Private Security and the Investigative Process, Third Edition

Detailing best practices and trade secrets for private sector security investigations, Private Security and the Investigative Process, Third Edition provides complete coverage of the investigative process. Fully updated, this edition covers emerging technology, revised legal and practical considerations for conducting interviews, and new information on case evaluation. Written by a recognized expert in security, criminal justice, ethics, and the law—with over three decades of experience—the updated edition of this popular text covers concepts and techniques that can be applied to a variety of investigations including fraud, insurance, private, and criminal. It details the collection and preservation of evidence, the handling of witnesses, surveillance techniques, background investigations, and report writing. This new edition includes: More than 80 new or updated forms, checklists, charts, and illustrations Updated proprietary information from Pinkerton, Wackenhut, and other leading security companies Increased emphasis on software and technological support products A closer examination of periodical literature and government publications Authoritative, yet accessible, this book is an important reference for private investigators and security professionals. Complete with numerous forms, checklists, and web exercises, it provides the tools and understanding required to conduct investigations that are professional, ethical, and effective.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Private Security Industry and the Investigative Process The Trend toward Privatization The Investigative Process: Private Security’s Role Types of Investigative Activities General Investigative Methods General Characteristics of a Competent Investigator Introduction Introduction Objectivity and Investigative Practice Logic and Investigative Practice Perseverance, Diligence, and Investigative Practice Human Relations Skills and Investigative Practice Ethics and the Investigative Process Initial Interview and Case Evaluation Introduction Initial Interview Miscellaneous Matters at Initial Interview Recording Interview Impressions Case Evaluation Witnesses The Purpose of Witnesses Types of Witnesses Missing or Unknown Witnesses Lay Witnesses Expert Witnesses Character Witnesses Processing Witnesses Conclusion Collection of Information The Nature of Information and the Rules of Collection Leads and Contacts for the Private Investigator Public Sources of Information Federal Agencies State and Local Agencies Private Sources of Information Directories, Databases, and Atlases Libraries Newspapers The Internet Professional Associations and Groups Auto Records The Background Investigation Real Property Title Search Collection of Evidence and Preservation of the Scene Introduction Preliminary Strategies and Responses Scene Sketches and Other Graphic Portrayals Rules for Sketching Rules for Measuring Photographic Evidence Location of Crime Scene Photography and Special Applications Drug and Alcohol Abuse Evidence Documentary Evidence Police Records Medical Records Records Involving Economic Damages Preservation of Evidence Surveillance Techniques Purposes and Functions Tactics and Strategy in Surveillance What Are the Steps of Surveillance? What Is the Exact Objective of Surveillance? Where Is the Location of Surveillance? When Will Surveillance Occur Who or What Will Be Surveilled? Surveillance: Preparatory Steps Personal Behavior and Attire Surveillance Equipment Types of Surveillance Stationary Surveillance Moving Surveillance Hybrid and Other Special Surveillance Techniques Surveillance Forms and Reports Report Writing Introduction Efficiency in the Investigative Process Reports and Memory Reports and Organizational Method during the Investigation Reports as Proof of Services Rendered Characteristics of Solid Report Writing The Role of Note Taking The Essential Qualities of a Solid Report: Accurate, Brief, and Complete Report Design or Format Standard Reports for the Private Investigator Activity Reports Major Criminal Documentation Investigative Method and Technique: Theft/Property Offenses Introduction Shoplifting Rationalizations and Justifications for Shoplifting Shoplifting Methods Internal Theft by Employees Reasons for Theft Theft Strategies Investigating Theft Obtaining Confessions or Statements Burglary Defensive Techniques to Minimize and Identify Burglary and Property Losses Tactics and Strategies Missing or Stolen Property Investigative Method and Technique: Insurance Cases Introduction Application and Method Property Claim for Cases of Arson Workers’ Compensation Disability Claims Auto Liability Claims Special Problems: Auto Theft, Fraud, and Parts Pilferage Auto Identification Systems Investigative Method and Technique: Background Investigations Introduction Background Issues Establishing Identity Employment History Credit History Alternative Methods of Background Review References Consultative Services The Polygraph Test Comprehensive Background Report The Security Office: Administrative Issues Some General Principles of Office Administration Time-Keeping Methods The Value of Administrative Documents Filing Systems Set-Up and Maintenance Tickler Files Software Considerations Billing Conclusion Index Each chapter concludes with a "Notes" section

About the Author :
Charles P. Nemeth JD, Ph.D, LL.M, Chair and Professor of Legal Studies, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice,California University of Pennsylvania, California, Pennsylvania, USA