups and statement acquisition, including analysis of present and past statements, and review of discovery and disclosures.  This process is part of the overall goal of litigation and trial support for the intended purpose of developing and supporting the legal strategy of the client.  This process is conducted and completed by following five basic steps:  Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document and Report, as discussed later.
Death investigation is not limited to death, as the components of death investigation apply to personal injury and injury causation investigations.  Understanding death investigation lends to a better understanding of these, adds marketing value to the private investigator and, more importantly, adds value to the services and benefits to the client.  This is simply because 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 following cases may involve deaths, or personal injury – they all benefit from understanding death investigation:

• 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 Abuse and Neglect;
• Child Abuse and Neglect;
• Felony Criminal Defense.

Private investigators are trained and skilled in areas they specialize in – from surveillance to backgrounds, and missing persons to death penalty cases.  Death investigation also has specialized training and skills, as well as specific areas of expertise.  Some areas of skills that are common in death, and personal injury, cases include:

• Skilled Party and Witness Interviews;
• Forensic Photography (GPS encoded/mapped) and Videography;
• Alternate Light Sources (including photography);
• Records and Reports Review with Experienced Analysis;
• Statement Analysis and Deconstruction;
• Experienced Autopsy Procedures and Reports Consultation;
• Medical Records ~ Injuries and Causation;
• Knowledgeable Evidence Collection and Analysis;
• Working relationships with specialized forensic experts.

As noted, private investigators hold skills and training, with death investigation requiring specific areas of expertise.  Death investigation by nature requires the skills of multiple experts, particularly forensic experts.  These include:

• Forensic Pathologist;
• Forensic Crime Scene Investigator;
• Forensic Criminalist;
• Forensic Computer and Cell Phone Examiner;
• Forensic Document Examiner;
• Forensic Psychologists (PhDs) and Psychiatrists (MDs), including Behavioral Analysis.

Private investigators will not always work directly with specialists and experts.  Investigation, particularly death investigation, is often a multi-faceted team approach.  It does require often communicating with, reviewing reports and records of, and having contacts of these and other specialists and experts, detailed later in this course.

This article was written by Dean and Karen Beers of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC. Together they have over 30 years of legal investigative experience and a combined official death investigation experience of over nine years at a busy and unique coroner/medical examiner’s office.

This article is a small excerpt from Medicolegal Death Investigations for Private Investigators, an online continuing education course for private investigators available at PIeducation.com http://pieducation.com/catalog/about-medico-legal-death-investigations.shtml

​​​​​​Update - 2017 Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Conference

Be sure and register now for the conference - and pre-conference! Details at https://ppiac.wildapricot.org/event-2454623

In the July Facts & Forensics, hosted by GIMG.tv, Dean interviewed long-time friend, Brandon Perron, about his upcoming pre-conference training day for FTER (Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery) training and certification. Although we have not taken his training on this, we have others and have provided some for his classes.

Listen online online - http://gimg.tv/031-facts-forensics/#more-888
Take a listen and find out more directly from Brandon - he is excited to be here and it will be a packed and energetic day!  His segment is about 33 mins in and goes for 50 mins to the end). Brandon also talks about a special offer exclusively for PPIAC and NCISS members - but you have to listen to learn what it is!

He also provided me his FTER book when it first came out - a must get (available at the conference or Amazon - http://astore.amazon.com/assoinforeinv-20/detail/0967061512/132-8606438-5097668

What else is on the podcast?
-- Special Offer for Listeners - latest book now available!
"Investigating Death and Serious Bodily Injuries"
-- Conversations with Karen
Karen joins us with two interesting topics of discussion – Is it Homicide or Suicide and Every Contact Leaves a Trace.
-- Special Guest with Dean
Brandon Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER, returns to talk about FTER (Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery) and how he developed it, the importance to investigators, and the training and certification process. He also shares an upcoming opportunity for listeners to take advantage of!
-- Association News
-- Legislative and News of Our Profession
-- Facts & Forensics Sponsors

Be sure and register now for the conference - and pre-conference! Details at https://ppiac.wildapricot.org/event-2454623

Conference Highlights
2017 Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Conference
Join investigators from around the country in participating in world class training at the 2017 Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Conference held in beautiful Denver, Colorado, September 14-16.

Conference is being held in the Denver Marriot Westminster at 7000 Church Ranch Boulevard, Westminster, Colorado 80021

Register now and make your reservations to be part of this world class training event!

2017 Training Topics:

• Ethics in a Changing World - Kitty Hailey
• Junk Science: What attorneys should know about forensic science - Mark Gillespie
• Beyond the CSI Effect: Considering Essential Criteria for Addressing Forensic Evidence in Today's Media-Affected Legal System - Jeff Boxer
• Cultural Considerations to Russian Investigations - Anastasiya Bolton
  
• Private Investigators & The Dirty Little Secret of Sub-Contracting: Insurance Fraud Investigations - Richard Brooks
• Ethics for Investigators - JP Moore
• Unlocked Doors and Digital Footprints - Andy Kindred
• Diagnostic & Prescriptive Approach to Judgement Enforcement - Joe Dickerson

For hotel reservations - Hotel Reservations 
Download the schedule of events - Schedule
Become a sponsor or Vendor - Sponsor Application

Brandon Perron - Forensic Interviewing: FTER Certification Class
Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to receive certification in forensic testimonial evidence recovery!  
Register NOW! 2017 Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Conference
 
Pricing/Conference Information:
3 Day Includes Brandon Perron: PPIAC/NCISS/PSACO $375
3 Day Includes Brandon Perron: Non-members $425

2 Day Conference only: PPIAC/NCISS/PSACO $200
2 Day Conference only: Non-members $275

Brandon Perron only: PPIAC/NCISS/PSACO $175
Brandon Perron only: Non-members $275

Single day conference only: $150

The Denver Marriott Wesminster has reserved a rate of $161 per night for the PPIAC.  You can make your reservation here.

Every Contact Leaves a Trace
Recently friends and colleagues ‘across the pond’ – Phil and Yin Johnson of JJ Associates International (www.jjassociatesinternational.com) – shared a video on social media, entitled “Every contact leaves a trace” by John Sutherland at TEDxLondon (https://youtu.be/ibl3M4dTF2U). Mr. Sutherland is a Metro London Police officer and shares experiences we have practiced during the nearly 30-year course of our agency – truly, every contact does leave a trace and we will look for them. Most people think of forensic trace evidence; however, this was a concept of our long before we were involved in forensics.
 
What is ‘Every Contact Leaves a Trace’? This is a theory first developed by Edmund Locard – the first c criminalist and founder of the first crime lab in Lyon, France. Locard theorized that all persons leave something at the scene, and take something from the scene.  This transfer of evidence connects the two. This is the foundation of our books, articles and presentations all over the country on legal and forensic investigation. This concept applies to every aspect of life – personal and professional. In writing, we share that just writing and reading the text is an example of the contact and leaving a trace. The same in our lectures. When we share information with an audience – such as this commentary or our newsletters – information is shared back – just like forensic trace evidence. Connections are made. From client meetings and informal lunches and get togethers, to family time. We all share and learn. Mr. Sutherland discusses this same concept – adapting Locard’s theory to all investigations and personal life experiences.
 
In our expert consultations of personal injury, negligence and death in civil, criminal and probate litigation we look for the connections of scenes to victims to perpetrators to instruments of injury, to injuries and full circle. Connections are made through direct and circumstantial evidence – as small as trace evidence and as large as vehicles and buildings.

In our legal investigations of the same nature, we are connecting witnesses through their statements of what they saw, heard, felt, tasted and smelled – or didn’t. Multiple interactions with other persons, some events possible caught on video or audio – are all demonstrations of Locard’s theory. The elements of a crime or civil negligence are supported or answered, strengthened and mitigated through this process.
 
Locard’s theory is simple – every contact does leave a trace. As investigators, it is our responsibility to find those elements and make those connections for our clients. The application reaches across our lives as professionals, students, teachers, parents and mentors. From observations to investigations, this is how we better both our investigations and ourselves.
 
To learn more about the application of Locard’s theory in professional investigations, find our articles at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-articles.html