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Quaero Indicium
'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest
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Greetings!
The big news is that Colorado HB 11-1195 - Concerning the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators - unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee and DORA found that there should be oversight of private investigators in Colorado.
Also, as a reminder to our investigator friends and colleagues
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 > In the News-- Nassau County Crime Lab (New York) closed -- Next-of-Kin Registries 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>
March
10th (Thu) FREE Webinar - PI and Attorney Ethics
24th - Fee-based Webinar - Cell Phone and Computer Forensic Evidence Considerations
April
1th 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
May
*27th to 30th (Fri-Mon) - Memorial Day Weekend
*12th (Thu) FREE Webinar - PI and Attorney Ethics
*26th (Thu) Fee-based Webinar - Pending |
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(Karen S. Beers, BSW) | Using EMDR to Treat PTSD
As part of the last series on PTSD and treatment, one treatment is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. From personal experience - it works. It is not well known, and some even consider it controversial. The results are best when concurrent with psychological therapy following a traumatic event. Patty Pheil, MSW, has written an excellent article on the subject.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a new controversial form of therapy. It was developed by Francine Shapiro Ph.D., in 1987. Dr. Shapiro was in a park and was thinking about some unpleasant memories. She noticed that when she moved her eyes back and forth that the intensity of the negative emotions of these unpleasant memories seemed to dissipate. This incident was followed by intense studies and in 1989, Dr. Shapiro reported that she was having success using EMDR to treat trauma.
< CONTINUED - CLICK HERE >
 | 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. |
| Review of the Forensic Sciences Report (Dean A. Beers, CLI) | |
(excerpted from 'The Legal Investigator' - National Association of Legal Investigators)
For the current issue of the TLI, Dean wrote an extensive article reviewing of the Forensic Sciences Report as it pertains specifically to areas involving legal investigators. This included pattern evidence, such as: fingerprints (including the interoperability of AFIS), firearms examination, toolmarks, bite marks, impressions (tires, footwear), bloodstain pattern analysis, handwriting, hair analytical evidence, DNA, and coatings (e.g., paint).
To summarize, one determination is that opinions are often within a small group of categories from not probable to inconsistent, and consistent to probable. These are vague and lack sufficient information. In reviewing the more extensive categories used in forensic document examination, Dean found the following to be more concise:
Nine-Point Scale (#10 added by the author):
1. Identification (a definite conclusion that the questioned writing matches another sample)
2. Strong Probability (evidence is persuasive, yet some critical quality is missing)
3. Probable (points strongly towards identification)
4. Indications [that the same person] did [create both samples] (there are a few significant features)
5. No Conclusion (used when there are limiting factors such as disguise, or lack of comparable writing)
6. Indications [that the same person] did not [create both samples] (same weight as indications with a weak opinion)
7. Probably Did Not (evidence is quite strong)
8. Strong Probability Did Not (virtual certainty)
9. Elimination (highest degree of confidence)
10.Unsuitable (lacks sufficient detail for a meaningful conclusion)
< CONTINUED - CLICK HERE >
 | | Dean A. Beers, CLI |
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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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 >
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)
PI licensing bill has passed the House Judiciary Committee and moves forward. DORA recommends licensing for PIs in Colorado - see more details below.
< Click here to read HB-11-1165
Concerning the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators >
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) The link to NALIs magazine was not updated for our February newsletter. Inside is Dean's review of the Forensic Sciences Report and important considerations. PPIAC also wishes to thank the members of NALI for their financial support of licensure in Colorado.
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. The March eReport will be distributed late March. Visit www.NCISS.org for details. PPIAC also wishes to thank the NCISS board and membership for their financial support of licensure in Colorado.
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, and other, 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.
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. PPIAC also wishes to thank Jimmie and Roe Mesis for their financial support of licensure in Colorado.
Pursuit Magazine - is the leading online based magazine for our profession. Updated daily - visit www.PursuitMag.com for details. PPIAC also wishes to thank Scott Harrell for their financial support of licensure in Colorado.
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In the News
|  Some of the latest news of interest ...
New York Crime Lab Closed (Reuters) - A New York government crime lab was shut down on Friday as part of a probe into whether drug evidence was being tested accurately, authorities said, in a move that could prompt prisoners to seek to have their convictions overturned.
< Read the complete story >
Next of Kin Registries Having both worked in the medical examiner system, Karen and Dean are too familiar with the process of finding next-of-kin and making the notifications. This can take several hours and is not easy explained to family members when such a delay happens - it adds more unnecessary trauma to an already tragic situation.
It is also necessary for hospitals to contact a next-of-kin in the case of patients that are unable to respond and authorize treatment. Colorado has a registry, available to you as easy as when renewing your driver's license or online - and many states are doing the same.
If you are in Colorado go to < Register Emergency Contacts >
Other states, and if you frequently travel or have moved - www.NOKR.org
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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 (Kitty Hailey, CLI)
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From 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*
Kitty was recently a featured guest on 'PI's Declassified' with Francie Koehler concerning ethics and the legal-investigative professions. You can listen to the show at 'PI's Declassified - Ethics with Kitty Hailey, CLI'
QUESTION:
I'm in an ethical dilemma. I accepted an assignment to perform a custody investigation for Mr. X and his new spouse. They want custody of Mr. X's 3 year old daughter. They are both concerned that Mr. X's child from a prior marriage is not being properly treated by her mother. In fact, they think that the 3 year old is probably being ignored for the most part and possibly abused by mom's new boyfriend(s). I gladly took on this assignment because of its real importance. I met with Mr. X and the new Mrs. X. We discussed the case. I obtained preliminary data and we agreed on a financial arrangement.
That was all good. Until almost three weeks into the investigation I realized that the new Mrs. X was involved in a previous case of mine. She was the paramour (girlfriend) in another domestic. So before she became the indignant Mrs. X, badmouthing the activities of the previous wife, she was an adulteress!
Now what do I do? Do I tell them that it is a conflict of interest? Do I approach Mrs. X privately and let her know I know her true identity? Can I continue to work this case? I'm really conflicted, because I'm doing a great job and would like to help the best interests of the child.
ANSWER:
Honestly, I don't see the problem? Look carefully at your scenario:
< 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. Kitty specializes in post-conviction death penalty investigation and mitigation for the Philadelphia district of the Federal Defender Habeas Corpus Unit.
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In Closing...
|  COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES SUPPORTS LICENSING!
PI LICENSING BILL IN COLORADO PASSES HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - UNANIMOUSLY!
< Click here to read HB-11-1165 Concerning the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators >
Both of these are events that have not happened in the 30 years PPIAC has moved for licensing. We have received donations for the legislative fund from colleagues nationwide, including the recent endorsement and donation of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS). The bill had two amendments - one striking the statutory access to records and the second adding specific misdemeanor offenses and exclusions to eligibility for licensure. The bill has now been moved to the House Finance Committee, followed by two readings and vote on the House floor. Following that, it will follow the same process on the Senate side.
Please consider emailing your letters of support to Dean - chairman@ppiac.org to be forwarded to committee members and legislators, as well as a donation for the legislative fund via PayPal at www.PPIAC.org.
PPIAC members are also available for speaking engagements, training opportunities and submitting articles for your association and conferences. Visit the PPIAC website for 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. Details at www.PrivateInvestigations.org
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. beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com or < more info > |
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Practical Methods For Legal Investigations:
Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases
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Prepare · Inquire · Analyze · Document · Report
Legal investigators are responsible for providing factual evidence - as the fact finders, they are the foundation for the attorneys they work with daily. The attorney is responsible for forming and implementing the legal strategy and presenting it to the judge or jury. The legal investigator provides checks and balances to ensure that no evidence is being forced upon a theory, and that no theory is being forced upon the evidence. Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases presents legal investigators with a step-by-step process that reveals how to methodically find and report evidence in every aspect of the investigative process.
Similar to the scientific principle of using research to prove or disprove a theory, the author's Investigative Protocol is designed to find the facts that prove or disprove criminal charges, civil allegations, or elements thereof. The book includes case studies that clearly detail how the process of the Investigative Protocol applies to every assignment of the case and to the case as a whole. Comprehensive and methodical, the system provides a map to the truth.
by Dean A. Beers, CLI
 or our friends at  $69.95
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