Fundamentals of Civil and Private Investigation

This new second edition serves as both a comprehensive first step for the aspiring private investigator as well as a useful resource for the experienced investigator. The text is a manual of procedures, concepts, forms, and guidelines presented in plain, clear language, yet with substantial depth of technical knowledge. The author examines diverse sources of information, including local, county, state, and federal records, and informants; detailed pretext interviews; physical surveillance and surveillance photography; and executive protection services. Also discussed are such areas as report writing; interviews, interrogations, and statements; locating missing persons; industrial and commercial undercover operations; accident investigations; business and industrial espionage; and legal constraints. Strongly featured are expanded and updated chapters on information technology, optical related visual aids, and managing a detective agency. Appen-dices provide common visual and verbal errors in vehicle license numbers, states of origin for social security numbers, and workers’ compensation fraud indicators. In addition, the book is generously illustrated with diagrams and examples to clarify specific points for the reader. This new edition continues to be an essential tool and resource for all private investigators. It will also be of benefit to attorneys and their investigative staff, as well as law enforcement investigators.