The Original Private Investigator's Handbook and Almanac is designed to provide the essential knowledge and procedure needed to identify, locate, and understand how to become a private investigator. It is both an instructional guide for those individuals desiring a career as a private investigator, and a resource manual that can be an invaluable reference. The approach is direct and concise, which facilitates comprehension by novices as well as experienced private investigators, and makes possible competent and professional reference of all private investigation in the United States and internationally.

Introduction to Private Investigation is designed to provide the essential knowledge and procedures needed to operate successfully as a private investigator. It is both an instructional textbook for those individuals desiring a career as a private investigator, and a resource manual that can be an invaluable tool for later reference. The approach is a direct, concise style, which facilitates comprehension by novices as well as experienced private investigators, and makes possible competent and professional performance of all types of private investigation. The purpose for writing this book is to fill the existing need within the field for a precise comprehensive text detailing the development of skills necessary for professional investigative work. In addition, there is a lack of recent, up-to-date textbooks currently available to individuals wishing to learn about private investigation. Introduction to Private Investigation will help fill this void. This easy-to-read textbook for investigators is filled with practical information and stories that will provide extremely valuable training. One unique attribute of the book is its commitment to the practice of private investigation in the private business sector as well as the public sector. Another notable quality is its concern with both the portrayal of private investigation as a legitimate professional discipline and the subsequent degradation of the popular, media propagated misconceptions of private investigators. Two new chapters have been added in this second edition, "Criminal Defense Investigation" and "Bioethics, Investigation, and the Occult," due to a complete lack of material for each subject pertaining to Professional Investigation. It will enable the professional investigator or apprentice to sharpen the skills they use every day. Be it undercover, surveillance, interviewing, case preparation, or courtroom testimony, even the most seasoned veterans understand the need to be on top of their game in order to provide clients with the best possible results. This book will help you accomplish that understanding. It will provide you with the basic skills, knowledge and required tools before you go into battle with the Scales of Justice.

Although legal issues vary from place to place, certain tactics of the business of private investigation are universal. This invaluable handbook is a must-have for all those who have ever wanted -- or needed -- to uncover information or keep something top-secret. In all sectors of private and professional life, these tactics will be useful, as will the expert tips, methods and techniques revealed by some of the world's top private investigators. While ensuring that amateur P.I.s remain on the right side of the law, the author manages to make private investigating seem exciting as well as eminently useful in countless ways. Including information on any equipment readers are likely to need, as well as detailed photographs and illustrations, this is the book information seekers everywhere will have to have.

An increase in fraud cases has escalated government accountability and corporate oversight, and media attention on cases ranging from missing persons to white-collar crime has increased the visibility of professional investigators. This has resulted in a great source of increased work for the profession. The third edition of Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators continues to supply an up-to-date, nuts-and-bolts learning tool for students and an everyday reference for investigative professionals at all levels. More relevant than ever, this edition adds two new chapters on death and terrorism investigations and several new sections, including: Insurance fraud, fire and arson investigation, and liability claims investigation Indicators of online marital infidelity Obtaining governmental records to locate people and sample reports for skip tracing Practical considerations for surveillance and procedures for interception of wire or oral communications Service of subpoenas for witnesses in federal courts Testifying in court—including witness and evidence preparation, trial tactics used by attorneys, and an investigator’s rights as a witness The Rules of Professional Conduct Niche markets in the investigative industry Managing and marketing an investigative practice, running a paperless office, and customer retention An unparalleled guide to the ins and outs of private investigation, Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators, Third Edition belongs on the shelf of every professional and trainee. Rory McMahon appeared on Al Jazeera America to discuss his new investigation company, The Grafton Group.

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