What is a CFSI - AFI-LLC Newsletter November 2019

theInvestigators Professional Investigators Group has moved to Groups.io
Since 2009, we have provided a networking listserve for colleagues. In mid October it was learned Yahoogroups was disabling many functions of the listserves. After consideration of shutting down or continuing the service for colleagues, it was decided to move theInvestigators and move to another platform - with a specific purpose.

We firmly believe we should each support our state and national associations first, and use their member vetted listserves. Some things are not allowed on association groups - and social media groups are not the place for the responsible professionalism we should be practicing - socializing, sure - but not trading tips and information within our profession. With that, we see this as an opportunity for all of us

You can help by telling others and sharing this link - https://groups.io/g/theinvestigators!

We have migrated theInvestigators to a new listserv - it is the FIRST and largest open investigative group on Groups.io. In learning of the end to Yahoogroups, options were considered and looked at. Social media (mostly Facebook) being the first - as Yahoogroups is closing due to listserves being dinosaurs in the age of social media. However, there is too much abuse and irresponsibility - and complete lack of privacy. Social media PI forums exchanging sensitive information have made national media attention and now state and federal legislators and regulators for privacy and concerns PIs have too much access.

It is our goal to preserve the purpose and feel of the listserves, and our professionalism - and benefit our state and national associations who do keep us in business.  With the transition, theInvestigators will continue to be a self-moderated group of professional investigators in the private sector.

The first priority of theInvestigators is to support our associations, network, build professional relationships, share stories and advice. It is NOT a social media group. There is an expectation of privacy, confidentiality, and ethics. Almost any professional investigator is welcome - if we do not have a personal or professional relationship - you must provide complete business and professional information for verification.  Email us privately if you have any questions or concerns.  Our only intent is for this to be a fair and supportive group.

The Inner Circle of Investigators - Platinum Anniversary Conference - Denver, CO.
Founded in 1999 to focus on advanced and expert investigative education and practices, the 20th Platinum Anniversary conference of the ICI was held in Denver, CO. ICI is by invitation only, with Dean and Karen speaking and becoming members in September 2014. In the packed three-day event, attendees were immersed in several areas by subject matter experts.

In the packed three-day event, attendees were immersed in several areas by subject matter experts:
- Forensic-grade Data from a Computers, Mobiles, IoT and Cloud - Real World Application of digital data for Litigation
- E-Cigarett Explosions: The Battery, Failed Assembly Instructions, or Defective Design
- Forensic Animation and Visual Litigation Strategies
- Nutri-bullet: Blenders to Boilers to Explosion
- Flammability: Florarestor and Gas Cans
- Drones for Real World Litigation: Standards and Requirements for Use
- Tesla and Autopilot vehicles: Cameras vs. Lidar
- The Effects of Motorcycle Anti-lock Brakes; Manufacturer or Consumer Choice
- Knott Laboratory
  -- Ground Breaking Technology to Analyze Video of Tony Stewart Accident
  -- Multiple Violations of Safety Regulations Resulting in Fatal Crane Accident
  -- How a Pin and Toggle Switch Lead to a Multi-Fatality Vehicle Collision (semi-tractor & trailer)
  -- JFK Assassination Analysis Using Newest Technology
- Researching Defendant Corporations, Experts, Plaintiffs and Witnesses
- Vehicle Forensics - Cell Phone Data Harvesting From Vehicles
- Deep Diving Jury Research

www.InnerCircleOfInvestigators.com - a national association of highly experienced legal investigators and forensic engineers for plaintiff complex injury and wrongful death litigation.

A Message from Vernon Geberth, "Mr. Murder" (Lt. Commander, NYPD, Retired)...
I first met Dean Beers and his wife Karen in August 2016 at a World Investigators Conference at the La Torretta Lake Resort in Texas where I was one of the Keynote Speakers on Fabricated Crime Scenes and Equivocal Death, which encompassed Staged Crime Scenes.

We had the opportunity to discuss equivocal death investigations and I was very impressed with Dean and his wife Karen’s interest in conducting non-biased professional investigations which followed my “Practical Homicide” protocols.  Since that time we have discussed cases of mutual interest and have remained in contact over the years and I am confident in recommending their services through Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC.

Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S. Fellow, AAFS
Author of Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures and Forensic Techniques
www.PracticalHomicide.com

Agency Information & Principals' CVs - Expert Analysis / Consultations (national)
Current information on our primary agency website for services, forms, and CVs.
-- At Your Service - www.DeathCaseReview.com/Legal-Investigations
-- Your Investigators - www.DeathCaseReview.com/Principals-Bios
-- Dean's CV - http://dab-cv.DeathCaseReview.com
-- Karen's CV - http://ksb-cv.DeathCaseReview.com
-- References - http://references.DeathCaseReview.com

Karen provides Subject Matter Expertise on all Equivocal Deaths, and Dean has provided expert consultations nationwide since 2010. He has been recognized by Colorado courts in Forensic and Medicolegal Death Investigations generally in "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."

Specific non-medical testimony has included as an expert in the areas of:

• Injury, wound before morphology, how wounds are created, mechanics of single edged instruments, bilateral edged instruments, and mechanics of puncture wounds.
• Expert in criminal and forensic investigations, including death investigation and protocol standards as well as related death investigation and injury causation; and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
• Patterned Injury Analysis
• Private Investigation Protocols
• Background Records and Investigations

Dean has been appointed in Colorado, Wyoming, Louisiana, Arizona and California in these areas and as an expert in medicolegal / death investigations. In addition, Dean and Karen have provided private attorney and family consultations in multiple states.

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New Commentary:
The Certified Forensic Science Investigator (CFSI)

Associates in Forensic Investigations is honored to announce our agency principles, Dean A. Beers and Karen S. Beers, have each earned the CFSI designation by the Criminal Defense Investigators Training Council. Together both have become CDITC triple-certified in investigative specialties through education, training, experience, and examination. As husband and wife Team Beers, they are part of a unique group to do so.

The CFSI areas of focus are:
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Forensic Firearms
- Fingerprints
- Forensic Photography

Each area is covered from the history to the scientific processes specific to forensic evidence and forensic investigation. Examination is comprehensive following the multi-day 20 hours of the education and training component by CDITC. This gives the investigator the knowledge and background in understanding the scientific principles of these areas of forensic science and forensic investigations.

Learn more at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/the-certified-forensic-science-investigator

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
-- theInvestigators group has moved - Join Us!
-- The Inner Circle of Investigators - Platinum Anniversary Conference - Denver, CO.
-- A message from Vernon Geberth, "Mr. Murder" (Lt. Commander, NYPD Homicide, Retired)
-- New Commentary - The Certified Forensic Science Investigator (CFSI)
-- Agency Information and Principals' CVs (updated 11/01/2019)
-- Top Tip of 2019 for our PI Colleagues
-- Book Available – "Practical Methods for Legal Investigations - Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases
-- Tidbits From Our Profession
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
  - Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System
  - Investigators or Information Providers
  - Not Just the FAQs
  - Death of a Flim Flam
-- Case Studies from AFI-LLC
  -- Wrongful Death - Homicide or Justifiable Self-Defense (Expert Consultation)
  -- Wrongful Death - Time of Death (Expert Consultation)
-- Time is Money!
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Learn Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigations
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
  -- New EyeDetect Lie Detection Technology Now Available in Norway
  -- Drones present liability issues for companies
  -- Court Rules Defendant Must Disclose Phone Password to Police and Prosecution
  -- Homeless man facing prison cleared by lab results
  -- Law enforcement officers join effort to block Reed execution
  -- Law enforcement officers join effort to block Reed execution
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
  - Coming Soon - The Your Advocate (Winter - December 2019)
  - Lobbyit Update – In Congress and Inside the Beltway
  - NCISS 2019 Privacy Special Report
  - Coming Soon - 4th Quarter NCISS Member Directory and Member Guide
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...

Top Tip of 2019 for our PI Colleagues...
If you need to find assistance outside of your area, here are steps to take to find a vetted and reliable professional:
1. Don't throw your request for assistance out to unvetted groups in social media or generic listserves. Why trust your business and your client to the unknown? Its bad business. Sure, they're free - but you get what you pay for.
2. Reach out to someone you know and trust in the area.
3. Reach out to the state or specialty association - join them.
4. Reach out to a national association - NCISS and NALI vet their membership to be in compliance with licensing and ethics - join them.
5. If international, reach out to WAD (they also vet their membership to be in compliance with licensing and ethics) - join them.
6. Vet your decision, including through your associations network.
 
Its your reputation. We give preference to professionals supporting our profession and holding membership in their state associations, NCISS, NALI and WAD, and specialty associations such as CDITC - many of which are cross members - join them. Through our memberships we have a trusted network of thousands in almost every state and almost 100 countries. We have a very personal network of over 2000 PIs we personally know and trust. That happened through our interactions in associations who support and grow our profession.

Don't just join - be active! We are involved in every association we belong to - not just as members, but from committees to the board, and Karen is the Administrative Manager or Executive Director of two.

It comes with a cost - so does bad decisions. Here some of our memberships and recommendations, and members of these associations get preference for direct referrals - www.DeathCaseReview.com/Associations.

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Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases

Features

• Presents a system that is easily adaptable to small assignments as well as complex litigation cases
• Emphasizes preparation, the most often neglected aspect of many investigations
• Differentiates between conducting and completing assignments and investigations
• Provides protocol for fact acquisition, recording, communicating, and reporting

Details at www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com

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

The conferences for 2019 have come to a close. With our last one being with the Inner Circle of Investigators, in Denver, CO., there is time to relax (sort of) until 2019.

NALI Mid-Winter Conference
January 23rd-24th – St. Pete Beach FL
Details at www.NALI.com

What conferences and events are you aware of for 2020? Let us know - we will include them in our agency newsletter!

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Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog
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.
 
Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System (05/05/2019)
The media has often been called the "fourth estate" or "fourth branch of government". In this role, they produce political information, opinion, influence political processes, and educate the general public. Their belief is the responsibility to inform and be essential to the healthy functioning of democracy.
This is true of professional investigators and private security agencies in being a key part of the American judicial system. Professional investigators produce information, facts, and evidence to inform and educate clients and juries, the public and government. In doing so, we have a responsibility to our clients and the public.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/professional-investigators-are-key-to-our-judicial-system
 
Investigators or Information Providers (06/02/2019)
We are very active in the various associations we belong to – from our state association to national and international associations. These each have professional listserves as a networking benefit to members – from asking for assistance, to sharing experiences – the sharing is a valuable resource. In recent years there has been a growth of social media groups serving much the same purpose, with disappointment.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/investigators-or-information-providers
 
Not Just the FAQs (07/01/2019)
As professional investigators there are basic tasks to be accomplished in every case, whether it be conducting surveillance, backgrounds, skip tracing, assets & liabilities, or defense mitigation. This applies to the investigation, interview, research, and reports. We are often asked what are some of the best practices essential to investigations – in addition to covering ‘the basics’ of who, what, when, where, why and how. Expanding on these basics would be our FAQs.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/not-just-the-faqs
 
Death of a Flim Flam (08/04/2019)
Our agency, and profession, was first alerted to this when friend and colleague Ron Rugen, in Missouri, posted his blog in early June 2015. We did also, with our own analysis and in response to an article pushing this service. We never received a response from this “Flim Flam” or the author of the article, nor was our response published – as promised.
 
What was previously known as “Flim Flam” was the original business name being a bit too revealing of what the ‘app’ and service actually was – and a name change to what it was not, “Trustify”. Founded in March of 2015, it took only a few months to be exposed in our profession; however, it took four years to see it finally collapse.
 
What did our agency find and do?
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/death-of-a-flim-flam

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Expert Forensic Consultant 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, has returned to being based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations. We trained under, and worked with Dr. Cina, since our positions as Deputy Coroners.

Dr. Schueler is now a profession at mid-Atlantic university, and is the former Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
 
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010. 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 
 
Through our colleagues, we also offer direct referrals from our Affiliated Experts Referral Program - contact our office for more details and direct referrals!

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Case Studies from AFI-LLC
www.DeathCaseReview.com/sample-cases
We are often asked about the types of traumatic injury and death cases we review - from family equivocal deaths to civil and criminal cases for attorneys and investigators. Each month we will present two previous cases - of hundreds - with a variety of circumstances, evidence, and conclusions.

Wrongful Death - Homicide or Justifiable Self-Defense (Expert Consultation)
Our agency was retained by next-of-kin to review the official records, reports, photographs and additional evidentiary information into the shooting death of a relative.  The decedent was found outside his residence, deceased, with two gunshot wounds.  Responding family members found two neighbors approximate to the decedent.  By report, the neighbors were returning to their home when observing the decedent being aggressive towards them.  At that time one neighbor retrieved his firearm, discharging three times and striking the decedent twice; the first shot was reported to be a warning shot.
 
Responding law enforcement personnel initially investigated the incident as self-defense.  However, independent review noted: 1) the vehicle incident position and final resting position; 2) trajectory of the ejected shell casings relative to likely and less likely positions of the neighbors and the decedent; and 3) positions of neighbors.
 
Our agency concluded that the empirical evidence with the series of events, as described by the neighbors, are inconsistent with the evidence of the official investigation.  Specifically, the following findings present reasonable concerns that the findings of the official investigation are inconsistent with the evidence of the same.  This includes the position of the decedent at the time of firearm discharge, position of the shooter at the time of discharging the firearm, position of the second neighbor at the time of the discharges of the firearm, and the position of the vehicle at the time of the discharges of the firearm and its final resting position.  Of primary concern due to being unsupported by the reviewed evidence, is the position of the shooter.
 
It is our opinion that there is foundation for consideration of limited continued official investigation for the purpose of reconciling those issues presented herein.
 -- Inconsistent statements of the neighbors, together and individually, as to the actions of the decedent, location of the decedent at firearm discharge, and number of shots fired.
-- Wound trajectories are inconsistent with the statements of the neighbors, together and individually, as to the actions and location of the shooter at the time of firearm discharge.
-- Location of the spent shell casings are inconsistent with the statements of the neighbors, together and individually, as to the actions and position of shooter at the time of firearm discharge.
-- Wound trajectories are inconsistent with the statements of the neighbors, together and individually, as to the actions and position of the decedent at the time of firearm discharge.
-- Location of the spent shell casings are inconsistent with the statements of the neighbors, together and individually, as to the actions and position of the decedent at the time of firearm discharge.
 
Wrongful Death - Time of Death (Expert Consultation)
Our agency was retained by counsel on behalf of the family to review the official reports and medical records of a single-vehicle motor vehicle crash involving two persons.
 
Both persons were intoxicated and had been served alcohol underage and while visibly intoxicated.  One occupant was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced at the scene, and a second occupant was found by first responders, sitting against the vehicle.  This occupant was conscious, but incoherent and transported to a nearby hospital.  This occupant's recollection was uncertain, however certain that their own position in the vehicle was as a passenger.  This was consistent with information that the other occupant of the vehicle was the owner.  There were no witnesses at the scene and none that had observed either person getting in the vehicle.  The decedent's time of death was reported as the 911 call, by the surviving occupant.  This is not an unusual practice, however, is not wholly accurate and is only a reference tool.
 
Information at the scene included a twelve-pack of beer, mostly consumed, and some associated empty cans.  Additional information included that the surviving occupant's mother received a cell phone call about one hour prior to the 911 call; both by the surviving occupant, which there was no recollection of and the mother indicated it was her belief that the crash had not occurred.  An autopsy was not conducted on the decedent.  Available reports and photographs indicated that the decedent was in full rigor mortis at the time of emergency services response.  This information placed the time of the collision much closer to the last time these individuals were seen - on a video in a bar, very unstable on their feet and being served.
 
Our consultation assisted the accident reconstructionist and was instrumental in determining that the surviving occupant made both phone calls after the crash.  Consultation with experts in traumatic brain injuries provided that a person can complete tasks with no recollection of doing so.*
 
Case settled with all parties before trial.
 
* A survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing (a building across the street severely damaged), with a traumatic brain injury, transported herself to the airport and boarded her scheduled flight to the east coast and reported for work as scheduled.  It was at work that co-workers noted her behavior and that she was in Oklahoma City at the time of the bombing.  She had no recollection of the event or her travel to the airport and home.

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Associations and News
We are dedicated ambassadors to our profession and work within several associations with others to continually protect and improve our profession and resources, as well as networking and continuing education opportunities.

Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org) Monthly meetings, including a training speaker, 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.

• Colorado Investigative Development Institute - two sessions per year, one each for Basic (spring) and Advanced (fall)
  
• Rocky Mountain Professional Investigators Conference each fall
  

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.

Legal Investigators working cases for civil plaintiff or criminal defense - join the National Association of Legal Investigators! (http://nalionline.org/become-a-member - please contact our office and use us as a reference on the application)
 
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.

Karen is the NCISS Executive Director, and and oversees the day-to-day operations of the association and members, working closing with the Executive Committee and Board to advocate for the investigative and security professions. 

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

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 current issue of WAD's official newsletter - Beyond Global - is available online at www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global

Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (www.CDITCtraining.com) 
CDITC is a national training program and association of investigators devoted to criminal defense, and defense our Constitution - one case at at time, through the 'Component Method' by founder and National Director, Brandon Perron, CCCDI. Available training and certifications include the Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDIs), Certified Forensic Interviewer - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER), and the Certified Forensic Science Investigator (CFSI) programs.

Dean is a Faculty Board Advisor, and both Dean and Karen CDITC triple-Board Certified as CCDIs, CFI-FTERs, and now CFSIs.

Additional memberships include FALI (FL), TALI (TX) and CALI (CA) state associations, National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Mensa, and other associations (see right sidebar).

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PI Magazine features the top investigators and writers in the profession in each issue. Six issues per year - bi-monthly - and available in print and digital formats. Publishers are fellow professional investigators, Nicole Cusanelli and Jim Nanos.

Nicole Cusanelli - Nicole@PIMagazine.com
Jim Nanos - James@PIMagazine.com

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News from Around our Profession
New EyeDetect Lie Detection Technology Now Available in Norway
(from Norway WAD member Thomas Mathiesen – presented at the WAD Conference in Stockholm)
 
By merely reading a person’s involuntary eye behavior, this ocular-motor method for detecting lies is up to 90 percent accurate. Instead of connecting polygraph cables and sensors to individuals to detect deception, now Norway government and law enforcement agencies can use a new lie detector that can look into a person’s eyes to reveal lies with a 90 percent accuracy in 15 minutes. This new technology, EyeDetect by Converus, recently became available in Norway from Converus Service Partner Etterforsker1 Gruppen AS (Thomas Mathiesen, Founder)
-- continued at https://converus.com/blog/new-eyedetect-lie-detection-technology-now-available-in-norway
 
Drones present liability issues for companies
(California Association of Licensed Investigators – CALI)
Imagine you’re standing in your front yard when a drone flies overhead, delivering a package to one of your neighbors. The drone goes over your house, flying much lower than a helicopter could. Would that be considered trespassing? After all, you didn’t even order the package. What if the drone took pictures of you and everything else in your yard as it went by; is that allowed? What if it malfunctioned and fell on your head — who would be at fault?
 
These are some of the thorny legal questions that will have to be answered as companies such as Google parent Alphabet, Amazon and UPS start preparing for a future where delivery by drone is more widespread.
-- continued at http://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/ODN/SanFranciscoChronicle/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=HSFC%2F2019%2F10%2F28&entity=Ar02702&sk=0AA69140&mode=text
 
Court Rules Defendant Must Disclose Phone Password to Police and Prosecution in First Ruling of its Kind in State
(Dean and Karen Beers – Associates in Forensic Investigations, CO)
The Oregon Court of Appeals made a first-of-its-kind ruling when it affirmed a lower court's decision that the forced disclosure of a defendant's phone passcode was not a violation of her Fifth Amendment rights. A Marion County judge sided with police and prosecutors by ordering Pittman to enter her passcode. Her defense attorney argued forcing her to do so would violate her rights against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1 Section 12 of the Oregon Constitution.
 
From Dean - "Forgone conclusion" as to the defendant having knowledge and possession (in this case - because its in her purse) - prima facie, I get it. It will take me a while to wrap my head around that. I am in and own my house - I have knowledge and possession of illegal drugs inside a safe that is in the house. They don't know what's in the safe, but based on other evidence have concluded there are drugs. I guess I would be compelled to open the safe - without them articulating their facts for a search warrant. Or, did I miss something? I'm fine if they get the warrant.”
-- continued at www.newsweek.com/court-rules-defendant-must-disclose-phone-password-police-prosecution-first-ruling-its-kind-1466112
 
Homeless man facing prison cleared by lab results
(Dean and Karen Beers – Associates in Forensic Investigations, CO)
First he took a guilty plea to get out of jail... then the lab results proved his innocence...
 
A homeless man who pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine had his case dismissed after the substance turned out to be powdered milk. He entered the plea so he could get out of the Oklahoma County jail - he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
 
He asked to withdraw his plea after receiving a negative lab report – the charges were dismissed and he was released the next day.
-- continued at https://oklahoman.com/article/5644076/homeless-man-facing-prison-cleared-by-lab-results

Law enforcement officers join effort to block Reed execution
(Ellis Armistead, CLI - Armistead Investigations, CO)
Arguing that there is significant evidence that death row inmate Rodney Reed may be innocent, 13 current and former law enforcement officers are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in his case before the Bastrop man is put to death on Nov. 20. In a legal brief filed Monday with the high court, the Texas officers said they understand “as well as anyone the need for finality in criminal cases.” and “But where, as here, there is a significant risk of executing an innocent man, that need for finality must yield to the needs of justice,” they told the court.
-- continued at www.statesman.com/news/20191028/law-enforcement-officers-join-effort-to-block-reed-execution
-- read the law enforcement brief at www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/19/19-411/120488/20191028153301496_Dechert%20Reed%20Amicus%20FINAL.pdf

When is a Confidentiality Breach Justified for Private Investigators?
(Dean and Karen Beers – Associates in Forensic Investigations, CO)
Thanks to industry supporters at PI Now...

While maintaining trust is of utmost importance in any investigation, situations do arise that call for breaking confidentiality. Here are some instances that justify a breach of confidentiality:
- Disclosure with Consent - A client permits you to use their story to encourage others with similar stories to come forward.
- Disclosure Required by Law - A police officer comes to you with a court order to surrender information regarding a certain case.
- Disclosure in the Public Interest - While interviewing a suspect, they threaten a specific person related to the case with bodily harm.
- Unintentional breaches; and
- Revealing Information to a Team.

"One of the most basic tenets of professional investigators is the client confidentiality. When working with attorneys, as their agents, the attorney work-product and client confidentiality doctrines and ethics extend to the investigator.

When working with a private party or business, not represented by an attorney, this confidentiality exists only under a licensure program - if codified; and/or by written contract." - Dean and Karen Beers

-- continued at www.pinow.com/articles/2725/when-is-a-confidentiality-breach-justified-for-private-investigators

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Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
Your NCISS Board and members recently returned from the Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event - representing over 10 states and making over 110 appointments with Senators and Representatives. Here is what was shared at each appointment - www.nciss.org/Congress

NCISS Member magazine - Your Advocate - December 2019 Winter
Next issue coming in December 2019
PS - be sure to check past issues of the Your Advocate digital magazine at www.nciss.org/Your-Advocate

Lobbyit Update – In Congress and Inside the Beltway
As regular readers of The Advocate are aware, NCISS, through our DC representatives at Lobbyit, continue to track the content and development of the various measures proposed under the general rubric of “data privacy”.  Spurred first by the European Union’s GDPR, then California’s CCPA, Congress continues to work on an overall legislative package which would regulate the collection of information generated via use of the internet, and provide consumers greater insight as to what was collected, enhanced control over what information is allowed to be collected, and more say over its eventual disposition.
- continued in the Your Advocate
 
NCISS 2019 Privacy Special Report
As an Investigator, Security Agency, Process Server, or related professional… have you benefited from:

• Having access to driving records and motor vehicle information from your state DMV and private data providers?
• Having access to databases with permissible purposes under the GLBA?
• Having access to Social Security Numbers, Birthdates, Address History and other important information, including credit reports?
• Carry a firearm in the course of your professional duties?
• Having the ability to use a pretext for undercover operations, shopping services and other permissible purposes?
• Used the National Sex Offender Registry (Dru’s Law) for background investigations?
• Used GPS, drones and other modern technology in your investigations and security services?

If you answered YES to just one of these questions, you have directly benefitted from the more than 40-year history of NCISS, volunteers, and support of NCISS every member. NCISS and membership have provided responsive testimony to Congress and federal regulators, as well as assisting state associations with similar issues at the state level.
 
How? Download and share this important Special Report from NCISS at www.nciss.org/Special-Report!
 
If you wonder what NCISS does for you, view NCISS as your insurance policy. You don’t make claims every day. When the big claim comes, and the upcoming privacy fight is that “claim,” you will want NCISS protecting you at every turn.

Please share with your colleagues - 2019 is going to be a challenging year for all of us.

COMING SOON! 4TH QUARTER MEMBER DIRECTORY AND MEMBER GUIDE
The updated 4th quarter digital Member Directory and Member Guide is coming soon!

To stay current, 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.

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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
With 30+ years of experience, we deliver value our clients require and the results only this experience brings. We 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 Due Diligence Investigations of Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities, and Heirs / Relatives for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation.

Additional information at  www.DeathCaseReview.com/general-services
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. 

With appreciation,
Dean A. Beers, CLI* and Karen S. Beers, BSW* 
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
 
Colorado (970) 480-7793 - Dean x1 and Karen x2 - Voice / TXT

*Board Certifications:
CDITC Certified Criminal Defense Investigators (CCDI)
CDITC Certified Forensic Interviewers / Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER)
CDITC Certified Forensic Science Investigators (CFSI)
Certified in Medicolegal Death Investigations

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IN CLOSING... We are honored to provide legal investigations for over 30 years! Visit our updated agency website at
www.IsItHomicide.com
- Legal Investigations - Civil, Criminal & Probate - Pre-Litigation & Litigation
- Expert Consultations and Medicolegal Investigations of Death & SBI
- Individual Locates, Backgrounds, and Assets & Liabilities
​- Estate Heirs, Relatives and Next-of-Kin
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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Follow us on Facebook for exclusive PI discounts - www.facebook.com/My007Spy!

Our agency has developed, and shared those developed by professional colleagues, distance learning courses valuable to you in continuing education credits, expanding your skills and knowledge - and services you can provide clients.