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Quaero Indicium
'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest
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Greetings!
Labor Day is just around the corner and we wish everyone a fun, safe and lazy weekend holiday! Also just around the corner is the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. 'Anniversary' seems more appropriate for a positive event, we all know this is a time of prayer and remembrance. Although we did not personally know anyone killed, hurt or lost in the attacks, we are very close - as are all of us - with many who did. To everyone, please know our thoughts and prayers have always continued. Please take the time to join in the moments of silence marking the times of the attacks in NY, DC and PA. We are also proud contributing Charter Members of the Flight 93 Memorial
Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado - ConferenceWith the passing of licensure of private investigators in Colorado, its time to celebrate, and you are cordially invited! Time is running short, early registration has passed - but you can still register. The Embassy Suites room block is filling fast and special rates end Labor Day. Mark your calendars for September 23rd and 24th, and a special event for the 22nd! See below for details. < Click Here > for Speakers and tentative agenda < Click Here > for the new licensing law National Defender Investigators Association - Regional Conference The NDIA regional conference will be in Denver this year Sep 15th and 16th at the Denver Downtown Sheraton. Details are at www.NDIA.net or call (860) 835-5533. Dean will be giving a presentation the afternoon of the 15th on Medicolegal Death Investigations.
Regis University - Denver - 6th Annual CSI Conference Details are not yet posted online, but the event is FREE and is on Saturday, October 1st. This year Dean has been invited back to present his investigation of a woodchipper fatality. Check www.Regis.edu or www.csiregis.org for details to be posted (presently last year's info is still posted).
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators - 40th AnniversaryThis was a great success for TALI and a great deal of fun! Dean gave a standing room only presentation to the 350+ attendees on Medicolegal Death Investigation. The other speakers and topics were fantastic, including a sneak peek at some that will be presenting at the PPIAC conference. One of the highlights of the conference was meeting Ben Harroll, Curator of the PI Museum on Wheels ( www.PIMuseum.org). They also confirmed plans for PIMOW to be at the PPIAC conference in Denver! Thanks to the TALI board, conference committee, members and all the attendees and sponsors. It was truly a TX-sized success!  
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.
< Click Here > for PI Education Course Details
Crime Wire Online
We are excited to be part of the Crime Wire Investigation Bureau team as Consultants to Crime Wire. Each week a cold case or equivocal death case (often both) are reviewed with the team of consultants. If you missed the live show, catch the online show archive.
In the News-- Dean and Karen Beers earn Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) designations -- Court Issues Decision Mandating Changes in Way Courts Handle Identification ProceduresAssociation 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.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
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< Click Here > for complete webinar and seminar info at www.PrivateInvestigations.org
September
* 15th (Thu) National Defender Investigators Association conference (Denver)
(presenting Medicolegal Death Investigation)
16th & 17th (Fri-Sat) Vendor at Colorado Association of Legal Support Staff annual conference at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO.
22nd to 24th (Thu-Sat) PPIAC Annual Conference
October
1st (Sat) Regis CSI Conference - FREE, Denver CO.
Dean is presenting his investigation of a woodchipper fatality.
Pending out of state trial
* Vacation to be determined
November
Pending out of state trial
* 24th & 25th - Thanksgiving Holiday
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Karen's Corner:
A CCDI Crossword Puzzle!
(Karen S. Beers, BSW) | I received a lot of positive feedback from last month's puzzle. The answers from last month are posted, and a new puzzle is up and ready for you to print and tackle.
This month I am honoring my first investigative certification - Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI), which I earned with Dean, from the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC). Did you know that we are one of three couples in the US that sharing this designation? Just some interesting trivia - there are many CCDIs throughout the country - working in the private sector and for public defender offices at both the state and federal courts. This was quite a challenge, as is this month's puzzle.
The CCDI is based upon the training program, experience and 'Component Method' of investigation. The primary study material for the examination is derived from 'Criminal Defense Investigation - Uncovering Reasonable Doubt', by Brandon Perron, CCDI, and CDITC National Director.
Each month we will post a new puzzle on our agency website, and the answers in the next newsletter. The September puzzle is ready and posted at: < Monthly Crossword Puzzle > Email me your puzzle ideas to beersks@Forensic-Investigators.com About Karen: | Karen S. Beers
BSW, CCDI
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Karen has been a Legal Investigator and Administrative Assistant, since 1996. She recently earned the designation Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI). 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. |
Dean' Desk
(Dean A. Beers, CLI) | |
The current issue of The Legal Investigator (TLI) magazine, the official journal of the National Association of Legal Investigators, has an article I wrote - 'A Comprehensive Investigative Protocol', base upon my book 'Practical Methods for Legal Investigations'. TLI is quarterly and filled with concise information relevant to civil plaintiff and criminal defense investigators. You can view the full magazine, and this article, < online TLI >
As mentioned at the beginning of the newsletter, and for Karen's puzzle, we are both pretty excited to have been awarded the designation Certified Criminal Defense Investigator, or CCDI. This is specifically by the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC - www.DefenseInvestigator.com), started by long-time friend and well-known investigator Brandon Perron.
About the CCDI
The CCDI designation is awarded to professional criminal defense investigators who have met the minimum training and experience requirements required to perform effectively within the discipline of criminal defense investigation as an expert. Investigators seeking the CCDI designation are evaluated by the Academic Director and Executive Council on an individual basis. The applicants must meet the minimum requirements enacted by the board in order to qualify for the CCDI designation. For specific details, and to consider pursuing this certification yourself, go to http://defenseinvestigator.com/certification.html. Brandon also appointed me to the Faculty Advisory Board for Forensic Investigations. In June I presented a full-day Medicolegal Death Investigation program and will be expanding that to Colorado and other states. Podcasts and Blogs One investigator with PPIAC mentioned that she frequently downloads podcasts and programs to listen to while driving or other activities. Sometimes it is difficult to be available when a program first airs, and often it is easier to listen while driving, waiting at court, on a plane, etc. Blogs do require you to sit, but it is at your own convenience, and a lot of information can be found. Here are some podcasts and blogs we are aware of, and some we have participated in.
-- PI's Declassified (hosted by Francie Koehler, Special Circumstances, CA) is aired every Thu at 10am and available for replay later. Francie is a past president and chair of NCISS and CALI. Each week is a different guest/s and topic. http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1748/pis-declassified
-- American Private Investigator (hosted by Paul Jaeb, Heartland Investigative Group, MN - Ellis Armistead at the Denver office) is aired usually the first week of each month (sign up for notices). Paul is the recent past National Director of NALI. Each week Paul has a topical discussion, as well as legislative and news of our profession. http://www.americanprivateinvestigator.com
-- Crime Wire (hosted by Denny Griffin and co-hosted by Vito Colucci, Susan Milano and Tom Shamshak, with regular co-hosts) is aired every Tue at 7pm. Denny, Vito and Tom are veteran PIs with law enforcement background. Tom is a board member of NCISS. Featured each are cold cases or suspicious deaths, often featuring family members and experts relevant to the case. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire is the show and http://www.crimewiresite.com is the site.
-- Pursuit Magazine Online (Scott Harrell, Compass Point Investigations, FL) is a free online resource that is continually (daily and weekly) with relevant and timely information to our profession. Articles are welcome and you can subscribe by email for updates (no spam here). www.PursuitMag.com
-- PI News Wire (Ryan Winter, Canada) is an online site that aggregates news and information relevant to investigators, attorneys, law enforcement, legal system, etc. Its one place to find a lot of fresh daily news about our profession. www.PINewsWire.net
-- Curbside Investigator (Scott Stize, CA) is a blog of updated information covering everything from legislative issues to training opportunities. This blog shares many links that are useful to investigators - one advantage of blogs over podcasts (though the podcast sites often have associated links). www.curbsideinvestigator.com
-- Private Investigative Tips and Tales (Robert Jakucs) has a goal to assist private investigators and police officers with the experiences over Mr. Jakucs 30-year investigative career, and to give an idea on what investigators do and how they do it. http://peyetipsandtales.blogspot.com
Does Forensic Investigators of Colorado have a blog? Yes, but we've been pretty bad at keeping it current. Look next month for an update, and check back as we begin to revamp our website!
Let me leave you with this quote (unknown): "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
 | Dean A. Beers
CLI, CCDI |
About Dean:
Dean is the only Board Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) in northern Colorado, also recently awarded his CCDI, 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 our clients comprehensive medicolegal services.
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation. Dr. Cina's CV (Forensic Pathology services), are available at his website - Autopsy Review. Dr. Schueler (Forensic Toxicology services), and Dr. James Warson (Neurosurgery, retired) can be contacted through our office.
Dr. Warson founded the Front Range Center for Brain and Spine Surgery in Fort Collins, CO. and is available for related consultations.
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Recent Articles and Upcoming Engagements
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The Legal Investigator (TLI) of National Association of Legal Investigators
Published quarterly for the members of NALI and available online. Concise information for civil and criminal legal investigators - and some ideas for civil and criminal attorneys. Details at < TLI Online >
NDIA Regional Conference "Medicolegal Death Investigations"
September 15th - National Defender Investigators Association (Denver)
Dean will be presenting at this conference. Details < NDIA Conference Details >
CALSS Annual Conference (vendor)
September 16th and 17th - Embassy Suites, Loveland CO. Contact Joyce Beach < email > for conference details.
Regis University - Denver - 6th Annual CSI Conference October 1s - Regis University, Denver CO. Check www.Regis.edu or www.csiregis.org for details to be posted (presently last year's info is still posted).
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Association and Industry Updates
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Professional Private Investigators Assoc of Colorado ( www.PPIAC.org)
PPIAC Conference in September
The Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado annual fall conference is September 23rd and 24th, with a special event for the 22nd!
The conference will be held at the Embassy Suites near Denver International Airport. Register now, book your flights and book your room! For complete details, visit the PPIAC conference page at www.PPIAC.org/training/annual-conference
PI Museum (www.PIMuseum.org) Will be a special guest at the PPIAC conference. Ben Harroll, founder and curator, has put his museum of extensive facts, artifacts, information and displays on wheels. His first stop was in California, followed by Texas, and next is Colorado! We are very honored to be one of his inaugural year stops! Please consider joining PI Museum - its inexpensive, completely tax deductible, and is a lifetime founder membership! Also, the summer quarter newsletter is now available (with a licensing update):
Maine Licensed Private Investigators Association Conference is September 23-24, 2011 in Portland. Details www.mlpia.orgNational Association of Legal Investigators ( www.NALI.org) The Mid Winter Conference, February 2012, is set for Orlando FL with a fantastic lineup of speakers. Details to follow!
National Council of Investigation and Security Services ( www.NCISS.org) In September is the annual 'NCISS Hit the Hill' (09/11-09/13). The NCISS board and membership will be meeting with Senators and Representatives to personally discuss bills of concern. 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); the $25 application fee is waived. < 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) |
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In the News
|  Some of the latest news of interest...
COURTS AND EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS
Although this decision was handed down by the NJ Supreme Court, considerations should be made on how it may impact your investigations, interviews, testimony and your clients. Noting that eyewitness accounts are fallible, the court noted several considerations.
< Complete Opinion > and < Model Jury Instructions > and < Misidentifications >
Some Helpful Resources from Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC
theInvestigators - Listserv open networking for all private sector investigators!
PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations - Listserv for book readers
Official book website is www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com
ProfessionalLocateInvestigations - Listserv for book readers
Official book website is www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com
MedicoLegalDeathInvestigations - Listserv for online course
Continuing education direct link to course information is www.MedicoLegalDeathInvestigations.com
Book Reviews
Scott Harrell reviewed Dean's book for www.PursuitMag.com, the ONLY completely FREE resource and online magazine for private investigators.
< See the complete review > Burt Hodge's review from Florida Association of Licensed Investigators here:
< See the complete review > Bob Wall's review from Professional Private Investigators Association of CO here: < See the complete review > Don Johnson's review for PI Magazine here: < See the complete review > Jennifer Brown, CLI, JD, is the Editor for the quarterly newsletter of the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, writes "Awesome book, Dean. Should be required reading for investigators. It's helped me clean up some of my procedures." We just learned that this book went into second printing and is one of the top sellers! Watch for more information and 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...
|  Evidence is either circumstantial or direct - and in court, they are given the same weight by the jury. Is one more reliable than the other? During trial this is one battle that ensues - whose evidence is better, what type of evidence is better, and is the evidence valid?
We have all heard analogies to explain one type of evidence being more believable than the other. Here are two:
-- You have a bowl of milk on the counter and briefly leave the room. When you return you find the bowl empty and the cat licking his paws. Did the cat drink the milk?
-- You are staying in a cabin and decide to hunt for rabbits. Having no luck, and deciding there are no rabbits to hunt, you return to the cabin and go to bed. The next day you wake up and find snow on the ground - and rabbit tracks in the snow. Did it snow? Are there rabbits?
The former is not clear, sure it is likely the cat drank the milk. But you didn't see what happened to the milk. Should there be any reasonable doubt in your mind? In the latter it is clear that it snowed, and that there is a rabbit out there. But, you didn't see it snow or see the rabbit. Should there be reasonable doubt in your mind? One could argue the former is less definitive than the other.
In civil and criminal cases, and at times probate cases, the evidence plays a key role. It must be followed and connected - not necessarily in a linear fashion, such as a chain, but often in a cellular fashion, such as a map of cell sites with each site connected to multiple sites by the facets of the hexagon. An interruption of the evidence, similar to a cell site, also breaks the nexus of one piece of evidence to another. Locard's Principle states that with every contact is a trace. It goes on to state that other evidence must complete the circumstances of the direct evidence. A fingerprint on a window only confirms that the person identified to the fingerprint touched the window. It does not identify when, why, how or with what intention. Therefore, direct and circumstantial evidence are wholly reliant upon each other, and should not be considered only of themselves.
Evidence to Person, Person to Scene and Scene to Evidence are common examples of direct evidence working with circumstantial evidence. In these three examples the conclusion of one match (i.e. Evidence to Person) is not case conclusive, neither are two matches (i.e. Person to Scene and Scene to Evidence). It takes a conclusion of all three to be case conclusive.
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Forensic Investigators
 | | Dean and Karen Beers |
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 Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC - Professional Reliable Investigators Defining 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, CCDI (beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com)
Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI (beersks@Forensic-Investigators.com)
Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC
Office: (970) 691-0813 ~ Fax: (970) 372-4717 |
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Newsletter and Press Release Archives from July 2010
click here
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Download our Agency Information and Case Request Packetclick here
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Specializing in Equivocal Death Investigations - Suicide, Homicide & Accident
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On our website
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www.MedicoLegalPI.com
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Newsletter Archives from 2008
All Articles
www.MedicoLegalPI.com
Featured Articles
(click X by title)
X Concepts of Comprehensive Background Investigations
X DNA Primer and Considerations for the Professional Investigator
X Psychological Autopsy and Equivocal Death
X 'Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports'
X 'The Legal Investigator's Relationship with Families'
X 'Woodchipper Fatality Investigation'
Slideshow Presentations:
X About Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC
X Attorney and Investigator Ethics
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Find Us at:
Slideshow Presentations:
www.slideshare.com/dbeerspi
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Professional Associations
Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC)
Chairman of the Board of DirectorsPast VP of Membership
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Certified Legal Investigator
CLI Committee - Region 6
Newsletter Contributing Editor
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Region 5A Director (CO, WY, NE & AZ)
State Association Advisory Board
World Association of Detectives (WAD)
Criminal Defense Investigation Council (CDITC)
Certified Criminal Defense Investigators
Faculty Advisor - Forensic Investigations
Instructor - Death Investigation
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
International Association for Identification (IAI) and (RMDIAI)
(Rocky Mountain Division)
Mensa USA
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Tools for the
Litigation Attorney and Professional Investigator (click images for details)
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Always FREE
Always ONLINE
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Death Investigation for Private Investigators
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 Investigator Case Management System Learn more - FREE eBook and sneak peek
Attorney Trial Management System
Learn more - FREE eBook and sneak peek
WEBINARS and SEMINARS
Contact us if you would sponsor a webinar or seminar - no cost to you and earn free attendance:
beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com
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