Quaero Indicium
'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an
interest
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Greetings!
First, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of those fatally and seriously injured in the recent shootings in Tucson. As it turns out, friends and clients were in attendance at Rep. Gifford's
event. Thankfully all are physically safe.
Unfortunately, the effects from this event will have long-term impacts on those involved - from survivors to their families, and from bystanders to those watching the events unfold. It is with the goal of educating and helping that we wrote the articles last month that continue this month - PTSD and TBIs.
This newsletter is late because of several late breaking items - from the NALI conference fun to the introduction of a PI licensing bill in Colorado. Kitty Hailey, CLI and ethics expert has also contributed this month.
Updates from January -- The NALI conference -- Webinars for the legal and investigative professions -- Medicolegal Death Investigation seminar In the News-- Wrongfully imprisoned - reading helped him 'see' the world and win his freedom Association News-- Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado -- National Association of Legal Investigators -- National Council of Investigation and Security Services -- World Association of Detectives Visit our website at www.Forensic-Investigators.com to review the highlights of our services and resources. Call us today to review your case and investigative needs. |
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Important Dates
| The following are the important dates for this month and the following two months. Reminders are sent approximately one week before an extended event (i.e. conferences and vacations). Any last minute changes are also sent by email. Please mark your calendars for any dates that may affect deadlines, hearing dates, trials and depositions. Any changes from a previous notice or newsletter will have an (*) to alert you to a calendar update.
< Complete Webinar and Seminar Info at www.PrivateInvestigations.org>
February
Completed: 02nd-06th (Wed-Sun) National Association of Legal Investigators
*10th (Thu) FREE Webinar - PI and Attorney Ethics
*24th (Thu) Fee-based Webinar - Forensic Evidence Photography
March
*10th (Thu) FREE Webinar - PI and Attorney Ethics
*24th - Fee-based Webinar - Pending
April
*11th to 15th - out of state trial
*14th (Thu) FREE Webinar - PI and Attorney Ethics
*27th to 30th (Wed to Sat) NCISS Conference in Vail, CO.
*28th (Thu) Fee-based Webinar - Pending
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| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Karen S. Beers, BSW) | Part 2 - The PTSD Experience (continued)
To continue on from my January article "Understanding PTSD", this month I will provide information regarding different treatment options to assist people who are suffering with PTSD in coping with their "invisible injury". First off, let me explain that what may work great for one person may not help another in the least. So if you recognize symptoms of PTSD in a person, have your list of treatment recommendations handy. A person suffering with PTSD may have to try several options of treatment before getting the relief they so desperately need. Also, the treatment(s) may take several months to years for the person to either obtain complete relief from the symptoms or to subdue most of the symptoms the person is enduring. One of the better websites to find an array of treatment options is at ptsd.va.gov; mainly due to the treatment plans outlined are treatment specific depending on the type of traumas suffered. However, for an easy read, the Mayoclinic website provides a breakdown of different treatment plans.
< CONTINUED - CLICK HERE >
Parts 1 and 2
 | Karen S. Beers, BSW
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About Karen:
Karen has been a Legal Investigator and Administrative Assistant, since 1996. Together they operate Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC. In addition to her skilled interactions with troubled youths, she trained and worked as a Deputy Coroner at the Larimer County Medical Examiner's Office. This background provides essential skills and knowledge in their Personal Injury, Negligence and Death investigations and consultations in Colorado and nationally. |
| Traumatic Brain Injuries (Dean A. Beers, CLI) | |
Part 2 - Treatment and Investigative Tips for Cases Involving TBIs
In November of 2009 I attended a Traumatic Brain Injury seminar hosted by the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. This seminar was of particular interest to me as both a professional legal investigator, and having been in the motor vehicle collision that resulted in my Dad and I both having a MTBI in September 2000.
There were several issues which the speakers nailed perfectly. For me personally and professionally, the injury and associated rehabilitation interrupted my ability to navigate business matters and I began training and transitioning into a job change to the medical examiner's office in late 2002.
It was not until about two years ago that I was able to realize the success I had with my recovery and returned to the private sector. Those experiences and transition have made me a better investigator and allow us to offer the injured client the security and comfort knowing that I truly understand their circumstances.
< CONTINUED - CLICK HERE >
 | | Dean A. Beers, CLI |
Parts 1 and 2
About Dean:
Dean is the only Board Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) in northern Colorado, and is also certified in Medicolegal Death Investigatiions specializing in all Personal Injury, Negligence and Death investigations in the civil arena and criminal defense. He has extensive background in medicolegal-forensic and factual Investigations with law enforcement education, experience and relationships. He has testified as an expert in private investigations, and is currently consulting nationwide as an expert in criminal defense homicide and civil equivocal death investigations. |
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Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases
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| | NOW Available! |
Dean's much anticipated book was just released February 04, 2011!
NEW website for all details and ordering information (20% discount and free shipping):
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Our Expert Forensic Affiliations
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| | Forensic Pathology and Autopsy Consultations |
We believe that medicolegal investigation is a team effort. Dr. Stephen Cina asked Dr. Harold Schueler and our agency to be affiliated as experts in our respective fields and to offer comprehensive services to our clients.
Dean began working with Forensic Pathologist Stephen Cina MD, in late 2002 and Karen in late 2004, as death investigators and forensic autopsy assistants.
Dr. Cina is the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for Broward County, FL.
Dr. Schueler is the Chief Toxicologist of the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office.
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation. Dr. Cina's services, and CV, are available at his website - Autopsy Review. Dr. Schueler can also be contacted through Dr. Cina's private practice or our office.
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Recent Articles and Upcoming Engagements
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Dean's most recent article - 'Just Because Its Forensics Doesn't Mean Its Science' is in his regular column of NALI's The Legal Investigator. This is a study of the recently released Forensic Science Report and common evidence of civil and criminal litigation.
< read the full TLI article > soon (pending posting to NALI)
NEW! "Medicolegal Death Investigations"
June 10 - Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council
Dean will be teaching an 8-hour seminar in Port St. Lucie, FL.
< CDITC complete details >
NEW! "Use of Forensics in Homicide and Sexual Assault Cases" June 11 - Florida Association of Licensed Investigators Dean will be presenting a 4-hour seminar in Tampa, FL. < FALI complete details >
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Association and Industry Updates
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Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado ( www.PPIAC.org)
Colorado now has a PI licensing bill introduced to the legislature!
< Click here to read HB-11-1165
Concerning the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators >
It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and has full bi-partisan support and sponsorship.
Don't forget - for your benefit, in addition to the popular 'Find a PI' on the website, the PPIAC has recently added the following member directories - Pro Bono for civil and criminal attorneys, as well as Speakers Bureau. If your association, group or conference needs a speaker - a PPIAC member can likely help.
The latest newsletter is also available (NEW for January 2011):
National Association of Legal Investigators ( www.NALI.org) WOW! National Association of Legal Investigators - Mid Winter Conference was an excellent training and networking conference. Topics included Civil Litigation in Minor Sexual Assault, Civil Litigation in Premises Liability Cases and Post Conviction Investigation - A Challenge to the Legal Investigator. The conference closed out with Dr. Cina, Dr. Schueler and Dean discussing Forensic Pathology, Forensic Toxicology and Medicolegal Investigation and Evidence with interactive practical exercises.
Dr. Cina and Dr. James Perper co-authored "When Doctors Kill", an excellent historical accounting of the medical profession and homicide.
National Council of Investigation and Security Services ( www.NCISS.org) The annual conference will be in Vail from April 27th to April 30th at the Arabelle. < Conference details and registration information > Also, if you are an investigator or security officer, consider joining. As the Membership Committee Chair, Dean has a special offer for you! < Membership Special Offer Details > NCISS sends out a monthly eReport with interim legislative and industry updates.
World Association of Detectives ( www.WAD.net) The latest newsletter is available - visit the website and look 'W.A.D. Announcements'. Some FREE sample magazines for PIs (and those that use PIs):Over the years and recently, Dean has contributed to these leading professional magazines.
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators has one of the leading association magazines and is sharing the latest digital issue. Click here to request your complimentary issue.
They have also extended a special invitation for investigators to attend their 2011 Mid-Winter Conference (Feb 18 and 19). The information about the conference can be found at www.tali.org. Please feel free to register at the "Association Member" price if you are a member of any state, national, or international private investigator association. There is an excellent speaker line-up, a social reception on Friday evening, and TALI conferences are also a great way to network with other investigators from across the country.
PI Magazine - Professional Investigator Magazine - is the leading subscription based magazine for our profession. Interested in a free sample of the latest digital issue? Click here to request your complimentary issue.
Pursuit Magazine - is the leading online based magazine for our profession. Updated daily - visit www.PursuitMag.com for details.
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In the News
|  Some of the latest news of interest ...
A video of surving injustice You might have seen this story. Amazing that this guy educated himself for 38 - seeing the world from his prison cell through books - and never gave up hope! DNA sure has released a lot of innocent people...it has also convicted the ones that should have been.
< View the video here > |
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Five 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 program requires 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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Ethics for the Professional Investigator
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First in a series of conundrums posed for Investigative Ethicist, Kitty Hailey, CLI, CFE
Author of: The Code of Professional Conduct: Standards and Ethics for the Investigative Profession*
QUESTION:
I am an investigator with over ten years experience. My background is law enforcement. I worked for fifteen plus years in a large city police department as a member of their investigative division. My current area of expertise is plaintiff personal injury, although I sometimes work the occasional criminal defense assignment. I was approached by an attorney to work on a legal malpractice case. It seems that her client is another lawyer who was accused of blowing statutes in a medical malpractice case on which he had been working. She wants me to reinvestigate the medical malpractice case and then assist in the legal malpractice matter as well. Here is my problem: I have never worked either a med-mal or legal-malpractice case in my life. She is offering me a guaranteed 50 hours of work at a very nice fee. I can't afford not to take the case. But can I ethically and morally bear the responsibility of doing work on the type of investigation that I have never handled before in my life? I would appreciate your quick response so that I can alert the potential client of my availability. Thank you, Confused in Chicago.
ANSWER: < Click here >
About Kitty:
Kitty Hailey is the author of several instructional books for investigators. The Code of Professional Conduct is the profession's first and only existing rules of ethics for investigators. It is a compilation of existing codes of ethics, restated and simplified as a guide to the investigative professional. Visit www.kittyhailey.com for more information on Kitty and her writings. Address your questions to: kitty@kittyhailey.com.
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In Closing...
|  COLORADO NOW HAS A PI LICENSING BILL INTRODUCTED TO THE LEGISLATURE!
< Click here to read HB-11-1165
Concerning the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators >
It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and has full bi-partisan support and sponsorship.
Contact our office if you would like to offer any letters of support to the legislators and/or make a tax deductible donation to the legislative fund.
And don't forget ...
As part of the release of Dean's book, we are developing introductory webinars and full length seminars for continuing education. Continuing education is as important to the investigative profession as it is to the legal profession, but few associations or state licensing boards require it.
Visit www.PrivateInvestigations.org for complete details!
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 | | Dean and Karen |
Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC, specializes in the medicolegal consultation and investigation of cases involving traumatic injuries or death, as well as cases involving serious criminal charges.
We are Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence, with PRIDE in every assignment.
Thank You. Please contact us with any questions or for additional information on these topics and our related services.
Sincerely,
Dean A. Beers, CLI (beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com)
Karen S. Beers, BSW (beersks@Forensic-Investigators.com)
Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC
Office: (970) 691-0813
Fax: (970) 372-4717
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Tools for the
Litigation Attorney and Professional Investigator
(click images for details)
"Practical Methods for Legal Investigations" available at discounted price - $69.95
Investigator's Case File System Attorney Case File System
Learn more - FREE Trial Notebook eBook and sneak peek of the 'Attorney Case File System'
WEBINARS and SEMINARS
Training Webinars and Upcoming Seminars
We are rolling out our webinars - join us Thursday January 13th for 'Ethics' - FREE and future webinars TBD
We are also looking planning seminars for 2011 at your location.
Contact us if you would sponsor a webinar or seminar - no cost to you and earn free attendance. Webinar Presentations:
beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com or < more info > |
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