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
|
Greetings Grandson Lincoln Kyle arrived May 3rd!
Congratulations to our oldest daughter, Jeberly, and Cameron - and older sister Jacee Sue! Our fourth grandchild, and third grandson, kept everyone up late waiting for his arrival. All have returned home healthy and settling in. Jacee immediately took on the role of big sister and will be a big help!  Special Announcement - NCISS Elections - Dean Beers President 2016-2017 It truly is a great honor. NCISS has been around for 40 years. Were it not for NCISS, much of the records we get - driving records, assets and locates, would not be available. Each year we trek to DC to meet our elected folks (this year the Representatives were still on break). Attendees had appointments with their respective Senators and Representative offices, and as a group had the pleasure of meeting Sen. Grassley, who has long supported NCISS. Here is a link to a recent Your Advocate, highlighting the Congressional testimony of NCISS leadership for language favorable to professional investigators in the Drivers Protection Privacy Act - www.nciss.org/assets/NCISS_Your_Advocate_Winter_2015.pdf The reward is working with great people for our profession. I would truly be honored to have the support of my friends and colleagues by joining NCISS - everyone benefits from our advocacy. - Thanks, Dean
NCISS Wunder Award Not mentioned in the announcement was Dean also receiving The Wunder Award (2nd highest NCISS honor) to his surprise. Dean was previously the first recipient of the 3rd highest honor, The Vinson Award. IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
-- Grandson Lincoln Kyle!
-- Dean elected NCISS President and presented Wunder Award
-- Agency News
- Speaking engagements and Agency subject matter articles
-- Associations and News of our Profession
- News from PPIAC NALI, NCISS and WAD, and your association news!
-- From the News
- Tim O'Rourke, FALI President, says goodbye with a strong legacy
- Remembering fellow CLI Susan Carlson and her legacy
- Fellow CLI and author Rory McMahon
- Recognizing elder financial abuse
- Constitutional Right to criminal defense investigator
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- Colleague commentary - Pre-Employment Backgrounds and the FCRA; and PI Ethics in Colorado
-- 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.
|
Agency News and Updates
|
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.
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?"
Scene Investigations - Conducting vs. Completing the Investigative Process (originally posted 2/29/2012)
As investigators we get the opportunity to investigate all aspects of a case. Sometimes a case may require some scene work. Even if at first it appears that the case does not require a visit to the scene, if you have the opportunity, it is always recommended to go back where the event first began. Whether the case involves a death, a motor vehicle accident, or some type of crime, take the extra time, go that extra mile and visit the scene. You might be surprised once you visit the scene to find out that something could not have occurred the way the witness, victim or police officer claims. It is best not to rely on others to do the work you need to do yourself. You are the investigator, and someone is depending on you to see, hear, and get an overall feel of what the scene was like.
Experience with Scene Investigations (from Dean - Part II to Karen's Scene Investigations - originally posted 3/4/2012)
Karen presented a great article on the importance of scene investigations. In medicolegal investigations - death and injury causation - this is the beginning of the 'autopsy' (from the Greek - 'To see with one's own eyes').
There are several key points to scene investigations:
-- Likely multiple scenes
-- Likely different witness perspectives
-- Likely different investigative perspectives
-- Completing vs. Conducting investigations
What should the attorney, private client or insurance company be prepared for in having a skilled and experienced investigative process?
How Exploitation and Manipulation Equals Rush to Injustice (originally published 03/28/2012)
(This is now history - but the lessons are too soon forgotten...)
In the news, non-stop, is the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year old black male that was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watch member that was armed. The purpose of this blog is not to analyze this case, but to point out some key issues.
We have been hearing from several trusted investigators looking into the shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. Without being there and having access to information, it is not possible to reach any investigative conclusion, and of course the investigation is (or should be) still ongoing. But what has been coming out lately is disturbing -- another rush to condemn using what is showing to be very different information from that being reported.
Equivocal Death Analysis and Investigations and Injury Causation Analysis and Investigations (originally posted 04/02/2012)
One of the most common questions in death investigation is: "Was it a Suicide?". This question may often go unanswered due to lack of sufficient official investigation or attention to evidence. This leaves the possibility of closure for the families impossible, particularly if foul play is suspected, or even an accident. The wrong determination can also result in benefits, such as life insurance or worker compensation, underpaid - or worse, denied.
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
Special Guest with Dean
Karen returns to talk about some common questions we get from our agency blog:
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
|  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
|
Association Conferences
Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI)FALI Annual Conference May 12-14, 2016 Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Details at www.FALI.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
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) and PI Magazine2016 World Investigators / TALI Conference August 16-19, 2016 La Torretta Lake Resort and Conference Center on Lake Conroe Details at www.TALI.org
|
Associations and News of Our Profession
|
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. Surveillance Symposium! If you are a licensed PI in Colorado, and do or want to do surveillance, this is a great opportunity. Professionals in Surveillance utilize their skills to help you become a better surveillance investigator. Attend this event to learn the skills necessary to become a professional surveillance investigator! May 21, 2016 - 8:00am to 5:00pm 3120 Blake Street, Denver, CO 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)
In the month of April, NCISS hosted their Board meeting in Baltimore, Md., and conducted their annual "Hit-the-Hill" congressional fly in, visiting dozens of Congressional offices in Washington, DC to discuss issues of importance with their Congressional representatives.
Stay especially tuned to NCISS alerts coming up in May, as your participation will be critical!
Hit the Hill / 40th Annual ConferenceElections were held, electing new officers and Officers (1 year terms) and 2016-2018 Directors (2 year terms) Officers Chairman of the Board - James E. Huckabee President - Dean A. Beers 1st Vice President - Terry Myer 2nd Vice President - Brad Duffy 3rd Vice President - Dean Gluth Secretary - Francie Koehler Treasurer - Bill Fletcher Directors Region 1 (2017) IL-IN-MI-KY-OH-PA-WA - Tony Quintana Region 2 (2017) CT-MA-ME-NJ-NH-NY-RI-VT - Candace Ivey Region 3 (2017) DC-DE-FL-GA-MD-NC-SC-PR-VA - Larry Flannery Region 4 (2018) AL-AR-MO-LA-MS-NM-OK-TN-TX - Mark Gillespie Region 5 (2018) AZ-CO-IA-KS-MN-ND-NE-SD-UT-WI-
WY - Andrea Orozco
Region 6 (2018) AK-CA-HI-ID-MT-OR-NV-WA - Dana Griffith
Members at Large (2018) - Jim Casteel
Members at Large (2018) - Chuck McLaughlin
Members at Large (2017) - Audra Coleman
Members at Large (2017) - Jerry Pitman
See details at http://conta.cc/20ysGy9 There were several highlights to share, too many for this newsletter - watch for the next Your Advocate. - Luncheon with Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, in the US Capitol Visitor's Center. Sen. Grassley highlighted privacy and the history of working with NCISS. Special thanks to 2nd Vice President Brad Duffy and Past President Mike Duffy. - Meeting with Senate Commerce Committee counsel with President Dean Beers, Legislative Committee Chair (Investigations) Francie Koehler, and Lobbyit NCISS representative Keith Nelson. Highlighted were issues of privacy, drones and GPS as tools to investigations and security. 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/1r2koC8
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 WAD Administrative Manager, and Dean is 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
| 
FALI says goodbye to multi-term President, and GIMG.tv founder, Tim O'Rourke
Our good friend - friend to many - Tim O'Rourke is saying goodbye to his last term as FALI president. Over multiple terms of several years, Tim has proven his leadership with the FALI board and membership. From increasing membership and conference attendance, to adding key benefits and training, and being instrumental in creating the Big 3 of FALI, TALI and CALI, Tim has earned his place as the premiere leader of FALI and our profession.
We are honored to have worked with Tim professionally. Dean has been a guest speaker at FALI conferences and especially honored to be invited by Tim to develop and host a show on his (2014) GIMG.tv podcast network for investigators - Facts & Forensics; and an affiliated investigator of nationally prominent The Graphton Group of investigators.
Congratulations Tim! You have earned the friendship and respect of us and many others!
Remembering Susan Carlson, CLI - her work continued after her death Susan was one of the CLI Nashville 5 and became a good friend - and a friend to many for much longer. Her death, in 2013, shocked us all. Dean came across this story yesterday and thought it was worth sharing, from Ralph Thomas. Her work to free an innocent man finally came to fruition. It was her doggedness that helped gained the release of Eddie Bolden, who spent the past 22 years imprisoned in connection with a fatal 1994 shooting. His murder convictions were thrown out in January, and a judge ordered a new trial, which prosecutors will not pursue. Rory McMahon - Author, Certified Legal Investigator, Certified Fraud Examiner CRC Press; Natuional Association of Legal Investigators; Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; Florida Association of Licensed Investigators. Rory worked in Federal Law Enforcement (US Probation) for 12 years. Following that he became a Certified Legal Investigator and taught classes in Private Investigation at a private junior college, while operating his own successful Detective Agency. As a result of his teaching and work, he authored two books: Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, 3rd Edition; and Fraud Investigation. Rory is a great friend, exceptional colleague and recommended Dean write his own book and got him in with CRC Press (Practical Methods for Legal Investigations, 2010). Dean first met Rory when he was Dean's CLI proctor in 2010. Dean was honored when Rory asked him to contribute a chapter on death investigation for his 3rd edition. Watch for signs of financial elder abuse Banks can report to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services, or share with a third party, a practice known as permissive reporting. One model is Senior$afe in Maine, spearheaded by Judith Shaw, president of the North American Securities Administrators Association. Senior$afe is a collaborative effort by Maine regulators, financial institutions, and legal organizations that educates bank and credit union employees on how to identify and help stop financial exploitation of older adults. Continued at www.philly.com/philly/business/20160425_Watch_for_signs_of_financial_elder_abuse.html
The Importance of Independent Criminal Investigations (PI Now -
A criminal investigation is an undertaking that seeks, collects, and gathers evidence for a case or specific purpose. A criminal investigator looks for clues and evidence to determine whether a crime has taken place. If a crime has been committed, criminal investigators may look into the background of the accused and may try to uncover who committed the crime. Criminal investigators undertake several investigation techniques in order to find the necessary evidence for a case. Police agencies and law enforcement are committed to criminal investigations of every kind, but a growing number of individuals are choosing to launch their own criminal investigations with the help of professional investigators.
NCISS News
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 Secretary and 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
|
| 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...
|
We wanted to share these two important articles from our PPIAC colleagues (Steve Davis, Board Chairman and Past President and Tan Smyth, At Large)
Limitations of Pre-Employment Background Checks
An excellent article on employment background checks and FCRA requirements. Thanks to our friends at Davis Backgrounds, experts in this area.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fcraits-myth-steve-davis
PI Ethics in Colorado
* * * * *
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 < subscribe here >
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Newsletter and Press Release Archives from July 2010
< Click Here >
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
Featured Articles
Dean and Karen have several articles published, some are available for reprint.
For details email:
Associates@Forensic-Investigators.com
|
Find Us at:
 | | Find us and 'Like' us! |
Dean is at:
Karen is at:
|
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) |
|
|
