NCJ Number
243350
Editor(s)
Hank Prunckun, Ph.D.
Date Published
2013
Length
229 pages
Annotation
This book examines how private investigation has grown, particularly since 9-11, to include intelligence activities by operatives other than law enforcement, national security, or military personnel.
Abstract
Eleven world experts in this field author chapters that address key practice issues, including the skill, abilities, and knowledge needed in this new realm of private intelligence. Chapter 1 first defines "intelligence" as "research conducted in secret." Private intelligence is then placed within a typology of intelligence, and its importance is noted in designing and implementing countermeasures against serious threats to lives and property. Chapters two and three present an overview of investigative intelligence and the skills needed for intelligence-led private investigators. The subsequent 11 chapters take the reader progressively through a number of intelligence-related topics with direct application to the current private investigative enterprise. Topics discussed include the creation of target profiles, the collection and use of "open-source" intelligence, and how to conduct political intelligence operations. Chapters on counter-intelligence and clandestine communications are included. One chapter addresses anti-terrorist and anti-gang intelligence, followed by a chapter on illicit organizations and financial intelligence. Separate chapters discuss legal and ethical issues for intelligence-led private investigators. Another chapter outlines steps for preparing a "prosecution brief," which is defined as "a document that legal counsel uses as the basis to bring a matter before the courts for adjudication." It is a summary of the investigation into the allegations, whether they are civil or criminal. A template of a brief is provided, with some general guidelines for compiling it. 310 notes