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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
A Colorado Limited Liability Company and Licensed Private Investigators
www.Forensic-Investigators.com ~ (970) 480-7793
Quaero Indicium -'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest
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Greetings!
We hope this finds everyone doing well and getting ready to wrap up the summer, as families begin to send the youngsters to school and oldsters to college. Last month we announced that we would have a new mailing address by this time. Please note that this is for payments and first-class mail correspondence only. Communication by voice, email and fax is preferred when possible. Our first class mailing address is:
P.O. Box 1238
Fort Collins, CO. 80522-1238
We now primarily accept and deposit all payments electronically, with your authorization.
Please contact us in advance of sending any express services or packages. We use DropBox for secure and private larger file transfers.
NEWS OF IMPORTANCE
Licensing for private investigators in Colorado is now available and effective! You can apply for your Colorado license by visiting the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - http://www.dora.state.co.us/private-investigator/index.htm
IN THIS ISSUE
This month is packed with conferences, legislative issues, and useful tips for everyone
-- Bits and Pieces - Considerations when hiring a PI; Expertise Altruistic Reciprocity; Free international conference calling; You and traumatic brain injuries; You and cardiac events - saving a life; Emergency contact wallet card.
-- Agency News and Updates - AFI-LLC in the media for our profession; Cook County (IL) now has a new Chief Medical Examiner; State PI license reciprocity.
-- Associations and Industry News - WAD / NCISS Boston conference; NCISS watching legislative issues.
-- In the News - Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and expert witnesses; Witness interviews and work-product protection; EEOC and pre-employment criminal records; The Innocence Project; Verifying active duty military status; Article - PI licensing in Colorado.
TRAINING AND CONFERENCES (the following are continued at http://newsletters.Forensic-Investigators.com) PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO (PPIAC) ANNUAL CONFERENCE The PPIAC annual conference will be at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs. The speaker lineup and schedule are finalized, with details to be posted soon (if not by the time you read this) at http://ppiac.org/training/annual-conference. TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED INVESTIGATORS (TALI) CONFERENCE Dean recently returned from attending and speaking at this world-class conference of professional investigators attending from all over the United States and other countries. This was aptly named the 'International Conference of International Associations'! If you attended TALI (only if you did) - go to http://tali.DeathCaseReview.com/ and fill out the contact info. Dean will be sending extra death investigation and injury causation information. Feel free to share this with those you know that attended. ***** ***** AFI-LLC - Our agency is called upon for many reasons - from investigations to consultations, and from finding the right investigator to the right expert. We have recently added to our case examples found at http://www.forensic-investigators.com/sample-cases.html.
Continued at http://newslettercontinued.Forensic-Investigators.com |
Bits and Pieces
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WHAT DOES YOUR CLIENT CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATOR?
What should be considered when choosing a professional investigator? We have put together the top four considerations we have learned clients - from investigators to attorneys, from insurance companies to families - look for.
http://www.forensic-investigators.com/1/post/2012/08/how-to-select-a-qualified-professional-investigator.html
EXPERTISE ALTRUISTIC RECIPROCITY At AFI-LLC, our agency philosophy is that 'Together We're Better'. We try to exemplify this, not for our benefit, but for the mutual benefit of our agency, friends, colleagues, and clients - often one in the same! One of our good friends, a colleague and a client is Hal Humphreys. He artfully put his thoughts on professionalism to words in an excellent blog at: http://www.findinvestigations.com/blog/2012/7/24/find-expertise-altruistic-reciprocity.html FREE CONFERENCE CALLING - INTERNATIONAL www.FreeConferenceCall.com is now available in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, UK and US. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES? As you know, Karen and I are passionate about this topic - and legal investigators see this frequently in many civil cases. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, such as a violent blow, damages the brain. Very interesting at http://soc.li/KxiMOQU. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUDDEN CARDIAC EVENTS TO SAVE A LIFE? Heart disease is the number one killer in the US. If you witness a person having a heart attack, what should you do? This video is worth the few minutes it takes and may save a life - even your own. One of the most important videos you should watch! http://www.heartrescuenow.com CARRY THIS EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION CARD AND USEFUL TIPS! As residents of Colorado, we have witnessed a pretty traumatic summer - from fires and mudslides, to the tragic massacre at a movie theater in Aurora.
As former deputy coroners, we have also witnessed the pain of families when notifying them of the death of their loved ones - the most difficult and unforgettable responsibility of the job. Families are often more traumatized when there are unanswered questions and, most often, an extended period of time before they are notified. We are here to help.
There are several factors that contribute to what information is available and shared, and how soon next-of-kin can be notified. We have put several tips and links from our own experiences and other experts in one place - please share - at: http://www.forensic-investigators.com/emergency-contact-wallet-card.html About Dean and Karen:
Dean is a subject matter expert in the areas of death investigation and personal injury causation. He is the only Board Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) in northern Colorado, a faculty consultant and Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) and is also a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator. He continues to speak extensively on investigative techniques and principles and has authored multiple peer-reviewed white papers, and self-published "Professional Investigations: Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities" and recently published "Practical Methods for Legal Investigations" (CRC Press) He currently consults nationwide as an expert in criminal defense homicide and civil equivocal death investigations.
Karen has been a Legal Investigator and research specialist, since 1996. She has a Bachelor's in Social Work from Colorado State University (Magna Cum Laude) and in 2011 earned the designation Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI). Together they operate Associates in Forensic Investigations, 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. In addition, she has written for prominent professional investigation journals and was instrumental in the revisions and contributions to both agency books, as well as the co-development of "Death Investigations for Private Investigators" for PIEducation.com
Continued at: http://newslettercontinued.Forensic-Investigators.com
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Our Expert Forensic Affiliations
|  We believe that medicolegal investigation and consultation is a team effort. Stephen Cina MD, Harold Schueler PhD, 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. The CVs of both Dr. Cina (Forensic Pathology services) and Dr. Schueler (Forensic Toxicology services) are available from by contacting us.
Dr. Cina is also the co-author of the non-fiction historical look at "When Doctors Kill" available at http://whendoctorskill.forensic-investigators.com
AFFILIATED FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST - STEPHEN J. CINA, MD - APPOINTED CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER IN COOK COUNTY (IL) Our affiliated forensic pathologist, Stephen J. Cina, MD, has recently been appointed as the Chief Medical Examiner for Cook County, IL. Chicago alone has over 500 homicides - he will be busy. We have known and variously trained under and worked with Dr. Cina for 10 years. This is a mutually beneficial and exciting opportunity for him and Cook County. With this new appointment he will not accept any criminal cases, and limited civil cases, from IL; but now can from FL. There are several forensic pathologists that are available through his consulting practice and IL would be appropriately referred. This will also allow us to continue with expert case consultations from IL.
We have already heard from our colleagues in the area that this is an exciting and welcome change, and improvement, to the Cook County ME system. We wish our friend Dr. Cina, and his family, well in Chicago and look forward to both our continuing relationship and visiting.
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Agency News and Updates
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AFI-LLC IN THE MEDIA FOR OUR PROFESSION
We just completed another radio show with Francie Koehler for her show, 'PI's Declassified'. We will also return as guests on 'Crime Time with Vito Colucci' to discuss the Aurora theater shooting tragedy. Karen was also interviewed, as the second Licensed Colorado Private Investigator in Colorado, on her views and opinions.
These and other links are on the new media page at http://www.forensic-investigators.com/afi-llc-in-media.html.
From CRC Press you can order Practical Methods for Legal Investigations at www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com and save 20%; discount code is 083MA
We have expanded www.PrivateInvestigations.org to include not only email and subdomains, but books and resources for investigations and business operations.
STATE PI LICENSE RECIPROCITY
We are researching all the states that have licensing and their reciprocity laws - but that is far too time consuming for my purposes. My request of a favor is hopefully simple - for any PIs from any licensed states to send me their reciprocity law. I have made it as easy as possible with a Google form (if you don't know about, or use Google forms - you must!).
Form link: http://bit.ly/Nthluu
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Associations and News of Our Profession
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NALI was well represented at the TALI International Conference of Investigative Associations with National Director Terry Cox, CLI and CLI Committee Chair David Luther, CLI present. Details for the Valentine Week 2013 Mid-Winter Conference in Memphis TN are being finalized. Watch www.NALI.com for upcoming details!
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication?m=14458&l=1.
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)There is a flurry of activity in Washington, DC and it has been keeping NCISS busy on behalf of all professional investigators and security agencies. There are so many that we have put them on a special page. Below is a list of the topics being watched. But first...
Members of NCISS receive a copy of the twice-yearly published 'The Report' in the mail. This is also posted online, feel free to share this valuable information about our profession and legislative issues with your colleagues and clients. http://www.nciss.org/documents/The_Report_Fall_2012.pdf Continued at http://newsletters.Forensic-Investigators.com are the following: From Ed McClain, Chair for the NCISS Fundraising Committee-- Congress to Introduce Bill Regulating Domestic Surveillance Drones
-- NCISS Monitors Subcommittee Hearing on Facial Recognition
-- Congressional Committee Reviews GPS LegislationWorld Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net)
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In the News
|  News happens so fast, please visit our agency blog for daily and weekly posts on news of interest - www.MedicolegalPI.com or our business Facebook page at www.facebook.com/4N6Associates
INTERESTING ARTICLE ON PI LICENSING IN COLORADO
PI Now (www.PINow.com) has published an article written by PPIAC President Robert Orozco entitled 'The Significance of Colorado PI Licensing.'
http://www.pinow.com/articles/1260/colorado-pi-licensing
NEW FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE THAT APPLY TO EXPERT WITNESSES
From PI Newswire - Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure was amended in 2010, and as of December 1, 2010, the changes to the rule have significantly altered the type and scope of information that can be obtained from an expert witness in the course of discovery.
http://www.pinewswire.net/article/new-federal-rules-of-civil-procedure-that-apply-to-expert-witnesses
EEOC GUIDANCE ON THE USE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS BY EMPLOYERS
From our friend and subject matter expert, Mike Coffey (Texas) - there is no new law, the EEOC's new guidance document, issued April 25th, is a primer on Title VII and disparate impact cases.
http://imperativeinfo.com/2012/05/11/slides-and-notes-for-my-eeoc-guidance-webinar-now-available and continued at http://db.tt/BuA176hc
THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
As you know, our agency is involved in several death penalty cases as experts in the areas of crime scene, pattern injury analysis, injury causation, evidence, etc. There are various categories, such as eyewitness ID, confessions, etc, that are presented in video form. http://www.innocenceproject.org/Content/Getting_it_Right.php
RECORDED WITNESS INTERVIEWS ENTITLED TO WORK PRODUCT PROTECTION
Larry Troxel shared this information with the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI):
The California Supreme Court held that recordings of witness interviews conducted by investigators employed by defendant's counsel are entitled as a matter of law to at least qualified work product protection. http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S181712.PDF
VERIFYING ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY STATUS The question of verifying active duty military status comes up a lot, and recently did on another list, so I thought I would share this information. Go to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/scra/scraIndex.xhtml - you need name, SSN and DOB. Your results will be in the form of a pop-up PDF that is a certified record of the DOD.
If you get a trusted certificate warning, don't worry - we have used the site for years with no issues. ***** *****
Do you have a book to be reviewed or special announcement? Let us know!
If you want to send a complimentary copy, we will gladly review it for you and also provide a customized press release and distribution.
Scott Harrell's complete review for Pursuit Magazine
Burt Hodge's complete review for Florida Association of Licensed InvestigatorsBob Wall's complete review for Professional Private Investigators Association of CO Don Johnson's complete review for PI Magazine 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." Continued at http://newslettercontinued.Forensic-Investigators.com |
| The Quint-Essential 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...Aurora Movie Theater Shooting Tragedy
| Many of use woke up the morning of July 20th to see the alarming news in Aurora - as it unfolded information changed and was being released by the hour. As investigators, we patiently wait for the facts to unfold.
Aurora is home to many friends and colleagues of AFI-LLC and is almost the back yard to many of us. It has brought back memories. We want to make sure that any person needing any kind of support and assistance has the resources needed. So far we do not personally know any directly impacted by this traumatic and deadly event. Very mixed emotions.
We offer our support and prayers to everyone involved in this horrific tragedy.
Colorado has been through a pretty traumatic summer -- let us remember each other.
At this time, about all that can be said is:
"What we have unfolding is a tragic event in which the information is fluid, facts undetermined and pieces being put together. It is irrelevant to consider uninformed opinions, or make any inferences from unverified information. The facts will present themselves in a timely fashion. Only at that time would it be appropriate to comment."
Respectfully - Dean and Karen
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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
 | | Dean and Karen Beers |
specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.
We can consult on any death or injury causation case from any location with the conveniences of modern technology. Call us today, we're glad to help!
We are the PRIDE of Associates in Forensic Investigations, 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)
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Office: (970) 480-7793 (Dean x1 and Karen x2) ~ Fax: (970) 480-7794 |
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Newsletter and Press Release Archives from July 2010
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Download our Agency Information and Case Request Packetclick here
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Featured Articles
Dean and Karen have several articles published, some are available for reprint.
For details email:
Associates@Forensic-Investigators.com
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Find Us at:
 | | Find us and 'Like' us! |
Dean is at:
Karen is at:
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Professional Associations
Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC)
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
World Association of Detectives (WAD) Criminal Defense Investigation Council (CDITC) National Defender Investigator Association (NDIA) Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI) Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) International Association for Identification (IAI) and (RMDIAI) (Rocky Mountain Division)National Association of Professional Women Mensa USA |
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