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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
a Rocky Mountain West Agency www.DeathCaseReview.com
Wyoming (307) 222-0136 ~ Colorado (970) 480-7793
Quaero Indicium -'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest
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Greetings
Did you survive April Fools Day? Here is something that is no joke...
FREE Webinar - Autopsies and Reports for the Investigator
Register for the two-part FREE webinar (Thursday 05/22 and 05/29 - 6pm P, 7pm M, 8pm C and 9pm E) - < www.PrivateInvestigations.org/webinar.html >
You will also receive a discount for our Death Investigations for Professional Investigators distance learning course (with bonus materials).
Speaking of Aprils Fools Day...
Late last month Dean answered a sales call from a plastics manufacturer.
Caller - Can your company use any plastic materials - tubing, bags, etc.?
Dean - There was a time we could have used body bags, but we're past that point now.
Caller - [silence]...okay.
Dean - We're death investigators.
Caller - [still thinking]...okay.
It wasn't April Fools Day, proving sometimes spontaneity is fun!
Florida Association of Licensed Investigators - 20th Anniversary Conference!
http://www.fali.org/?page=FALICONFERENCE
Dean is returning to join his friends and colleagues in FALI to speak at the special 20th Anniversary Celebration conference from May 1st-3rd in Tampa Bay, FL. He will be speaking on The Autopsy - Protocols, and Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports. At the conclusion of the conference, and Dean's presentation, will be a special book signing of those author's in attendance.
FEATURES AND NEWS YOU CAN USE:
-- Retaining PIs and maintaining attorney privileges
-- NHLI offers 'Death Investigations for Private Investigators'
-- Global Investigators Media Group
-- Books and Resources for PIs
-- Branding and Marketing your Investigations Company
-- The Case File - save 10%
-- Associations and News of our Profession
-- News you can use -- Quint-Essential Qualities of a PI
-- Results of PI Licensing Survey
-- AND MORE!
Together We're Better - We Make the Difference! Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC is a Rocky Mountain Agency owned by Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI.
We provide Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. We are Subject Matter Experts in Equivocal Death Investigation and Analysis, and Injury Causation.
We are based in the Rocky Mountain West and provide expert consultations nationally. Learn details at www.DeathCaseReview.com
Here is a video explaining what we do and why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgsvtbSk8fg
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.DeathCaseReview.com/sample-cases.html.
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Agency News and Updates
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Attorney-Client and Attorney Work-Product Doctrines and Privileges
Our agency requires the attorney retain our services in order to create and maintain these doctrines and privileges exclusive to the attorney relationship. We do not accept a case in which the attorney will not retain us directly. This is an excellent archive article by Susan Carlson, CLI. Sadly, she passed away and is missed by many.
http://managementresources.wordpress.com/2014/03/19/attorney-work-product
Our Newest Association Partner Offering 'Death Investigations for Investigators'
New Hampshire League of Investigators (www.NHLI.net) is the newest partner with AFI-LLC to offer our distance learning 'Death Investigations for Private Investigators' course at a discount to their members, and also receive a donation from AFI-LLC to NHLI on behalf of the member student.
NHLI members can go to www.MedicolegalDeathInvestigations.com/nhli.html for details.
Is your association offering this quality distance learning to you at a discount? Have them contact us for details, there is no cost to the association.
Visit www.MedicolegalDeathInvestigations.com and click on the PI Education link if you are in one of the following states:
- 14 CEUs in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa
- 12 CEUs in Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky
- 7 CEUs in Louisiana
- 8 CEUs in Kansas
- 10 CEUs in Oregon, South Carolina and for Arizona (Process Servers)
- 6 CEUs in North Carolina
- 4 CEUs in New Mexico
Global Investigators Media Group
GIMG.tv Facts and Forensics debut podcast!
Current president of the Florida Association of Licensed Private Investigators (FALI) Tim O'Rourke has launched a new media venue for professional investigators - Global Investigators Media Group at www.GIMG.tv. Under this umbrella will be a variety of investigator hosted shows via podcast. Dean's podcasts - 'Facts and Forensics' are at http://gimg.tv/001-facts-forensics-w-dean-beers. Please take a listen and share your feedback, keeping in mind its a bit rough around the edges.
Each show opens with Dean discussing related topics from national news and updates from associations. The second segment is Conversations with Karen, in which they discuss the Facts and Forensics of highly publicized equivocal death cases in the news. The final segment is a special guest segment, Dean and a forensic expert will discuss how their expertise can help listeners.
We want to hear from you with any input and information to include in the segments ideas for guests and topics.
BOOKS FOR INVESTIGATORS
AFI-LLC has put together some of the best fiction and non-fiction books available from Amazon. These range from studying for certifications to best practices, and investigative fiction and non-fiction. Most of these are written by our friends and colleagues, including fellow CLIs and CCDIs. See the complete list of books at
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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.
Dr. Cina is the Chief Medical Examiner of a large metropolitan area in the upper mid-west, and Dr. Schueler's consultation practice is Forensic Toxicology Consulting Services.
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation. The CVs of both Dr. Cina and Dr. Schueler are available by contacting us.
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010.
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Tidbits from AFI-LLC
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Branding and Marketing Your Investigations CompanyTom Shamshak (ShamshakPI.com - Boston, MA) is our affiliated police procedures and missing persons expert consultant. PI Now has published his most recent article, " Branding and Marketing Your Investigations Company" at http://lawgic.al/1e1P1KZ
Special Offer - save $10 on 'The Case File for Investigators'
For all investigators and security personnel - private and public sector! The 'Case File for Investigators' Special offer. Purchase The Case File now and save $10 off the already low purchase price! Just use coupon code 697763720 when you check out at http://picasefile.privateinvestigations.org Iowa Association of Private Investigators 2014 ConferenceDean will be a featured speaker at this conference, from July 24th-25th in Des Moines IA. His topics are The Process of Injury Causation, Death Investigation and Autopsies. Investigators will learn the concepts and protocols of investigating injury causation and death, and protocols of the forensic autopsy and findings of the autopsy in the final report. This will be an information packed and fast paced series of presentations. If you are involved in legal investigations of civil, criminal or probate litigation, this will be a valuable half-day training session. Rocky Mountain Investigators Conference (www.PPIAC.org) http://ppiac.org/ai1ec_event/2014-rocky-mountain-private-investigators-conference?instance_id=122 Dean and Karen will be speaking and demonstrating hands-on death and injury causation at this conference, being held from October 3rd-4th at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, CO. Investigators of the west, don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of some of the most respected and experienced instructors and investigators the profession has to offer! theInvestigators - a listserv for and by professional investigators
Are you looking for a networking group via the traditional email listserves? Consider 'theInvestigators' at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theInvestigators/join
Death Investigation for Private Investigators (Distance Learning)
We are pleased and excited to announce that this distance learning course has been adapted by several professional associations - National Defender Investigator Association, Criminal Defense Investigator Training Council, New Jersey Private Investigator Association, New Hampshire League of Investigators and several more are reviewing to offer as a benefit to their members. In addition, this is approved by the Arizona funeral directors licensing board.
These associations offer course discounts to their members and receive a donated portion of the proceeds. Please contact these associations for membership details and course discounts. If your association is interested, please have them contact us - there is no cost or obligation to add this valuable member benefit and revenue sharing opportunity. This is also available to individual investigators through a revenue sharing affiliate program. Contact our agency for details. Course details are at www.MedicolegalDeathInvestigations.com and includes an opportunity for continuing education approved in 17 states through PIEducation.com.A Survivors' Guide to Understanding Death Investigations
We are pleased to announce the release of "A Survivors' Guide to Understanding Death Investigations" - a book developed to help those who have lost a loved one to understand the maze, complexities and protocols of official death investigations.
We often hear from families, attorneys, investigators and funeral homes representing families, looking for where to turn in understanding how the death of a loved one was (or should have been) investigated. They seek closure through answers.
Learn more at www.understandingdeathinvestigations.com
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Associations and News of Our Profession
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Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org)
Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area. Visit the PPIAC website for details. Please see the information in this newsletter for the PPIAC annual fall conference. PPIAC has been asked by state Sen. Linda Newell and state Rep. Jovan Melton to materially participate in a renewed effort to pass recently introduced legislation for mandatory licensing of private investigators in Colorado. Dean remains on the PPIAC licensing committee. For information and to lend your support, please contact Dean or any PPIAC board member.
NALI is the premier association for legal investigators for civil plaintiff and criminal defense, and oversees the prestigious Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) program. Experience is required to join and all members are subject to a background check.
NALI will be holding its annual conference and elections in Denver, CO from June 26th-28th. Stay tuned to this newsletter and www.NALI.com for conference details as they become available.
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/repo25/14458/192722/f5a2329bb0361e63f7ee6960bfc97723107a9092.pdf
World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net)
The value of networking extends beyond your local clients, and should include statewide, nationally and internationally. This should include your state association, NALI, NCISS and of course WAD for international camaraderie. You can contact us for membership information for any of these associations. As the WAD Governor of the Americas (USA, Canada, Central America, Caribbean and Argentina), Dean is interested in answering your WAD membership questions. You can also contact any of the WAD Ambassadors. The WAD magazine, Beyond Global, is available online at http://www.wad.net/page/newsletter.aspx.
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations
If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion.
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In the News
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News happens 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
NCISS Legislative Alerts Legislative Watch - The most important function of NCISS is to monitor and direct federal legislation. NCISS plays an important role in acting as a conduit for state legislative information. -- Death Master File Certification Recently the Commerce Department has held hearings regarding continued access, via certified users. There has been some confusion concerning the actions that need to be taken by individuals, agencies and groups. The following has been provided to help you with this process. This full NCISS Legislative Alert is available at this embedded link: Update on Death Master File Access
-- Archives of this and previous NCISS Legislative Alerts can be found at:
NCISS Legislative Alerts and The eReport
-- Sign up to receive the NCISS Legislative Alerts: Contact me about NCISS Membership and subscribe now!
Evidence Technology Magazine The March-April 2014 Digital Edition of Evidence Technology Magazine is online and in the mail (both free). Some interesting articles - whether you are involved in civil or criminal investigations, or expert consultations and scene investigations. Only online (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/evidencetechnology/20140304/index.php): Identifying Prescription Drugs at the Crime Scene the illicit use of prescription medication continues at an extremely high rate. From AFI-LLC: Be sure and catch our earlier commentary 'Prescription Medications - The Danger of Legal and Illicit Drugs ' at www.deathcasereview.com/1/post/2014/02/prescription-medications-the-danger-of-legal-and-illicit-drugs.html
Our Criminal Justice System has become a Crime Here is a good article that reveals the unseen prejudices in our justice system. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/03/19/law-enforcement-clue-jury-criminal-column/6490641 From AFI-LLC: Be sure and catch our earlier commentary 'Balancing the Scales of Justice' at http://www.deathcasereview.com/1/post/2014/01/balancing-the-scales-of-justice.html Expert Witness Testimony Banned for Questionable Fee Agreement This article addresses an expert witness. This applies to all investigators, experts, consultants and witnesses. A few years ago we had to decline a potentially lucrative client (per their retired investigator) because the attorney wanted to pay only after the cases were settled or otherwise concluded. Although the attorney assured it was not a contingency, and even if not a favorable outcome, we would be paid. The concern were the ethics, and precedent being something we deemed inappropriate or unfavorable. Secondary was providing exceptional services - and expenses - that could be pending for several months to a few years. The former being unprofessional and the latter being poor business practice. http://blog.expertpages.com/in-the-news/expert-witness-testimony-banned-for-questionable-fee-agreement.htm 7 CSI Fails on TV The commentary by forensic pathologist Judy Melinek MD (San Francisco) sheds some light (no pun intended, as 'crime' shows are always dark). http://pathologyexpert.blogspot.com Investigation Books - fiction and non-fiction - for every PI AFI-LLC has compiled some of the leading books for private investigators, by private investigators, including those for specialized certifications. Many of the authors are also friends of AFI-LLC. Included are fiction and non-fiction novels. You can find these books and order direct from Amazon at http://amazon.privateinvestigations.org 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. |
| 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...
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Licensing Private Investigators ...
As has been noted in past newsletters, the Colorado legislature is considering a bill for mandatory licensure of private investigators. This is due to the unintended consequences of the current voluntary licensure program - which is concurrently being considered for repeal (and looks to be repealed this session). Our agency supports reasonable mandatory licensure through required background checks and verified experience, and reasonable fees. Please see our position statement at www.ColoradoLicensedInvestigators.com.
PInow Survey Shows Private Investigators Believe Licensing or Certification by State Should be Required
A recent survey of active private investigators revealed some interesting statistics regarding opinions of licensing and registration requirements and varying state-to-state standards. We have the complete statistics and some featured comments from survey participants.
http://www.pinow.com/articles/1811/survey-shows-private-investigators-want-greater-standardization-from-state-to-state-and-licensing-or-certification-by-state
From AFI-LLC: Certifications are a standard of specialized distinction that exceed licensing requirements and also demonstrate expertise in specific skill sets. Dean is a Certified Legal Investigator, and both Karen and Dean are Certified Criminal Defense Investigators.
Don't forget to share our newsletters. If you are receiving this from a friend < subscribe here >Expert Consultants and Legal Investigators
Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.
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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 provide investigations and consultations of any death or injury causation case from any location with the conveniences of modern technology and assistance of our local professional friends and colleagues.
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@DeathCaseReview.com)
Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI (beersks@DeathCaseReview.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
< Click 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) California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) International Association for Identification (IAI) and (RMDIAI) |
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Do you want to learn death and injury causation
and accept these cases with expert consultations?
The Process of Injury Causation, Death Investigation and Autopsies!
Learn the concepts and protocols of investigating injury causation and death, and protocols of the forensic autopsy and findings of the autopsy in the final report. This will be an information packed and fast paced series of presentations. This distance learning course provides the insight necessary to understanding the importance of injury causation to the death investigation. This will transition into the reviewing and comprehending the autopsy findings presented in the final autopsy report.
If you are involved in legal investigations of civil, criminal or probate litigation, this is a valuable course.
Warning: includes graphic images
Here is what one colleague recently said about our Death Investigation for Private Investigators distance learning course:
"I just finished your medicolegal death investigations for private investigators course. I must admit it was one of the best written courses I have taken in a long time. Not sure what I got on the test but I did get a certificate of completion. I truly enjoyed the content and managed to learn quite a bit as well. As far as the usefulness of the information I have already found two of my current cases that parts of the course provided me additional information as well as different routes of investigation that I may not have thought of or been aware of. Please accept my thanks and appreciation for your course. Thanks" (Curtis Burkett - Curtis Burkett & Associates Investigations)
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