Aimed at the busy professional who aspires to become certified in the field, Criminal Investigation for the Professional Investigator details essential techniques a trained investigator will be called upon to perform during the course of a career. The book is authored by a veteran of the NYPD who went on to launch and operate two successful private investigation agencies. It covers crime scenes, death investigations, the art of interrogation, and specific criminal investigations. It also provides important strategies for making arrests and testifying in courtrooms, details the most effective investigative tools to use, and explains the role of criminal defense investigators.

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

The real world of the private detective is much more than popular fiction implies. It's about hard work, creative thinking, long hours and endless details. Learn through the unique writing style of one of the professions most respected investigators. These stories, articles and essays have appeared in national and state investigative journals across the country. Compiled together they provide the experienced and neophyte investigator with a good solid overview of "how to" approach a variety of investigative tasks. Combined with the forms at the back of the book, this volume becomes the most handy reference that any investigator could use. Even the most skilled practictioner needs to understand the business of investigating before he or she can become a successful professional private investigator. This book does it all. It takes the reader through billing, marketing and report writing to difficult interviews, domestic and personal injury investigations. A complete and valuable text written in an enjoyable and readable style.

Criminal investigators have a long list of duties. They must identify and secure a crime scene, conduct interviews of witnesses and victims, interrogate suspects, identify and properly collect evidence, and establish and maintain a chain of custody. Once an investigation is underway, the criminal investigator must demonstrate thorough knowledge of

Since the publication of the first edition of this volume, many new certification programs have begun in private and community colleges, including a course designed by the author for Boston University and a specialty certification by the U.S. Association for Professional Investigators. Reflecting the surge in interest into the investigative fi

Legal investigators are responsible for providing factual evidence as the fact finders, they are the foundation for the attorneys they work with daily. The attorney is responsible for forming and implementing the legal strategy and presenting it to the judge or jury. The legal investigator provides checks and balances to ensure that no evidence i

The Art of Investigation examines the qualities required to be a professional, thorough, and effective investigator. As the title suggests, it delves into more than the steps and procedures involved in managing an investigation, it also covers the "soft skills" necessary to effectively direct investigations and intuit along the way. The editors and contributing authors are the best in their field, and bring a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience to the subject. There are several publications available on the nuts-and-bolts of the process and stages of an investigation. That ground has been covered. However, little has been published on the investigative skills required, the traits necessary, and the qualities endemic to an inquisitive mind that can be cultivated to improve an investigator’s professional skill-set. Each chapter discusses the applicability of the traits to the contributor’s own work and experience as an investigator. In doing so, the contributors provide a story—or set of stories—from their personal experience, which demonstrates a given trait and its importance in the course of their investigative work and career. This will be first-hand experience that will serve to help any investigative professional in the course of their work. The case examples included throughout are sometimes surprising, but always engaging and insightful. An investigator must keep an open mind above all else, and this book will "lift the veil" on the inner workings of an investigation, in addition to the thought processes and inner monologues of an investigator as part of that process. Key Features • Chapters highlight the qualities and traits—the "soft skills"—that are required, and which can be improved over time, to be a thorough investigator. • A veritable "Who’s Who" of renowned investigative experts lend their personal expertise and experience to this how-to manual for investigators. • A unique approach is applied and provides self-help advice for both new and experienced investigative and security professionals. • The book focuses on the learned, acquired, and intuitive skills of investigation—a nuanced but essential aspect of the investigative skill-set. The Art of Investigation will be a welcome addition to any investigator’s toolkit and will also be of interest to students in criminal justice, security, and Homeland Security programs, security consultants, corporate and private security professionals, and the legal community.