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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 Giving Thanks - from Family & Friends to Clients and Veterans!November sees two important holidays - Thanksgiving and Veterans Day. One day a year is not enough, but it does bring everything into focus. Take a moment this year and consider local charities opportunities to extend a warm wish and helping hand to those that are less fortunate or have experienced an event that has set them back.
Death in a NutshellFrom our friend and colleague in Colorado, Bob Wall... Interesting from a historic perspective. Reminds me (and was probably the inspiration for) that "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" story about the death scene miniatures. [we won't fault Bob for watching CSI] -- very interesting, and interactive - http://www.deathindiorama.com/index.htmlA Day in the Life of a Defense Attorney Bob is almost a regular, but unwitting, contributor. Here is another fun moment shared by him. https://www.youtube.com/embed/FgH_h3JKldo
FEATURES AND NEWS YOU CAN USE:
-- World Association of Detectives - Elections
-- National Council of Investigation & Security Services - Legislative Advocacy Hub
-- Articles and commentary of interest
-- Associations and News of our Profession
-- In the News
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- AND MORE!
Together We're Better - Together 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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Dean asked to continue appointment - WAD Governor of the Americas
The World Association of Detectives recently held hits annual conference and elections. New WAD President Chuck McLaughlin asked Dean to accept his continued appointment, for a third term, as Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South).
His responsibilities include overseeing the Ambassadors of multiple regions and continued enhancement of membership engagement and recruitment, while furthering the mission of WAD. Dean has been the Governor of the Americas since 2012 and previously served as the North America Ambassador (West).
FREE Ethics Book for PIs and Attorneys
The value and importance of our professional ethics cannot be overstated. Ethics are often seen as morals, they are not, though one will impact the other. Morals are behavioral guides that are personal and individualistic. Ethics are rules of behavior for an individual through a group - such as an association or profession. http://www.privateinvestigations.org/1/post/2013/03/free-ethics-book-for-pis-and-attorneys.html Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) with Facts & Forensics 
The October podcast is available at http://gimg.tv/private-investigations-007ff Join Dean and Karen on GIMG.tv at Facts & Forensics! The October show features special guest Darren Dake of Coroner Talk to discuss the relationship of private and legal investigators with law enforcement and coroner offices, and the concerns of ebola for public health and safety workers, and the public. Dean also presents news of our profession from the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS).
Make sure you subscribe to the GIMG.tv mailing list and RSS feed so you never miss a show. Elevating Investigations Using Daubert and Frye Standardsby Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI The Legal Investigator - official magazine of The National Association of Legal Investigators - is available online at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication?i=223758As an alternating regular contributor, this issue has Dean's article 'Elevating Investigations using Daubert and Frye Standards' is included. BUT - this is probably one of the BEST issues to date. 110% of the articles are top-notch! Importance of Photography in Equivocal Death Investigations
Our role as medicolegal death investigators includes reviewing cases for other professional investigators, attorneys and families. They may question the evidence or investigative protocol - they ultimately question the Manner of Death - Natural, Accident, Suicide, Homicide and Undetermined - most often suicide. They may question the Cause of Death - the specific actions, but not often. Continued at http://www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/importance-of-photography-in-equivocal-death-investigations 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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Colorado Private Investigator Licensing Update Learn what to expect between now and June 1, 2015 by viewing these Frequently Asked Questions www.dora.colorado.gov/professions/privateinvestigators
The PPIAC's new "2014 Guide to the New Colorado PI Law" is available for download at http://ppiac.org/pi-licensing-law.WARNING - an individual in California, who has lost his PI license, is promoting a guide to pass the Colorado license examination. Not only is the exam not yet developed, but this 'guide' is not endorsed by either the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) or Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC). Our agency strongly cautions against using any material not prepared by DORA or PPIAC. We will gladly keep our colleagues appropriately and honestly informed. A Survivors' Guide to Understanding Death Investigations
"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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The value of networking extends beyond your local clients and colleagues, and should include statewide, nationally and internationally. This should include your state association, NALI, NCISS and WAD for international camaraderie.
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. For those of you that attended the conference - it was great to see you and I hope we had time to visit. Conferences are always busy and a great way to see each other and also get some learning and networking done. Association leaders came from all over, Georgia to Texas and speakers from Ohio and more. It was a great time - over 60 investigators joined us. These conferences are for you and are a benefit of PPIAC membership with a great discount. The location for next year has been announced - Estes Park - and special very early bird discount. National Association of Legal Investigators ( www.NALI.com)
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.
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at http://www.nalionline.org/publications.htm
NALI has changed its conference schedule to have one annual conference. the 2015 Annual Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas on May 28-30 at the historic Menger Hotel. Confirmed speakers include a forensic pathologists and a forensic anthropologist from the area.
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)
NCISS is the voice of investigators and security personnel at the federal level. The primary mission of NCISS is to watch federal legislation and work with members to take appropriate action to support beneficial, or oppose harmful, legislation in the course of performing their professional services. Members of NCISS receive a copy of the twice-yearly published 'The Report' is posted online at http://www.nciss.org/news-and-events/nciss-the-report.php. The current bi-monthly issue of The eReport, and all NCISS Legislative Alerts, and key benefits are posted at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs052/1102296473151/archive/1110377933456.html.
NCISS New Member Dues
Dues are normally prorated by quarter. Now through December 31st, all new members will receive a full year for their payment. Dues will be paid through 2015, with full dues on January 1st, 2016.
This is an excellent opportunity to join NCISS at a new member discount for 14 months and an opportunity to join us for Hit the Hill in April. Go for the Gold - Join NCISS now and join us at Hit the Hill in April - http://goo.gl/rAEezJ for the online application (in beta testing).
World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net)
Elections were held at the 89th Annual Conference in Auckland New Zealand.
President - Chuck McLaughlin (USA)
1st Vice President - Matthias Willenbrink (Germany)
2nd Vice President - Kunwar Vikram Singh (India)
3rd Vice President - Mike LaCorte (UK)
The WAD magazine, Beyond Global, is available online at http://www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global.
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations, as well as specialty specific national associations (see right side-bar).
If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.
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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
FREE ebook - 7 Reasons Why Really Small Businesses Should Join their Industry Trade Association To Succeed
Joining state, national and service specific associations are helpful to every agency. Our agency principles are members of multiple associations for specific reasons - networking, education & training, friendship, legislative, marketing, etc.
One small association can have over 500,000 hours, and dozens of decades, of experience for you to tap into! These associations offer guidance, training, networking and legislative awareness to help keep you in business.
Our friends in the Maine PI association shared this ebook (free) on the importance to your agency and our profession in being part of the solutions and not just the beneficiaries (everyone benefits from the work of associations, but only 5-10% join, and only 5-10% of members are actively involved).
Feel free to contact our agency if we can answer any questions about associations and get you the contact information for those you are considering looking into.
http://www.remservices.biz/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7reasons.pdf
Alaska family shocked to find son alive after police declare him dead
http://bit.ly/1o61oAx
Giving death notifications is by far the worst part of the job as former deputy coroners. It too often takes a significant amount of work to find next of kin and personally notify them. Its a morbid thought, but have current ID, contact and emergency contact on your person, in your vehicle and home. Even non-fatal incidents can become life-threatening if people are not contacted for potentially life-saving information quickly.
Here is a link to a card for your wallet - http://www.deathcasereview.com/emergency-contact-wallet-card.html
Many states, including Colorado, have confidential records tied to driver's licenses for law enforcement and hospitals. https://www.colorado.gov/apps/dor/emergency/contact/start.jsf
NCISS Legislative Alerts
From NCISS - Lobbying in your State
If you are interested in establishing a state lobbying program in your state, a guide "10 Steps to Building Your State Lobbying Program" is located at: http://www.nciss.org/legislation/documents/Program.pdf
Also provided on the web site for the National Council of Investigative and Security Services is a compendium of key legislation by state at http://www.nciss.org/legislation/latest-legislation.php then go to the link entitled "State Legislation." The white states are states that either have no pending bills of interest or are not in session. You can also page down to your state where it is listed alphabetically.
Check out the recently launched "Advocacy Hub." If you have not heard about the "Advocacy Hub," the Hub allows members to send already drafted letters to key legislators and government officials right from the web site. Currently there are two items pending. Check them out!
This service, usually reserved for members only, is temporarily complimentary from NCISS to make those aware of the strength and value of NCISS and proactive legislative awareness.
Archives of NCISS Legislative Alerts
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs052/1102296473151/archive/1110377933456.html
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| 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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No Shame November
No Shame November is a month dedicated to eradicating the shame of mental health issues. September was Suicide Prevention Month, and with November having both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, it is appropriate to address the issue of mental health - a topic most try to avoid.
Many of our veterans, and non-veterans, face PTSD and other mental health issues. These cannot be ignored - there is no shame, and there is help.
www.SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org
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How can we help you? Together We're Better - We Make the Difference!
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
Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
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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) Inner Circle of Investigators (ICI) 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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