Associates in Forensic Investigations
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
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Greetings About the time you are reading this newsletter, Dean is in Baltimore MD for the 40th Annual Conference and Hit the Hill event of the National Council of Investigation & Security Services. Also during this time, on April 8th, will be the annual elections. Dean has been nominated as President. Dean has been a member of NCISS since late 2009. In 2010 he was appointed to the Membership Committee and a Regional Director, which included the Rocky Mountain states. Since 2010 he has held two Regional Director positions, and the officer positions of Secretary, and 3rd to 1st Vice President. Dean is excited to extend our motto, Together We're Better, to NCISS if elected to President. In addition to the NCISS mission of advocating for the investigative and security professions, he will work with NCISS leaders and members to continue the strong membership engagement, retention and recruitment. He follows exceptional past presidents, most recently James Huckabee (Star Security, Chicago IL) and extends his appreciation to each of them for paving the way. As mentioned last month, we finally finished the process of developing and making available our new distance learning course - Basic Forensic Scene Photography at www.InvestigativeCourses.com! It has been almost a year, but as time permitted we were finally able to complete our next course - and one of the most requested. This is a basic 90 minute video and PowerPoint course with a handout available for download. - You will be able to take better scene and evidentiary photographs - You will be able to document the scene and evidence - You will be able to analyze scene and evidence photographs - You will be able to develop, follow and analyze an agency policy on forensic photography - You will be able to understand the important advantages of digital photography and images - You will learn of equipment and accessories for scenes - You will learn the duties of a forensic photographer at the scene - for your own investigations or analyzing another's - You will learn the basic forensic scene photography procedures - for your own investigations or analyzing another's - You will learn the legal requirements of forensic photography, evidence and testimony - for your own investigations or analyzing another's We are also honored to have all of our courses approved and accredited by the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council at www.DefenseInvestigator.com! The following courses are included: Death Investigation Training for Investigators, Investigator Ethics for the PI, Consumer and Client, Basics of Skip Tracing, Backgrounds & Assets Investigations, and Basic Forensic Scene Photography. Dean is an Advisory Board Member of the CDITC. You can also find the link to CDITC courses from our course site.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
-- NCISS Elections - Dean nominated as President
-- Distance Learning - Basic Forensic Scene Photography
-- Agency News
- Scheduled speaking engagements
- Commentary from our blog archives
- GIMG.tv Facts & Forensics with Bob Wyman on Forensic GPS Analysis, and Conversations with Karen discussing updates and news of our profession
-- Associations and News of our Profession
- News from PPIAC NALI, NCISS and WAD, and your association news!
-- From the News
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- PAWLI and Attorney-PI Ethics
-- Death of Las Vegas PI Peter Maheu
-- 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, Medicolegal Investigations of Fatal and Non-Fatal Events.
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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Scheduled Speaking Engagements
Our agency is scheduled for the following speaking engagements this year: CALI (California) in June TALI (Texas) in August Please see below for conference dates and details!
Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog.html - Keep up with the current events of our agency and profession through our blog. Dating back to the fall of 2011, there are dozens of articles, tips and resources for professional investigators and those seeking the assistance of professional investigators.
What are Equivocal Death Investigations and Equivocal Death Analysis? (originally posted 01/01/2012)
What does it mean to conduct an Equivocal Death Investigation or Analysis (EDI, EDA)? We get asked this question time and time again. An Equivocal Death Investigation is an in depth investigation into a death that has lingering questions. Many families have come to us for help in understanding the circumstances surrounding a loved one's death. The manners of death can be classified as any of the following: homicide, suicide, natural, accident or undetermined. Sometimes the family/loved one of the deceased individual does not agree with the final determination and have a yearning for more answers.
How skilled are you at individual locates, backgrounds and assets & liabilities? (originally posted 02/17/2012)
We recently came across a test Dean developed in 2002 for a 'Certified Locate Specialist' exam. Believe it or not, not much has changed in 10 [now 14] years when it comes to the core skills and knowledge necessary for these types of records checks and investigations. So, we thought we would have a little fun and share it. We've put it on the page with our updated and revised eBook, which was developed from the course for this certification.
Are you involved in civil or criminal cases involving traumatic injuries or death? (originally posted 02/17/2012)
This continuing education based death investigation course is a basic introduction into the concepts of the official investigation of death, such as by a coroner or medical examiner office, and the role that the private investigator may play in an equivocal death investigation
Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports - encore repost at PursuitMag.com (originally posted 2/24/2012)
Voltaire said 'To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth.' This is the definitive task of the medicolegal death investigator and forensic pathologist. The course of the death investigation has multiple phases including: scene investigation body assessment medical records ...
False Confession and Accusations (originally posted 02/24/2012)
To most of us, false confessions and accusations seem completely unfathomable. The first couple of questions that come to mind are, "Why would anyone admit to a crime that he/she did not commit?" and "Why would anyone knowingly accuse a person of a crime he/she did not commit?"
Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation For over 25 years our agency has provided cost-effective and accurate verified Individual Locates, Backgrounds, and Assets & Liabilities. States and availability of records vary.
Legal Investigations and Expert Consultations of Death or Serious Bodily Injury in Civil, Criminal and Probate We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families. Contact our agency any time - we're there when you need us. www.4N6Associates.com
Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) with Facts & Forensics
Conversations with Karen
Karen has some follow-up on the discussions from last month and the death of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and the questions surrounding it. Based on their experience and available information, Karen and Dean provide a detailed article 'Analyzing the Death and Investigation of Justice Antonin Scalia'. Karen also discusses the importance of proper forensic scene photography, as well as announcing the latest investigative course - Basic Forensic Scene Photography and a discount for listeners.
Special Guest with Dean
Dean has a returning guest, Bob Wyman, who previously discussed forensic photography - now brings us forensic GPS analysis and mapping.
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
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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. 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.
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Tidbits from Our Profession
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Association Conferences
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
49th Annual Conference
April 27-30, 2016
Crowne Plaza Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia
World Association of Detectives (WAD)
WAD 2016 Mid-Term Board Meeting
April 17-19, 2016
Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI) FALI Annual Conference May 12-14, 2016 Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Details at www.FALI.orgTexas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI)2016 World Investigators / TALI Conference August 16-19, 2016 La Torretta Lake Resort and Conference Center on Lake Conroe Details at www.TALI.orgCalifornia Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI)CALI Annual Conference June 11-14, 2016 Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa Details at www.CALI-PI.orgCriminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC)Certified Forensic Science Investigator Program (CFSI)40 - Hour Training Academy Programs
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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. PPIAC will begin holding training sessions specific to the new licensing program. 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)
The proposed laws and regulations most impacting the investigative and security professions, at both the state and federal levels, continues to be drones / Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Some states have outright banned them (WI), others have outright banned use by PIs (FL) and others have allowed PIs and security with specific permitted purposes (NC). Other states have tried to put forth legislation, which state associations have supported or opposed (CO - supported until language became too vague and successfully opposed another drone bill).
This full NCISS Hill Report and details of these topics is available at http://conta.cc/1RFoqcp Hit the Hill / 40th Annual ConferenceWith the help of membership, Lobbyit has been able to arrange another Capitol Hill luncheon and also a reception, each with keynote speakers. - Luncheon with Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, in the US Capitol Visitor's Center Special thanks to 2nd Vice President Brad Duffy and Past President Mike Duffy - Reception with Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH), House Committee on Ways and Means, in the Rayburn Office Building Special thanks to 1st Vice President Terry Myer, Sr.
Updated Benefits for NCISS Members!
NCISS has just updated its benefits page for members and is looking forward to having you join. View the new extended benefits at http://conta.cc/1R3CMUv
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1102296473151/archiveThe current issue of NCISS's official newsletter - Your Advocate - is now available online at www.nciss.org/your-advocate. 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. Members of NCISS receive a copy of the newsletter three times a year. The current bi-monthly issue of The eAdvocate, and all NCISS Legislative Alerts, and key benefits are posted at http://conta.cc/ZoQsTl.
WAD is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921 and formalized in 1925. WAD is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world. 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.
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From the News
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Bring Back the Autopsy
A very interesting article on the decline - and value - of autopsies (medical, research and forensic). Great points are made. What is not in the article are concerns from the forensic pathology community - Due to local budgets, and increased tuition with lowest pay in the medical field -- forensic pathology is on the decline.
We found this op-ed interesting under the light of Justice Scalia's death and subsequent controversy. Unfortunately, county and state lawmakers do not realize the important roles to public health and safety that the coroner / medical examiners - and the ability to properly investigate and autopsy as appropriate - play in our society.
U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Sixth Amendment Right to Defense Counsel of One's Choice
In a widely-awaited decision concerning the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the government's pretrial seizure of a defendant's assets, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in the case of Luis v. United States (14-419).
In an opinion by Justice Breyer, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Ginsburg and Sotomayor, the Court found that "the pretrial restraint of legitimate, untainted assets needed to retain counsel of choice violates the Sixth Amendment." The plurality explained that the Constitutional line they have drawn-distinguishing between tainted funds and innocent funds needed to pay for counsel-should prove workable. "We concede, as Justice Kennedy points out...that money is fungible; and sometimes it will be difficult to say whether a particular bank account contains tainted or untainted funds. But the law has tracing rules that help courts implement the kind of distinction we require in this case." Justice Thomas wrote a concurring opinion agreeing with the plurality that "a pretrial freeze of untainted assets violates a criminal defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel of choice[,]" but disagreeing with the plurality's "balancing approach."
www.orrick.com/News/Pages/US-Supreme-Court-Protects-Sixth-Amendment-Right-to-Counsel-of-Ones-Choice.aspx
NCISS News
NCISS is celebrating 40 years as the longest and strongest advocate of the investigative and security professions. Here is a short list of the most important historical successes for every investigative and security agency - not just NCISS members:Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) - 1994 NCISS successfully stopped the action and negotiated the language in the DPPA which allows access to the records.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) - 1999
NCISS was able to obtain exemptions for child support enforcement. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) - 2003 NCISS's diligent work successfully effected change to correct the unintended consequences in the FCRA affecting workplace investigations. Second Amendment - June 2008 NCISS, along with several other state investigative and security associations, joined forces to file an "industry" amicus brief in support of the security guard Dick Heller's claim before The Supreme Court of the United States that the District of Columbia's 32-year old ban on handguns was incompatible with the Second Amendment. Social Security Numbers NCISS has been successful in staving off this restrictive action. Pretext NCISS is protecting your right to use a pretext. Special thanks to Francie Koehler for sharing this history! Francie is the Legislation Chair-Investigation, a past-president and a past Board Chair of NCISS. 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
www.nciss.org/legislation 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.
Archives of NCISS Legislative Alerts
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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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Professional Association of Wisconsin Licensed Investigators (PAWLI)
Ethics in the Attorney-PI Relationship
Dean recently returned from PAWLI, where he was invited to speak for 45 minutes on Ethics for the Professional Investigator. The lively and interactive time turned into 90 minutes of brainstorming with attendees. Great hosts and professionals!
Death of Peter Maheu (Las Vegas, NV)
Peter was a friend to many, and we had the pleasure of meeting him a few times at NCISS events in Las Vegas. At one event he talked about the history of private investigation in his family - from his father working for Howard Hughes, to watching the growth and change of Las Vegas, and how our profession has evolved over the years. To his family and friends, we extend our sympathies.
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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!
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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.
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
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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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