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Quaero Indicium
'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest
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Greetings!
More Tornadoes and Victims of the Midwest USA The end of the world on 05/21/2011 did not happen - its my understanding there was a miscalculation and the new date is 10/21/2011. That will get our agency past our 24th anniversary and Karen and I past our 20th. But on a very serious note, for many in the midwest, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and Great Plains to Appalachians, their world has been destroyed. We hope for the best of friends, family and colleagues. Please take a moment to share both your thoughts and prayers, and generosity with those not so fortunate. PI's Declassified is an Internet based radio show created and hosted by Francie Koehler (Special Circumstances of CA) and has been a driving force of professional investigators nationwide. Don Johnson CLI (Trace Investigations of IN) and Dean did a show in October 2010 on Equivocal Death investigations (to hear a replay). Francie has asked Dean to return to the show to discuss his new book - ' Practical Methods for Legal Investigations' on June 30th! These are aired live each Thursday at 9am PST, with shows recorded and posted for replay at www.PIsDeclassified.com. It has been a very busy month Investigators throughout Colorado are now waiting patiently for Governor Hickenlooper to sign HB 1195 into law (see link below). It was hoped that we could share that news with this newsletter and have delayed distribution, but the wait continues. Word from the governor's office is that there is no objection. This is voluntary licensure, the first of its kind. For those seeking licensure, this will assure their clients that they have the experience and clear background that may be necessary. In addition, with the backing of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), Colorado licensed investigators will join others with protections and exemptions in federal laws. < Act for PI Licensure in CO > The Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado has set the date and location for the annual fall conference. Mark your calendars for September 23rd and 24th, and a special event for the 22nd! See below for details.We are also pleased to announce that Dean has been invited to speak at the 40th Anniversary Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) in Fort Worth TX from August 18-20. As with everything in Texas, this will be a BIG event! < TALI Conference Details > Also, as a reminder to our investigator friends and colleagues
NEW! "Death Investigations for Private Investigators"
A continuing education course at www.PIEducation.com developed by Forensic Investigators of Colorado and based upon the education, training and experience of Dean and Karen.
< PI Education Course Details >
Time is running out! As a reminder to our investigator friends and colleagues register for the June 10th "Medicolegal Death Investigations"
June 10 - Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council
Dean will be teaching an 8-hour seminar in Jensen Beach, FL.
< CDITC complete details >
Coming next month! "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-- The 4th Amendment and warrantless searches - what's going on? Association News-- Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado -- National Association of Legal Investigators -- National Council of Investigation and Security Services -- World Association of Detectives -- News from Texas and Arizona 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.A new archive page for newsletters and press releases from July 2010 to present is available at: < Newsletter Archives >. |
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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>
June
08th to12th (Wed-Sun) Conference - Florida Assoc of Licensed Investigators (presenting Medicolegal Death Investigation; CRC book signing) and Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (presenting Medicolegal Death Investigation seminar)
15th to19th (Wed-Sun) Conference - National Assoc of Legal Investigators
July
04th (Mon) Independence Day
August
* 18th to 20th (Wed-Sun) Conference - Texas Assoc of Licensed Investigators (presenting Medicolegal Death Investigation; CRC book signing)
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Karen's Corner:
4th Amendment and Warrantless Searches
(Karen S. Beers, BSW) | April and May saw at least three significant case precedents concerning the 4th Amendment and permitting warrantless searches.
When one truly ponders how our history and the evolution of our laws and governing bodies have progressed, one will recognize the fact that our freedoms have slowly been taken away from us. However, there is usually a process that the governing bodies should abide by while stealing our rights. In April and May so far this year, three significant mouth dropping decisions have been handed down by a US Supreme Court, a US Court of Appeals 7th Circuit and an Indiana Supreme Court. Then there was the decisions by the Indiana Supreme Court, followed by a decision by the US Court of Appeals (7th Circuit) for AZ. < Continue to Attacks on the 4th Amendment >
About Karen: | Karen S. Beers, BSW
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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. |
Congratulations to Colorado's Ellis Armistead, CLI
Thank You PI Museum
(Dean A. Beers, CLI) | |
The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar has awarded friend and colleague Ellis Armistead with the "Distinguished Investigator" Lifetime Achievement Award!
I am excited to share this news I just learned. Elllis is a PPIAC member, past board member and past chairman. He is also a past National Director and Region 6 Director of the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI). I can personally think of no other investigator that has given so much to our profession, and the persons he has worked for/with. I first met Ellis about 20 years ago, he has been a friend and mentor, including pursuing and earning the coveted and difficult Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) designation.
Dan Schoen, CCDB Executive Director, said:
"Ellis Armistead has been a mainstay in the investigator community for over 20 years, employing dozens of professional investigators during this time. These investigators arrived with a wide array of backgrounds and levels of education but were all trained to be extremely competent investigators. Ellis has always recognized and taught the importance of providing diligent, effective investigation to indigent defendants. This is apparent in the number of court appointed cases his firm accepted and in his continued work locally and nationally on death penalty cases. Ellis has been an active member of both the CCDB and the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado for many years. He has devoted his criminal defense career not only to providing the highest level of investigation to his clients, but also to teaching, training, and mentoring investigators to uphold the same professional standards in the field that he has adhered to for so many years."
Ellis is the President of Minneapolis MN based Heartland Investigative Group and manages the Denver CO office.
< About Ellis Armistead and Heartland Investigative Group > From PI Museum and Ben Harroll (www.PIMuseum.org)
Colorado became a state in 1876, hence 'The Centennial State'. The first bill passed by the new legislature, in 1877, was...licensing of private investigators; it was also one of the first in the country. In 1977 the law was declared unconstitutional due to lack of proper definition of a private investigator. Here is some additional information from Ben Harroll, founder of PI Museum. This State has a license law, requiring the applicant to file his petition with the Governor of the State; that the Governor shall determine the extent of the bond to be given, which shall not be less than $3,000 nor more than $20,000; that upon approval of the petition and acceptance of the bond the license shall be issued on the payment of $100, extending for a period of two years, but subject to a revocation by the Governor for cause. Acting without the statutory license is made a misdemeanor, and punishable by a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000, or imprisonment for a period of not less than three months nor more than one year in the county jail, or both by the fine and imprisonment. This statute, however, provides that the licensed detective, or detective agency, may employ agents, servants, employees and assistants, who shall not be required to take out a license for themselves, but for the acts of such agents the principal is responsible under his bond.
Did you know that the first satellite PI Museum is right here in Denver? I'll be sharing some of that with you soon. Consider joining PI Museum, the first of it's kind, and supporting the mobile museum as it makes its way around the country to various conferences! < www.PIMuseum.org >
 | | 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 Forensic Investigation and Pattern Injury Analysis, as well as Protocols of Private Investigations. He currently consults 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 and consultation is a team effort. Dr. Stephen Cina, Dr. Harold Schueler and our agency are affiliated as experts in our respective fields offering comprehensive services to our clients.
Dean began working with Forensic Pathologist Stephen Cina MD, in late 2002 and Karen in late 2004, both as death investigators and forensic autopsy assistants.
Dr. Cina was the Weld County Coroner/Medical Examiner and Larimer County Deputy Coroner/Medical Examiner, and consultant to much of Colorado, before becoming the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for Broward County, FL. He is currently the Associate Medical Director of the University of Miami Tissue Bank and is a faculty member in their School of Medicine.
Dr. Schueler is the Chief Toxicologist of the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office. Through Forensic Toxicology Consulting Services, he provides private consultations nationally.
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 be contacted through our office or Dr. Cina's private practice. |
Recent Articles and Upcoming Engagements
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SEMINAR THIS MONTH! "Medicolegal Death Investigations"
June 10 - Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (Jensen Beach FL)
Dean will be teaching an 8-hour seminar.
< CDITC complete details >
SEMINAR THIS MONTH! "Use of Forensics in Homicide and Sexual Assault Cases" June 11 - Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (Tampa FL) Dean will be presenting and attending a book signing at this conference. < FALI complete details >
TALI 40th Anniversary Conference "Medicolegal Death Investigations"
August 20 - Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (Fort Worth TX)
Dean will be presenting and attending a book signing at this conference.
< TALI Conference Details >
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Association and Industry Updates
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Professional Private Investigators Assoc of Colorado ( www.PPIAC.org)
On the licensing front, progress of the Voluntary Licensure of Private Investigators continues to make unprecedented progress! As of this writing, it has now passed Colorado House and Senate, and has been sent to Governor Hickenlooper for his signature to become law. For the first time in 34 years, Colorado professional investigators, and those using their services, will have the benefits and protections of licensure. This has been an extensive process. Your help and support with letters and donations have been both significant and appreciated. PPIAC Conference in September
The Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado has set the date and location for the annual fall conference. Mark your calendars for September 23rd and 24th, and a special event for the 22nd!
The conference will be held at the Embassy Suites near Denver International Airport. Room arrangements are pending and details will follow. To receive special email notifications, please email Dean at < chairman@ppiac.org >
Speakers include (with more being confirmed):
-- Rory McMahan, CFE CLI (Boca Raton FL) - Federal Criminal Defense Cases
-- Steve Rambam (Brooklyn NY) - Using Internet Investigative Resources
-- Steve Farese (Attorney, Ashland MS) - High Profile Criminal Defense Cases
-- Tim Schmolder (Golden CO) - Case Profiles and Story Dynamics in High Stakes Surveillance
-- Jimmie Mesis (PI Magazine) - Doubling Internet Based Income
Special Pre-Conference Seminar by Jimmie Mesis PI Business and Marketing Secrets Revealed! < Click Here for Details > Also, the next newsletter will be available in mid June (with a licensing update):
National Association of Legal Investigators ( www.NALI.org) The annual conference for NALI is in San Francisco, CA from June 16th to the 18th, with examination of Certified Legal Investigator applicants. Annual elections will also be held. The agenda and speakers are still being finalized, some components, including a forensic facility tour, are planned.< NALI conference details >
The latest issue of NALI's magazine, 'The Legal Investigator', is now available online at < Spring TLI >. Of special interest is, for all civil and criminal attorneys and investigators, the excellent article by NALI member Kathleen Cunningham "Antidepressants Made Me Do It" . She is a Certified Medical Legal Consultant based out of Great Falls MT. Her work, not mentioned in this article, may have helped solve the real cause of two homicide/suicide cases. Kathy will be speaking at the Public Defender Investigator Workshop in July in Baton Rouge, LA. She also contributes to PI Magazine. National Council of Investigation and Security Services ( www.NCISS.org) NCISS continues to monitor nearly 40 bills introduced in Congress that concern private investigators and security services. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has begun hearings. The first hearing referenced above will be examining the recent data breaches at Sony and Epsilon. Committee members have already introduced the "Data Accountability and Trust Act" (HR 1841/HR 1707). That bill's definition of "information broker" includes: "a commercial entity whose business is to collect, assemble, or maintain personal information concerning individuals who are not current or former customers of such entity in order to sell such information or provide access to such information to any nonaffiliated third party in exchange for consideration." If you are a private investigator, consider joining NCISS. The introductory membership is $99 for the first year and prorated in 2012, if you join now next year will be $70; regular annual dues are $140) < Membership Special Offer Details > Donations to the legislative fund, from PIs and attorneys, are appreciated. To learn more about NCISS, visit www.NCISS.org. World Association of Detectives ( www.WAD.net)
Also, the annual conference is set for October 11-15 in Hong Kong, China. For details visit < WAD Annual Conference - China >These would be nice places to visit our US and international friends and colleagues, however, that will have to be another time. We wish everyone safe travels and lots of fun.
New PI Law in AZ - Active Law Enforcement Cannot be PIs From Jayne McElfresh (Phoenix AZ), Region 6 Director for NALI: We've had quite a bit of unlicensed activity in AZ by individuals and unfortunately law enforcement. Unfortunately, some law enforcement officers were using their badges and indicating they were better than the average PI because they were cops. We already have a statute on the books re unlicensed activity; but now we have a statute preventing cops from being PIs while employed with law enforcement. All law enforcement must now turn in their PI cards.< Read the new law > Some FREE sample magazines for PIs (and those that use PIs), and a free online ethics course:Over the years and recently, Dean has contributed to these, and other, leading professional magazines.
Pursuit Magazine - is the leading free 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.
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.
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. PPIAC also wishes to thank Jimmie and Roe Mesis for their financial support of licensure in Colorado.PI Education - is an online based continuing education service for PIs. Not only is our ' Death Investigator for Private Investigators' available, courses from forensic photography to interviewing are also available. With each course comes the free ethics course - a $25 value. Visit www.PIEducation.com for details.
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In the News
|  Some of the latest news of interest...
THE FOURTH AMENDMENT AND WARRANTLESS SEARCHES
Three important cases are reviewed and detailed in Karen's Corner, above. Here is a synopsis and links to the stories and decisions.
The 4th Amendment has its roots in English common law and the Magna Carta of 1215. The 4th Amendment was a result of American colonists be subjected to having their persons and homes subjected to searches by the British governors and troops, without cause.
US Supreme Court (Kentucky v. King) - Police Entering a Home
Opinion IN Supreme Court (Barnes v. Indiana) - Police Entering a Home
"We believe ... a right to resist an unlawful police entry into a home is against public policy and is incompatible with modern Fourth Amendment jurisprudence," David said. "We also find that allowing resistance unnecessarily escalates the level of violence and therefore the risk of injuries to all parties involved without preventing the arrest."
Opinion
Related Story
US Court of Appeals - 7th Circuit (US v. Cuevas-Perez) - Police GPS on Vehicles
From the US Justice Department brief, "...a person has no reasonable expectation of privacy in his movements from one place to another..."
Opinion Related Story
Links of Interest on Yahoo Groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theInvestigators - open networking for all private sector investigators! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations - official book website is www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProfessionalLocateInvestigations - official book website is www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MedicoLegalDeathInvestigations - continuing education for private investigators, criminal justice and investigative-legal professionals. Direct link to course information is www.MedicoLegalDeathInvestigations.com We are posting reviews as they come in via the official book website at www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com.
Scott Harrell's review from www.PursuitMag.com here:
< See the complete review >
Burt Hodge's review from Florida Association of Licensed Investigators here:
< See the complete review >
PI Magazine provided a review from Don Johnson, CLI. You will have to get the latest issue for the full review, but here are two good quotes:
"Dean Beers knows his stuff. I had an idea that was true well before I read this book, since meeting Dean in 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. at the annual conference of the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)." is his opening statement! He ends it with, "I will leave the review noting that Dean makes you think about your investigative process and, like the guy who teaches memory tricks at a business seminar, he shows you how to do that. That's worth a lot."
PI Store - www.PIStore.com - has also reported that this book is now their #1 Best Seller!
Watch next month for more information about book reviews for 'Practical Methods for Legal Investigations' to be featured in several magazines - from national to state associations.
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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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In Closing...
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It has been a very busy month for our agency and our profession, locally and nationally. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and keep in touch with us!
We appreciate hearing from you and providing relevant and timely information that impacts each of us, our profession and our clients.
Being in business since 1987, we have made many friends and seen many changes. In 2008, when we returned to the private sector from both of us being at the local Medical Examiner's office (roughly 2002 to 2008), we were amazed at the changes in such a short period of time. We greatly appreciated being welcomed back!
Speaking of change, we are improving the logo for our agency. Below are three logos - feel free to email any suggestions of something completely different and/or changes to what you see.
Simply click on the image of the logo you like - your vote will be added to the total. We would also like to invite you to visit our Facebook page - www.Facebook.com/ForensicInvestigators and scroll to the images and 'Like' your choice. Thanks!
After voting, you will be taken to a page with two FREE articles to help you in your litigation and investigation.
 | | Fingerprint and Scales |
 | | Body and Banner |
| | | Pillars and Scales |
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Forensic Investigato
 | | Dean and Karen Beers |
rs of Colorado, LLC, specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil,Criminal and Probate litigation.
We are the PRIDE of ForensicInvestigators of Colorado, LLC - Professional Reliable InvestigatorsDefining Excellence 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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