We recently reached an agreement with S2 Institute to extend discounted online and onsite education and training opportunities for our law enforcement and private sector colleagues.

These distance learning courses are offered by Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC in partnership with the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute. These courses are specifically geared for the busy working professional who doesn't have the time to travel or the time to sit in a classroom all day. For budget-conscious organizations, our online courses also offer a cost-effective way to train personnel without incurring travel expenses or lost productivity due to training time.

All of our distance learning courses are presented through the S2 Online Academy's virtual classroom system. While other online training systems limit the learning experience to reading course material and listening to audio lectures, the S2 virtual classroom system uses Macromedia Flash-driven slides and streaming video of mastered instructor presentations to provide a dynamic learning environment unequaled by anything short of a live classroom.

Go to http://S2Institute.Forensic-Investigators.com for details!
See the official Press Release

http://ethics.forensic-investigators.com

Its here, its online and its FREE! I finally put together a few common ethical concerns for private investigators. Ethics are important, so important that I am sharing this eBook FREE. No catches, no gimmicks...just go download for your specific reader.

The value and importance of our professional ethics cannot be overstated. Ethics are often seen as morals, they are not, though one will impact the other. Morals behavioral guides that are personal and individualistic. Ethics are rules of behavior for an individual through a group – such as an association or profession.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Other books and resources are at http://resources.Forensic-Investigators.com

www.MedicolegalDeathInvestigations.com
 for details and registration.

Includes the Ethics program for FREE ($25 value)!

This continuing education based death investigation course is a basic introduction into the concepts of the official investigation of death, such as by a coroner or medical examiner office, and the role that the private investigator may play in an equivocal death investigation. As might be expected, there are similar roles, overlapping roles and, of course different roles and responsibilities.  Although developed for continuing education, the concepts and methodology are suitable for any private or government sector investigator looking to expand their investigative knowledge into the basics of death investigation, and even personal injury investigations and injury causation.

This course is designed to provide the investigator currently working in, or interested in working in, the death and personal injury investigation fields the knowledge and insight to informatively and intelligently conduct a criminal defense or civil investigation in which serious bodily injury or death is the subject matter of the litigation.

This course is approved for 14 hours of instruction for Certified Legal Investigators (CLIs) and PIs in TX, OK, and IA; 12 hours in GA, TN and KY; 8 hours in LA and KS; 10 hours in OR and SC; 6 hours in NC; 4 hours in NM. An exam will be administered upon the conclusion of the program. If the candidate passes with a score of 75% or better, a certificate of completion will be issued in accordance with state licensing authority standards.

* This course may qualify for other private, government and association CE credit - please contact the oversight authority.

When someone asks me what type of investigative work we do, I usually go down the list of what our agency offers.  However, nine times out of ten, the only item on the list that draws their attention is equivocal death case investigation, or equivocal case death review.  I have not decided yet, which of two words grab their attention the most, either the word “death” or the word “equivocal”. 

The word death seems to capture most people’s attention, and I believe one reason is because that word alone can conjure up many emotions within a person.  I know some people believe only women attach emotions to certain words, however, ask any man who has gone through a death, and you might get a similar reaction as a woman, although perhaps not as noticeable.  Most of us with a conscious will have an emotion triggered when we hear the word death or dead, mainly because most of us have experienced all of the emotions and loss associated with the death of someone we love. 

The word equivocal seems to capture attention simply because many do not understand what the word means.  So I often hear, “What in the world is that type of investigation?”  One of the easiest ways to remember what the word equivocal means, especially in relation to a death is the word questionable, which is exactly why people seek an equivocal death case investigation or equivocal death case review.  Whether a loved one questions the way an initial investigation was performed, whether they question why the death was ruled a certain way, or whether they question the meaning of the autopsy report, there are always plenty of questions lingering in their minds.

The heaviness that so many questions weigh on a person’s mind is one reason we offer the equivocal death case review.  We found that many people could not afford a full equivocal death case investigation, which is not always necessary, so the review offers most people enough information to get the answers they seek to the many questions that linger.  Often times, after we conduct an equivocal death case review, the numerous questions get answered, and this helps to ease people’s minds, allowing them to finally let go and move on with their own lives.  Letting go does not mean forgetting the person’s death or that person, it simply allows them to let go of the obsession over their internal bombarding questions.

When there are so many questions after a death, the person experiencing these questions will sometimes become obsessed, and the questions are played over and over again in their minds.  This wears that person down, which can cause, anxiety, depression, an abundance of anger and sadness to the point that the person with the lingering questions’ own physical and emotional health becomes compromised.  Once the questions are answered, the person’s mind will quiet down, and then acceptance will sink in, and life will go on.

Sometimes a person may not have specific questions, yet they have doubt about some issues surrounding a death.  With an equivocal death case review, these doubts can either be put to rest, or confirmed.  If the doubts are put to rest, again, it eases the mind and allows that person to continue on with their life.  If the review supports their doubt or suspicions, then a full equivocal death investigation may be necessary to confirm these doubts or suspicions.  It is at that point that perhaps an attorney will be needed to reopen a case.                    

However, there is no need to go straight down that road of expense to hire an attorney.  A person can spend thousands on the attorney and the investigators the attorney may hire, only to find out everything done was for not, and the initial investigation was in fact performed properly from the beginning.

This is another reason a person should seek out an equivocal death case review, this could not only save a person thousands of dollars, but a lot of unnecessary time and energy expended when there was no feasible reason to go the attorney route to begin with. 

This is not about taking money away from an attorney.  This is about saving our clients from unnecessary expense, and heartache, as well as to assist them with closure in the shortest amount of time possible.  There is nothing more satisfying than hearing, “Thank you, I can now sleep at night”, or “Thank you, I feel at peace now”.  We hear statements like that and many similar ones simply because the lingering questions have finally been answered without spending thousands of their hard earned dollars.  So the answer to who needs an equivocal death case review is anyone with any lingering questions surrounding the death of a loved one. 

I recently came across a test I developed in 2002 for a 'Certified Locate Specialist' exam.  Believe it or not, not much has changed in 10 years when it comes to the core skills and knowledge necessary for these types of records checks and investigations.  So, I thought I would have a little fun and share it.  I've put it on the page with our updated and revised eBook, which was developed from the course for this certification.

Take this quiz, email or fax it to us and we'll send back your grade and answers to see if you need any brushing up, or if you're an 'Ace'!  If you're an 'Ace' we'll email you a novelty Certificate of Skills and Knowledge!

Download and take the Knowledge Test!

Its completely free, no catches and just for fun!

This Knowledge Test is based on the just released, revised and updated, eBook 'Professional Investigations:  Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities' which also includes the 'Professional Investigations:  Ethical Considerations for the Professional Investigator'!  It is a challenge of 135 questions with 179 answers - 70 multiple choice, 35 fill in the blank, 15 true or false and 15 list multiple answers.

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs040/1103529694576/archive/1109070570354.html

Friends and Colleagues,

Each month our agency publishes an interactive and informative newsletter for clients and colleagues.  However, some groups strip out the html code - so we have created the following links.

The current issue is at < AFI-LLC Newsletter - February 2012 >

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which is to mean six more weeks of winter -- brrrr!.  This newsletter continues our 2012 motto for everyone in our profession...'Together We're Better'.  We continue to look for unique educational opportunities - from online and distance learning, to conferences and training opportunities.

THIS MONTH!
AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES
-- Colleagues and Clients - Distance Learning and Online Education
http://S2Institute.Forensic-Investigators.com
http://PITraining.Forensic-Investigators.com  
-- 'Professional Locate Investigations' is revised and updated with a new name and content - www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com!     

In This Issue
-- False Confessions and Accusations
-- Elder Deaths Investigations
-- US Supreme Court Decision - Warrantless Entry by Law Enforcement
-- Investigating Coroners and Medical Examiners
-- Most Ridiculous Lawsuit of 2011 Announced

Association News
-- Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC)
Notice of Proposed Licensing Rules - Update from DORA
-- National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) - Conference Update
-- National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Call for Action - Removal of Social Security Death Index
Hit the Hill - Washington DC in April
-- World Association of Detectives (WAD)
International Conference - Cannes, France in May
-- National Defender Investigators Association (NDIA)
Annual Conference - Atlanta, GA in April
What is your association news that we can share?

As news of our profession changes daily, keep an eye on our agency blog (http://www.forensic-investigators.com/afi-llc-blog.html), where we will be more frequently posting stories, updates and association news of our profession.

The newsletter archives and press releases can be found at < Newsletters and Press Releases Archives >.  You can sign up to directly receive newsletters and press releases at < Subscribe to Newsletters and Press Releases >.  Information covers industry news, association news, legislative news and topical information contributed by other investigators.

Thank You!  If you have news to share or considerations to share in our newsletter, let us know.

A press conference by the Beverly Hills Police Department and Los Angeles County Coroner is coming up. 

Media is reporting that the autopsy that has determined her cause of death is completed. FYI - the autopsy begins with the scene investigation and concludes when the investigative reports, information, facts, evidence and autopsy findings (including toxicology and possibly microbiology) are done. So, no the autopsy is not complete and I doubt you will hear a cause or manner of death. To the living we owe respect, to the dead we owe the truth.

First mistake in a media story - 'Did she die of an accidental suicide'?  FYI - It's either 'Accident' or 'Suicide', not both (if there is a question between the two with neither being more than likely than the other, that is 'Equivocal' and that is where our agency comes in and shines).

Hollywood has taken it toll of great talent over many decades, and it seems much more so over the recent years.

Paul Purcell has developed a unique and complete system that has not only stood the test of time, but has evolved with it.  You can check out the PI Case Management System, including free sample forms, at http://picasefile.forensic-investigators.com.  Paul also puts out an informative newsletter...

Welcome to the latest issue of “The Case File News.”

 At InfoQuest, we're focused on helping you with the "business of running your business."   As usual, this latest newsletter is packed with marketing info, time management tips, money saving sources, and other information that will help you make your agency more and more successful.

 You’ll find this issue at http://www.thecasefile.com/TCFNews22012.htm

 Take care, and let us know how best we might help.

 Paul Purcell

InfoQuest

770-235-1664 office

www.thecasefile.com

An important message from Maria Landry, President of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)...

The NCISS Hit the Hill is quickly approaching.  The Hit the Hill campaign is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17th.  The State Association Advisory Board (SAAB) Committee is currently putting together a State Association Leadership Workshop which will be called SAAB University.  This is planned to take place on Wednesday, April 18th.

As hotel rooms book fast and early, please make your hotel reservations as soon as possible.

The contact number and link are below or go to the NCISS website – www.nciss.org – for further information.

Washington National Harbor
171 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, Maryland 20745
Phone: (301) 567-3999
Conference Rate $169

NCISS Hit the Hill 2012 Hotel Reservations
click on above link for hotel reservations

Kindest Regards,
Maria Vinson Landry, CPP
NCISS President

You can follow the bills that NCISS is watching, and the position and recommended action of NCISS, at:  http://nciss.org/Legislation/legislation.htm
and you can track the progress of bills at:  http://nciss.org/Tracking/leg_tracking.htm

The National Council of Investigation and Security Services, Inc., is a cooperative effort of those companies and associations responsible for providing private security and investigation services to the legal profession, business community, government and the public. 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.

For any questions about NCISS membership or Hit the Hill, contact any NCISS board member, or Dean (Region 5A Director) - beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com

This update from the VP of Legislative Affairs, from the VP of Legislative Affairs of the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC)...
The Colorado Private Investigator Licensing Program is being run by DORA (Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies) and because you have shown interest in this program, we are passing along this information, on their behalf.

The rules for the Colorado Private Investigator Licensing program have been completed and are posted at www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/eDocketCriteria.do and use the tracking number 2012-00077.  Please review the rules and any concerns or comments should be sent to PI@dora.state.co.us  The rules hearing, when you can voice your concerns in person, will be Friday, March 2, 2012 starting at 10:0am at 1560 Broadway, Conference Room 1250C, Denver, Colorado. If you are going to voice a concern on these rules, it is requested that you email your written testimony, 10 days prior to the rule making hearing to the aforementioned email address.   The other key dates in this program are as follows:   By March 9, 2012  Rules Adopted Mid-March 2012   Fingerprinting and Background check instructions posted Mid-April 2012  Applications posted May 1, 2012   Adopted Rules Effective July 1, 2012  Licenses Issued February 28, 2013  Renewal of Licenses Although you will see on that site that the fees for licensing were going to be set on February 6, 2012, there has been a delay. We talked to DORA and they indicated that the fees will be set within the next two weeks. We will pass along this information as soon as we know.

Ryan Johnston
VP of Legislative Affairs-PPIAC
Night Moves of Denver
Private Investigations
PO Box 1135
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034-1135
Denver Area: 303-456-4779
Toll Free: 888-456-4779
Fax: 303-432-7954
E-Mail: Coloradopi@aol.com
Member: PPIAC, NCISS & NAPPS