NCJ Number
212414
Date Published
2005
Length
303 pages
Annotation
This book presents the knowledge and procedures believed to be essential in order to perform effectively as a private investigator.
Abstract
The first chapter, which provides an introduction to private investigation, presents an overview of the history of investigations, the criminal justice process, and civil law. Also discussed is the legislation that pertains to private investigators, the code of ethics for private investigators, and the tools required for report writing. Because of the prevalence and seriousness of drug abuse in America, the second chapter provides information on some of the drugs most commonly used illicitly and how to identify them, as well as drug-related legislation and the controlled substances commonly found in the workplace. The third chapter discusses the objectives and proper procedures for conducting undercover work, followed by a chapter on surveillance techniques. The latter chapter addresses the purpose, focus, types, procedures, tools, and reports of surveillance. A chapter then covers procedures in general investigations, which most often pertain to background checks, divorces, missing person searches, prenuptials, prospective business partners, child custody, infidelity, and asset investigations. Procedures and techniques of interviewing and interrogating individuals are discussed in another chapter, followed by a chapter on how to conduct legal research, which involves determining how the law relates to the features of a specific case. A chapter is devoted to the investigation of worker's compensation cases, which involves determining whether the circumstances of particular cases meet the legal requirements for receiving worker's compensation. The remaining five chapters present knowledge and procedures pertinent to the collection and use of physical evidence; case preparation; courtroom testimony; investigations related to a criminal defense; and bioethics, investigation, and the occult. Appended supplementary information, a glossary, chapter review questions, a subject index, and a 14-item bibliography