Associates in Forensic Investigations 
a Rocky Mountain West Agency www.LicensedLegalInvestigators.com 
Legal Investigators and Expert Consultants
Personal Injury, Negligence & Death
Civil, Criminal & Probate
Equivocal Death Investigations
 
Colorado (970) 480-7793 ~ Wyoming (307) 222-0136

Quaero Indicium -
'To Find the Evidence'
Please distribute to others that may have an interest

Greetings

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Each day we give thanks for so much - from family and friends, to freedom and a feast to celebrate.  Thanksgiving gives us one day to set aside, often with family, to share all that makes our days shine.  Together, we want to extend our most heartfelt thanks for your friendship, your business and your confidence placed with us.

We hope you celebrate all we have to be thankful for, safely and with your families.  Take a moment to remember, and possibly help, those that will not have a home or meal, or those that are away from their families working to support them or perhaps in public safety, emergency services and in our military.

We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families!
Contact our agency any time - we're there when you need us.
www.DeathCaseReview.com - Legal Investigators and Expert Consultants in Personal Injury, Negligence & Death for Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 
-- Happy Thanksgiving to All!
-- Agency News
  - Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
  - Local Murder Rocks Small Town
  - Facts & Forensics on GIMG.tv
-- Tidbits from Our Colleagues
  - Value of Criminal Defense Investigators
  - Forensic DNA Evidence is Fallible
  - Investigating Police Shootings 
-- Associations and News of our Profession
-- From the News
  - Medical Examiner Vindicated
  - Innocent But Not Free
  - ID Theft Victim Resources
  - Ethics - Contacting Represented Parties
  - NCISS Legislative News and Alerts 
-- 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 West 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 

Dean and Karen Beers  
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.
 
Agency News and Updates
Direct and Circumstantial Evidence in Forensics Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI
Texas Association of Licensed Investigator - The Texas Investigator (Summer 2015)  

Dean's latest article has been published in The Texas Investigator.  In this article Dean discusses how our civil and criminal trial system is based on direct and circumstantial evidence.  From reasonable suspicion to probable cause, and beyond a reasonable doubt for criminal, and  preponderance of the evidence in civil.  As fact investigators, and sometimes offering an opinion as an expert, knowing these is important.  Knowing how these interact is more important. 

Read this full article at http://www.deathcasereview.com/uploads/8/7/3/8/8738199/beers_-_tti_evidence_in_forensics_july_2015.pdf

(to request access to our articles library - over two dozen - or permission to reprint, please contact our agency)  
 
Local Murder Rocks a Small Community 
A current case in Weld county reminds us of one of Dean's first - and very successful - expert cases from AZ (indirectly involving Operation Black Biscuit). http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/18918936-113/affidavit-pierce-town-official-and-self-proclaimed-biker-gang 

In all criminal cases - prosecution and defense - the investigative triangle consists of: scene to parties (victim, perpetrator and witnesses), parties to evidence (direct and circumstantial) and evidence to scene. Remove one and you have unproven circumstances.  As the decedent has not been found, the importance of this concept and Dean's article above, will be very important to this murder. 
 
Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) with Facts & Forensics
 
Due to circumstances, we were unable to attend the PPIAC conference and record a show with the board.  Instead, we did talk about the importance of multi-disciplinary investigative and expert resources in both civil and criminal litigation.  This included recent examples of this needed approach, and successes of it.  We also discussed our recent experiences at the Inner Circle of Investigators conference.  The emphasis of ICI membership is a multi-disciplinary team approach of investigators and experts. Stay tuned in October when Dean meets with the leadership of the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado a their annual conference.   
Be sure and visit www.GIMG.tv for all of the Global Investigators Media Group hosts and shows!
 
DISTANCE LEARNING FOR INVESTIGATORS
AFI-LLC is developing distance learning video on demand courses for investigators, and has put together some distance learning courses from other contributors.  See complete details at www.InvestigativeCourses.com 
 
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 http://amazon.privateinvestigations.org 
Our Expert Forensic Affiliations
Autopsy Review 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.  Dr. Schueler is the Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
 
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. 
Tidbits from Our Profession
We like to share the informative articles and commentary from our friends and colleagues.  Here are a couple very good ones...

The Value of a Criminal Defense Investigator
This is one of our expertise, particularly in death / serious injury investigations
This article is excellent on the need for experienced in legal investigators as soon as the attorney is retained. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/value-criminal-defense-investigator-wes-mccarroll 

Forensic DNA evidence is not infallible
As DNA analysis techniques become more sensitive, we must be careful to reassess the probabilities of error, argues Cynthia M. Cale.
(thanks to Jeff Saviano, JDS Criminalistics of Colorado Springs, for sharing this)

Investigating Police Shootings (Mark Murnan, CLI, CCDI)
This three part series can be used in any shooting incident, fatal or non-fatal.

Forensic Magazine - Five Case Studies in Forensic Toxicology (Judy Melinek, MD Forensic Pathologist)
Medicolegal death investigation most often involves the scene investigator and forensic pathologist.  As toxicology often has a role in death, directly or as a contributing factor, it is important to have a medical expert and opinion, including an available forensic toxicologist.
http://digital.forensicmag.com/forensics/october_2015?pg=20#pg20
(our agency has both a consulting forensic pathologist and forensic toxicologist available for our medicolegal investigations) 
 
Associations and News of Our Profession
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, as well as those for your specialized investigations.

Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org)
Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area.  PPIAC will begin holding training sessions specific to the new licensing program.

PPIAC held its annual elections, with each position being for a two-year term:
Board Chairman - Steve Davis (2016)
President - Ryan Johnston (2016)
VP of Membership - John Castellano (completing term 2016)
VP of Training - Stason Ikenouye (2016)
VP of Legislative Affairs - Andrea Orozco (2016)
Treasurer - John Morris (2016)
Secretary - Mike Miranda (2016)
At Large (all 2017) - Tan Smyth, Rod Gagnon, Bob Wall and Heather Cohen

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  www.nalionline.org/publications.htm
   
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org
Updated Benefits for NCISS Members!
NCISS has just updated its benefits page for members and is looking forward to having you join us as new members. View the new extended benefits at
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1102296473151/archive

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.  Dean is the editor of Your Advocate (formerly The Report).  Members of NCISS receive a copy of the three times yearly newsletter and is posted online at http://www.nciss.org/news-and-events/nciss-the-report.php. The current bi-monthly issue of Your eAdvocate (formerly The eReport), and all NCISS Legislative Alerts, and key benefits are posted at http://conta.cc/ZoQsTl.
 
World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net
WAD is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921.  WAD is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world.

JOIN NOW - SAVE $25!
If you are not yet a member of the World Association of Detectives, you can save $25 joining now.  Go online to www.WAD.net to apply online and use the code GQII2015 at checkout and the discount is good through December 31, 2015 and can only be used for online applications. Feel free to use our agency as a referral.

Karen is the new WAD Administrative Manager, and Dean is continuing as the Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South America).  Together we work to further the mission of WAD and provide resources to clients needing assistance in these regions.  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.
From the News
Courtroom

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 
 
   
 
 
Medical Examiner Vindicated for Undetermined Manner of Death Pending Investigation 
In Lake County IL, the police announced that the manhunt and investigation for three cop killers resulted in a determination that it was a suicide, with the much celebrated cop in fear of being exposed for multiple embezzlement crimes.
 
The county coroner / ME, Dr. Tim Rudd (forensic pathologist), had ruled, and released the manner of death, as undetermined due to inability to rule out suicide or homicide. The police blasted him for the ruling and publicizing it.
 
He was right.
 
It is why proper protocols of medicolegal death investigation are important.
 

If These Men Aren't Guilty, Why Can't They Go Free?

A major investigation says these four men convicted of murder are probably innocent

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
(having worked complex post-conviction cases, it does take adapting a different investigative mindset)

Post-conviction is a different, and difficult, investigative mindset.
http://californiainnocenceproject.org/issues-we-face/ineffective-assistance-of-counsel 

Identity Theft Victim Resources
This article shares some great resources for PIs to help victims of ID theft. With general experiences in locates, backgrounds, and assets & liabilities - helping victims of ID theft is a natural for PIs.
 
Advising Clients Regarding Direct Contacts with Represented Persons
(this is also a major topic in our free distance learning ethics course at www.InvestigativeCourses.com)
A very important ethical opinion that includes any investigator retained by an attorney. It is too often unknown or ignored. This is covered greatly in our ethics writings, presentations and courses.
https://lnkd.in/bwDVEKt
 
NCISS News
The best way to stay current and support the investigative and security professions is by joining NCISS.  Visit the NCISS web site for 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.

NCISS Regulatory Alert: Drone Registry in the Works
The Department of Transportation has composed a task force of industry groups that it hopes will draw up recommendations for drone registration in time for Christmas.  Continued at 
 
Legislative Call to Action - Support Workplace Fairness
Congress is acting to protect employers and fight unfair Department of Labor rules! 
**Fighting the National Labor Relations Board**
Please follow this link and instructions to send letters to Congress:   http://conta.cc/1l2VY8Q


Archives of NCISS Legislative Alerts  
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.
In Closing...
To our friends, colleagues and clients,

As you share a special day with your family and friends, please accept our thanks for making us part of your lives and being part of our success! 
* * * * *

We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families. Contact our agency any time - we're there when you need us. Together We're Better - We Make the Difference!
      
Don't forget to share our newsletters.  If you are receiving this from a friend
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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Dean and Karen Beers
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.


In addition, we continue to provide Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation. Additional information at  www.deathcasereview.com/general-services.html

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
[email protected]

Colorado (970) 480-7793 and Wyoming (307) 222-0136
(Dean x1 and Karen x2)  

Newsletter and Press Release Archives from July 2010  

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In This Issue
Agency News and Updates
Our Affiliated Experts
Tidbits from AFI-LLC
Associations and Our Profession News
In the News...
Qualities of a Professional Investigator
In Closing...
On Our website

AFI-LLC Since 1987

Featured Articles

Dean and Karen have several articles published, some are available for reprint.

For details email:

[email protected]    

Tools for the

Litigation Attorney and Professional Investigator

(click images for details)

 

 

Death Investigation Course for PIs  

 

 

A Survivors' Guide to Understanding Death Investigations   

 

 

 Investigator Case Management System

Learn more - FREE eBook and sneak peek 

 

 Attorney Case File  

 

  














Presented by Associates in Forensic Investigations.As professional legal investigators and expert consultants, continuing education is important.  For over 25 years we have strived to improve ourselves and further our profession.  We have authored multiple books and dozens of published articles, and a distance learning correspondent course.  We are now expanding to offer distance learning video on-demand courses.  All of our resources are connected to one website - www.InvestigativeCourses.com

Presently we have developed:
-- Ethics for Professional Investigators (FREE)
-- Basics of Skip Tracing, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities Investigations
-- Death Investigations for Professional Investigators

And from other professional investigators and course developers:
-- S2 Safety & Intelligence Courses
-- Become a Private Investigator

We also have highly recommended books and tools from Amazon available.  We will be expanding over the next several weeks and months with general and specialized courses and resources.  Please visit regularly and email us with your course suggestions.