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About the CFI-FTER - AFI-LLC Newsletter November 2017

11/7/2017

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At this time of giving Thanks - we extend our appreciation to each of you!
Our agency is celebrating being in business 30 years - and we have all of our family, friends, clients and colleagues to thank for our success. We are truly very passionate about doing the best we can for those traumatized by a death, traumatic injury, or criminal charges. The Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights of every person is our highest priority to honor and defend.

As we all gather around the table with family and friends, at this special time of thanks, give a moment of silence for those unable to join you, or their own families and friends.

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Our Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Experience (11/6/2017)
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.

How did we do?
 
Continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/our-forensic-testimonial-evidence-recovery-fter-experience
 
More natural disasters - California wildfires
Below is a link to the Go Fund Me account started by CALI for wildfires in California. Members are reported to have lost homes, schools, property more.
 
Several NCISS members, colleagues, family and friends are in the areas - we hope this ends soon and all are safe. Unfortunately, many structures have been destroyed, property lost, and there are several deaths with hundreds missing. There is very limited communication in the area.
 
Please keep all in your thoughts and prayers. www.gofundme.com/fire-victims-cali-members

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 
-- At this time of giving thanks...
-- Our Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Experience
-- More natural disasters - California wildfires
-- World Association of Detectives - Governor of Americas, Administrative Manager - and congrats President Mike LaCorte
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
 -
Attacks on Our Fourth Amendment
 - Licensing Private Investigators in Colorado
 - ​Book Review by Eugene Ferraro of Practical Methods for Legal Investigations
 - PPIAC Life Member Awarded presented to Dean Beers
-- Time is money!
-- Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) Facts & Forensics
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Tidbits From Our Profession
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
 - 
The Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council - Philosopher Award
 - Congratulations to Bob Heales and Ryan Johnston on their merger
 - The Case of the Cannibal School Teacher
 - Prosecutors slammed for ‘lack of moral compass’
 - Feds move to block 'white hat' defense by Baton Rouge man in Trump tax return hacking case
 - From our friends at PI Education...
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...

Together We're Better - Together We Make the Difference!
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Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC is a Rocky Mountain West Agency owned by Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI.

We provide Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. We are Subject Matter Experts in Equivocal Death Investigation and Analysis, Medicolegal Investigations of Death and Serious Bodily Injury.

Based in the Rocky Mountain West, we provide expert consultations nationally. Learn details at 
www.DeathCaseReview.com


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World Association of Detectives – Governor of the Americas (www.WAD.net)
Last month Dean was notified by recently installed WAD President Mike LaCorte (Conflict International, UK) that he has been again appointed to Governor of the Americas. Dean has been a WAD Governor, previously an Ambassador, for several years. Since September 2015, Karen is the Administrative Manager for WAD. We are looking forward to the direction and leadership President LaCorte will bring to WAD and members.
 
Here is an informative video about WAD and membership, hosted by now President Mike LaCorte - www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZBZ9Rbb-EM

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Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog.html
Keep up with the current events of our agency and profession through our blog.  Dating back to the fall of 2011, there are dozens of articles, tips and resources for professional investigators.

Associations for Networking, Training, Information and Friendship (from 4/4/2012)
You likely know the value of networking, training, information and professional relationships.  Do you know how to foster these?  By being active and involved.  Things happen, whether we like it or not -- being proactive is important.  You are likely already a member of your state association.  The right associations can help expand your network, knowledge and resources.  If you are not already, we highly recommend a few for national and international interests.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/associations-for-networking-training-information-and-friendship

Attacks on Our Fourth Amendment (from 04/26/2012)
When one truly ponders how our history and the evolution of our laws and governing bodies have progressed, one will recognize the fact that our freedoms have slowly been taken away from us.  However, there is usually a process that the governing bodies should abide by while stealing our rights.
Continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/attacks-on-the-4th-amendment
 
Licensing Private Investigators in Colorado (from 05/29/2012)
With Colorado's unique volunteer licensing program, why did we choose to be licensed?
-- To demonstrate that we are vetted by the Colorado Department of Regulatory agencies (4,000 hours of experience is verified and all must pass a fingerprint CBI criminal records check)
-- Eases the burden of qualification on attorneys and other clients
-- For consumer protection (being licensed in another state offers no consumer protection in Colorado, but was necessary to PIs for records access and credibility before this program)
-- For continued access to records and databases (exceptions are increasingly more common to be given to those licensed within the states they do business)
-- To be on an equal plane as our licensed investigator colleagues
-- For the recognition and distinction that licensing provides
Continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/licensing-private-investigators-in-colorado
 
Book Review by Eugene Ferraro of Practical Methods for Legal Investigations (from 10/20/2012)
Author Dean Beers was never a street cop, but as a county deputy coroner he learned his way around a crime scene and it shows. Beers has a knack for casually (but professionally) walking the reader through one investigative challenge after another. He is insightful and fastidious and, most refreshingly, process driven.
 
He begins by describing the skills required to be a professional legal investigator and what the job entails. He then discusses investigative goals, objectives, and potential outcomes. Far too few books on the topic of investigations ever discuss these important elements, even as minor considerations.
Continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/book-review-by-eugene-ferraro-of-practical-methods-for-legal-investigations
 
PPIAC Life Member Awarded presented to Dean Beers (from 10/20/2012)
In presenting the award, Robert noted that Dean has committed many hours to not only the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, but also as an ambassador for PPIAC to other associations and professional investigators nationwide.
 
Dean has dedicated this award to his wife, Karen, without whom nothing would be possible and everything is.
Continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/ppiac-life-member-awarded-presented-to-dean-beers

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Latest book available...
"Investigating Death and Serious Bodily Injuries"

FALI is offering, for a limited time, our Investigating Death & Serious Bodily Injuries book, "Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigation for the Professional Investigator," by Dean & Karen Beers.

These are for a limited time! The guide is under revision and will be released this summer for $95 - save 1/3 off the price now at just $70, including shipping with 50% net proceeds going to FALI!

https://fali.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?id=8948697

The manual is over 200 pages and begins with the core of the Beers's distance learning course manual. It includes over 20 additional forensic, death and serious bodily injury based articles.


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Time is money!
Learn how we efficiently multi-task using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
  • DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
  • Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
  • Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
  • Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
  • Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
  • Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
  • Split View - www.SplitView.com

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Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv)
Facts & Forensics

About every other month Dean host a podcast featuring topical information in the areas of legal investigations and forensic investigations.  He is joined by his wife and business partner, Karen for 'Conversations with Karen' on special topics of interest.  Dean closes each episode with a 'Special Guest' who is an expert in a forensic specialty.  Tune in this, and every, month!

All shows are posted at http://gimg.tv - the latest podcast topics include:
Conversations with Karen
Every Contact Leaves a Trace
Is it Homicide or Suicide – Test Your Observation Skills
 
Special Guest with Dean
Brandon Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER, returns to talk about FTER – Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery

Coming soon...!
We will be having our good friend and expert Forensic Photographer and GPS Analyst, Robert Wyman, return! Check the website in mid November.

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Expert Affiliations
We believe that medicolegal investigation and consultation is a team effort.  Stephen Cina MD and Harold Schueler PhD are our agency affiliated experts in our respective fields offering our clients comprehensive medicolegal services.

Dr. Cina, based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations.

Dr. Schueler is now a profession at mid-Atlantic university, and is the former Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
 
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation.  The CVs of both Dr. Cina and Dr. Schueler are available by Contacting Us 
 
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010.


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Tidbits From Our Profession
Do you have news of your associations and members to share? Please let us know!

The associations conference season is coming to a close. Stay tuned for upcoming state, national and international association conferences.

National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com) -
2018 Mid-Winter is January 18th and 19th in Orange Beach, AL. Details at http://nalionline.org/events/mid-winter-conference-2018

National Council of Investigation & Security Services (www.NCISS.org) - 2018 Hit the Hill and Annual Meeting will be held March 19th-21st. Details will follow soon!

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Associations and News
Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org) Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area.  PPIAC continues to hold specialized training sessions for new and veteran investigators, and also specific to the new licensing program.

At the Annual Meeting in November, elections were held. Look for an updated list of the Vice Presidents and Directors next month. Board Chairman Steve Davis, and President Ryan Johnston, continue leading the association through their terms to November 2018.

National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com)
NALI is the premier association for legal investigators for civil plaintiff and criminal defense, and oversees the prestigious Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) program.  Experience is required to join and all members are subject to a background check.
 
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at www.nalionline.org/publications.htm 

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)
Each day we find an increasing number of problems confronting the orderly growth of our profession. These problems include, among others: overly restrictive legislation regarding training and standards, proliferation of legislation requiring local licensing, public misunderstanding and misinformation on the role and contribution of private investigators and security services, and an uninformed media. It is the role of NCISS to meet and solve these problems while seeking to uncover and recommend action on any hidden potential problems which may have an effect on our profession.

The current issue of NCISS's official journal - Your Advocate - is available online at www.nciss.org/your-advocate
Special news and alerts are at www.nciss.org/important-nciss-news

NEW!! Members Only Page - www.nciss.org/members-only
State Legislation Awareness Monitoring (SLAM), Membership Directory (PDF), Member contributed articles.

World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net) 
W.A.D. is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921 and formalized in 1925.  W.A.D. is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world.

Karen is the W.A.D. Administrative Manager, and Dean is the Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South America).  Together we work to further the mission of W.A.D. and provide resources to clients needing assistance in these regions.  The W.A.D. magazine,

The current issue of WAD's official newletter - Beyond Global - is available online at www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global
 
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations, as well as specialty specific national associations (see right sidebar). If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.


(left) - Brandon Perron presents to Dean Beers and (right) - Bob Heales and Ryan Johnston announce a merger
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News From Our Profession
The Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council - Philosopher Award
www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/dean-beers-2017-investigator-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 CD ITC, 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."

Congratulations to Bob Heales and Ryan Johnston on their merger
From Bob Heales:
"It's been a good run. Over 37 years since I became a Private Investigator. I have had some great long term employees. John Karubus started in 1983 and has been my VP/GM most of that time. Jeff Hoppes was with me from 1985 until 2010 and moved to Minneapolis to manage that office in 1998. Ryan Johnston was with me from 1984 until 2000 as Senior Investigator when he left to start his own company. He follows in my footsteps as current President of the Colorado PI Association, PPIAC. He was always one of my best investigators.

We have trained nearly 100 investigators over the decades. Some were with us for a decade or longer, and some moved on to an assortment of police and sheriff departments and the State Patrol. I'm proud of all of them. My boys and girls.

Through a merger and acquisition, R.A Heales & Associates joins Night Moves of Denver to form Colorado Private Investigations, LLC. I am thrilled that Ryan is taking over as President and CEO. I will stay in the background as a consultant. Congratulations and good luck Ryan. I know you will continue to excel as one of Colorado's best."

Learned about the merged agencies at www.DenverCPI.com

The Case of the Cannibal School Teacher
Our thanks to our friend, 'Mr. Homicide' Vernon Geberth for sharing (www.PracticalHomicideInvestigation.com)
Albert Fentress abducted, abused, mutilated, murdered and then ate parts of an 18-year-old boy. But before he did all that - before he had even met his victim - he wrote a movie script, describing the murder her would later commit.

“A murder like that doesn't just happen on the spur of the moment," according to veteran homicide investigator, educator and consultant Vernon Geberth. It builds, over time, moving toward reality in stages. The script that the offender had written was like "foreplay." “

Then there is a triggering episode - In Fentress's case a very specific trigger and suddenly the foreplay isn't enough and the fantasy becomes a reality.
https://soundcloud.com/lohud-crime-scene/fentress-cannibal-school-teacher 

Our thanks to our friend, Bill Elliott, CLI (Elliott & Associates - NM) for sharing all the following news and stories.
Prosecutors slammed for ‘lack of moral compass,’ withholding evidence in widening Massachusetts drug lab scandalTwice in recent years, chemists used by the state of Massachusetts to test drugs in criminal cases committed massive misconduct in their testing, affecting tens of thousands of cases. And twice, prosecutors in Massachusetts failed to act promptly to notify most defendants of the problem.
Instead, the prosecutors have taken years to seek justice for the defendants affected by the bad drug testing in both episodes, causing some people to wrongly spend years in prison.
www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2017/10/04/prosecutors-slammed-for-lack-of-moral-compass-withholding-evidence-in-widening-mass-drug-lab-scandal/?utm_term=.bca1df6702aa

Feds move to block 'white hat' defense by Baton Rouge man in Trump tax return hacking case
A local private investigator accused of trying to illegally obtain then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's unreleased tax returns should be barred from arguing to a jury that he did so for ethical reasons, federal prosecutors contend.
Jordan Hamlett, 32, of Baton Rouge, is scheduled to stand trial Dec. 4 on a federal charge of misrepresenting his Social Security number in a failed attempt to access Trump's tax returns before last year's presidential election.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/article_3cfbeb26-b42c-11e7-8050-37e0379a2af3.html

From our friends at PI Education...
A few reasons why PI EDUCATION is the preferred continuing education provider for private investigators.
Learn from REAL, working, professional investigators.
- 24/7 Online Classroom
-Top Shelf Customer Support
-Easy, Convenient, Affordable
-- www.PIEducation.com

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Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
Legislative Activity Summary
It remains relatively quiet on the state and federal legislative activity. Most state legislatures are not in session, and Congress remains mostly busy with domestic economic and healthcare issues.

Security Officer Screening Improvements Act and Legislation

In the month of August, Lobbyit took advantage of the lull in legislative activity to discuss future plans for action on Senator Toomey's Security Officer Screening Improvements Act (SOSIA) with allied parties, including Steve Amitay, Executive Director of the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO).
What does this mean for our professions? Please read the full report at http://conta.cc/2xjlNLD

2018 Hit the Hill and Annual Conference - Speakers announced!
NCISS is fortunate to have many members with expertise in multiple investigative and security services disciplines. We appreciate them giving of their time to join us for the Hit the Hill and Annual Meeting events, as well as speak to our group on a variety of important trends and topics important to each of us. The conference committee has recently secured the following speakers. Details of the full schedule and registration will be coming soon!
  • Terry Kilburn
Terry will use his decades of database and records experience to speak on trends and techniques of effective database use.
  • Timothy A. Dimoff, CEO/President
SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc.
The Escalating Trends of Aggression and Violence Sweeping Our Nation.
  • Cynthia Hetherington
Hetherington Group
Cynthia will speak on the Internet, open sources and database offerings.


Visit Your NCISS Website - www.NCISS.org
​Facebook - www.facebook.com/NCISS.Association
For additional information on NCISS legislative activity, please visit www.nciss.org/important-nciss- news

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The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
Skills Appropriate for the Assignment
Law firms and medical offices specialize - Professional Investigators also specialize.  Their casework and continuing education should also be in your specialized areas.

Experience and Knowledge
Professional Investigators strive to maintain and further these. All professions have requirements of continuing education.  The CLI and CCDI programs both require extensive compliance with continuing education.

Responsible and Ethical Conduct
Every component of the investigation has evidentiary considerations. Professional Investigators hold themselves to a higher standard and leaves no question as to the admissibility of their evidence.  Information without ethics is not evidence.

Effective Communication
Professional Investigators maintain communication with the attorney, client, witnesses, and other key persons in the investigation.  Moreover, reports are the product of an organized investigation and should reflect the work product you expect.

Keyword - 'Professional'
Honesty, Integrity & Intelligence.  These define Professional Investigators and gives you the confidence that your case is in competent and skilled hands.

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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.

We provide investigations and consultations of any death or serious bodily injury case nationwide with the conveniences of modern technology and assistance of our local professional friends and colleagues.

In addition, we continue to provide Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation. Additional information at  www.DeathCaseReview.com/general-services.html

Call us today, we're glad to help!


Experience the PRIDE of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence in every assignment. 

Sincerely,
Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI 

Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
 
Colorado (970) 480-7793 - Dean x1 and Karen x2 - Voice / TXT

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IN CLOSING... We are honored to provide legal investigations for 30 years!
www.Forensic-Investigators.com
- Legal Investigations - Civil, Criminal & Probate
- Expert Consultations and Medicolegal Investigations of Death & SBI
- Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities
 
We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families.  Contact our agency any time – we’re there when you need us.


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