PI’s Declassified!

Where do you turn when information is needed in Africa, whether it is conducting research or a background check? How do you go about vetting an individual from an African country? This could include something so basic as determining someone’s full name, details of their identity card, validation of academic certificates, professional qualifications, or property ownership. As the world becomes smaller, it becomes more and more necessary to know who to contact to obtain critical details. Tune in to hear Nairobi, Kenya’s Sam Jim Mwanyasi discuss risk management from an African perspective.

Digital evidence can often be modified with ease so whether it is gathered from a computer, a cell phone, a flash drive or any other device, digital forensic investigators must handle evidence in a manner that ensures their conclusions are based upon factual evidence and their own personal expert knowledge. Is there evidence of a crime? Can an alibi be confirmed? What about the intent to commit a crime? Is there a document that needs authentication? What about identifying a stalker, a perpetrator of industrial espionage, or a threat to national security? Join us to hear cutting edge cyber crime investigator Dave Townsend, the expert who examined computers belonging to two high profile cases, one from Scott Peterson's double homicide case and the other from the case involving the allegations of child exploitation charged against Michael Jackson.

Would you like to become a more proficient photographer? Are you interested in hearing tips and tricks from a professional? Taking photographs under an array of circumstances for an assortment of reasons is an essential skill for many, but it is a principal tool in the private investigator’s tool box for gathering evidence. Tune in to hear Certified Evidence Photographer Keith Rosenthal share his expert but practical knowledge.

For two years, the sordid saga of conspiracy and criminal acts of a California Private Investigator and a Contra Costa County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) Task Force Commander rocked Northern California. Not only did they sell drugs confiscated from evidence, but they also ran a brothel and provided paid protection for the bawdy-house prostitutes. It didn’t stop there! This PI, conspiring with a family law attorney and utilizing his female soccer mom PI’s, set up “Dirty DUIs” on husbands in contested child custody cases. Further driven by greed, he and his staff of mommy PI’s used actors to fake cheaters cases to gain media attention and develop a TV series. Tune in to hear Pete Crooks discuss his connection to this merry band of co-conspirators he chronicled in his recently released book, The Setup: A True Story of Dirty Cops, Soccer Moms, and Reality TV.

Many of us have had some experience with the U.S. state or federal court system. Whether it is a traffic ticket, a small claims suit, something more serious or just from watching T.V., we probably have a basic comprehension or expectation of the rules that are applicable. Do the same rules apply in the military? How do the policies of the court and the legal proceedings vary? What determines military jurisdiction? Does a person charged with a crime have the same rights in military courts compared to other U.S.courts; or are there differences? How are charges investigated? These many questions and others will be addressed by former Navy line officer and military law attorney Judith Litzenberger and private investigator George Michael Newman, both whom have experience with cases in the military arena.

Private investigators must be aware of how their actions may impact others. The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Conduct sets forth directives for behavior not only for attorneys but for non-lawyers as well and are enforceable in all but eight states. Violations can result in sanctions or worse. Therefore. If a lawyer retains an investigator, that attorney is liable for the investigator’s actions. Certainly, there are gray areas in investigation tactics, but some, particularly when it applies to surveillance, pretexting, GPS tracking, and social media are mine-fields unless there is a clear understanding between the investigator and the attorney regarding the assigned tasks. Whose responsibility is it then? Ultimately it is counsel’s responsibility, but private investigators must also take the lead to ensure what techniques can be used for a particular assignment. Join PI’s Declassified and Attorney Forrest Plesko discuss strategies to avoid these ethical pitfalls.

Have you ever wondered exactly what a criminal defense investigator does? Are you one of those people who question why people represent criminals? Are you one who wrinkles up your nose and asks, “How can you do that kind of work?” Even though much has changed in the American justice system, rights of even those who are accused of committing crimes are still protected by the United States Constitution. Daniel Dafoe said, “I hear much of people’s calling out to punish the guilty. But very few are concerned to clear the innocent.” There is no investigator better qualified to talk about criminal defense investigations than Brandon Perron, private investigator, criminal defense expert, author, and founder of both the Criminal Defense Investigations Training Council and the Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator Program. Do not miss this discussion! You will not be sorry.

Is the private investigation profession shrinking due to governmental regulations or local laws, or do private investigators have to start looking at their work with a different perspective? To be successful, a private investigator has to run their agency like a business, a skill that is often underdeveloped before entering the field. Having some expertise or getting advise in the areas of business administration, personnel, public relations, and marketing are key. No longer can a PI continue to provide investigative services without understanding how to run a business nor offering a single service or product. The world landscape is in flux. Terrorism and mass shootings point to a need for those with security experience to step forward. Therefore, security consulting is a viable niche area worth exploring for expanding a PIs influence. Join PI’s Declassified! to hear security expert, William “Bill” Blake discuss the value and benefit of becoming a security consultant.

Surveillance is both an art and a skill. It requires planning, flexibility, quick decision-making, and most of all patience, patience, and more patience. It is definitely not a task for sissies! Are you a surveillance investigator who wants to learn more tricks of the trade? Or…are you someone who wants to hire a competent surveillance investigator and you don’t know where to start. Pennsylvania Private Investigator Matt Grotkowski says, “Surveillance is able to cut through the layers of fraud and trickery and provide you with clear-cut answers. When it’s done properly, surveillance is able to counter someone’s false claims with their factual actions and behavior.” Tune in to hear Matt Grotkowski discuss this vital investigative tool.

It is unusual to find a man who has experienced the life led by Dr. Jesse De La Cruz and lived to become a positive influence on others. From the time he was 12-years old, Dr. De La Cruz pursuits were checkered with gangs, crime, heroin addiction, and prison. Caught in the criminal lifestyle, it was the only path he knew. Twenty years ago Dr. De La Cruz was released from prison for the last time. Today, he is an author and a man who possesses a Sociology Degree, a Masters in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Education, an immense accomplishment. His critical viewpoint provides a needed insight into the ever-widening gang culture, particularly Mexican-American, and those who become gang members. Join PI’s Declassified! to hear Dr. De La Cruz discuss this important inside-out look at street gangs from his personal perspective.

Whether you are in a court of law, an administrative hearing or a civil deposition, testifying is not an easy matter. It requires knowledge of your topic at the very least, but it also requires confidence as well as authenticity. Depositions are an integral part of the legal discovery process and are not to be taken lightly. It is the “other side’s” opportunity to gather information and do as much damage to the opponent’s case as possible. Often the success of the case for the prevailing party rises or falls on the results of a deposition. Cincinnati, Ohio Private Investigator, Adam Visnic, is discussing his deposition experiences and share the key elements he uses to make sure his testimony is well received.

There are few life events more painful and far-reaching than a suicide. A suicide not only brings suffering to loved ones, it brings shame and guilt to those with the closest contact to the victim. But . . . what if the suicide isn’t a suicide? Can this same sad event be interpreted in another way? Can it be an accident? Can it be a homicide? Who decides? What factors are considered? What are the pros and cons of either determination? Then there are the myths surrounding suicide that leave grieving family and friends with questions. These questions and more will be included in the discussion with seasoned private investigators Dean Beers and Don Johnson, both who been involved in conducting investigations.

An alarming statistic from The Journal of American Medical Association (Jama)…medical negligence is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States right behind cancer and heart disease. What do you do if you believe you have a medical malpractice claim? How is a claim investigated? What are the components of a valid claim against a medical practitioner? What is necessary to be shown for a claimant to prevail? How has tort reform impacted this area of law? Tune in to hear Paul Freidman, one of the premier personal injury attorneys in the United States, discuss the ins and outs of medical malpractice.

After a 2 ½ year battle with the Pima County, Arizona County Attorney, Private Investigator Richard Robertson prevailed. New case law was created in Arizona in support of public access to government records, an incredible win for the news media as well as for the citizens of Arizona. As a result, the Arizona Newspapers Foundation honored Rich with their Freedom of Information Award. Tune in to hear Rich Robertson tell his remarkable story of how he fought the county Goliath and won.

Law enforcement policies and tactics have landed directly under the nation’s microscope of late. Many wonder what happened? Most individuals who sign on as sworn officers do so because they want to make a difference. What happens then? Is it their training or is something else afoot? A 34-year veteran law enforcement officer, retired police chief, and multiple award recipient, Dr. Norm Stamper, has much to say on the subject. He is the author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing and To Protect and Serve: How to Fix America’s Police. Join Norm Stamper for a thoughtful discussion on policing in the United States.

What can be done when a video or audio recording is poor quality? What if the image is blurred? How about background noise that overrides the spoken word? What if the sound transmission obliterates vital background noise? Does it matter if the photo or the recording is from a cell phone? Is it possible to discover a cheating spouse by detecting voice stress? What are the myths concerning what enhancement can be done and what can’t? Video and audio recordings are often critical pieces of evidence in a myriad of legal proceedings. Forensic examiner Doug Carner will be available to answer these questions and practical applications and procedures such as image analysis, filtering, enhancement, restoration, authentication, identification, extraction, isolation and other topics. Joining Doug will be Private Investigator Jim Allard to talk about cases he has worked on involving these topics.

On-line dating has become a popular method to locate that once-in-a-lifetime prince or princess charming. Whether it is an on-line dating service or a social media site, it is a convenient and accessible way to meet others. It is no secret, however, that the internet can be fraught with scammers and fraudsters, ever-ready to prey on the vulnerable and unsuspecting. The idea that “it can’t happen to me” is common but, unfortunately, it can happen to anyone! What are the red flags? Tune in to hear DL “Diana” Garren, author of Who is the Real Man Behind the Screen? Diana will provide insight on the predator’s tools of deception as well as report on the inner workings of the scamming world as told to her by the fraudsters themselves.

Seasoned Journalist Don Ray has spent a life time tracking down a plethora of documents to pursue leads, check for accuracy, gather background information or verify information provided by other means. He has a wealth of knowledge about tracking down source documents and scrutinizing their content that he calls Interviewing the Document. Tune in to hear Don impart critical information needed to search and interpret documents, from gathering background information to conducting genealogical research or working to locate a birth family.

Have you ever been a target of violence in the workplace or been fearful of a co-worker? Do you know someone who has? Have you felt bullied or threatened? When are words more than “just words?” Is there physical violence or a restraining order involved? What about a weapon? Is there escalating agitation or aggression? What is happening in the background? What are you to do when you perceive a threat? Do you report it? What is your employer’s responsibility? Is intervention needed? Are there legal issues? PI’s Declassified will discuss these questions from experts who specialize in identifying and addressing violence risk prediction? Violence assessment experts’ psychologist Dr. Michael Corcoran, private investigator James Cawood and attorney Sue Van Dermyden will speak to this stressful societal dilemma and focus on recommendations for addressing and reducing threats in the workplace.

Leah Wietholter, a former FBI employee, certified fraud examiner, forensic accountant, and the author of Data Sleuth: Using Data in Forensic Accounting Engagements and Fraud Investigations will detail what is involved in finding fraudsters through the process she developed. Tune in to hear Leah provide a comprehensive blueprint and critical tips to understand the foundational data sources and logical analyses used to quantify losses and uncover financial misconduct,