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Happy Holidays! AFI-LLC Newsletter December 2017
From the AFI-LLC Team and Family - to each of you and your families!
2017 will soon be behind us, with many great memories - another great year.
We wish you and your families a joyous and peaceful holiday and look forward to our continued relationships in 2018.
My007Spy.com Online Spy Shop (posted 12/04/2017)
www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/my007spy-online-spy-shop
We are proud and honored to be an authorized affiliate of LawMate USA and retailer of these exception products for PIs, process servers, law enforcement, military and other public service and safety groups.
As an authorized retailer for LawMate USA – we sell DVRs, Digital Audio Recorders, Batteries and Accessories, Body Worn Cameras, Nanny Cams, Personal Cams, Car and Travel Cams, Home Office Cams, and Counter Surveillance products at 10% off retail, with additional professional discounts! Visit www.My007Spy.com or call (888) 940-0101.
Through December 31st, all prices are 25% off retail. From January 1st, are you a member of your state association, NALI, NCISS, WAD, CDITC, or NRA? Email info@My007Spy.com for a discount code and save another 10%!
-- Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
-- NEW - My007Spy.com Online Spy Shop
-- How did we do on the CFI-FTER examination?
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
- Add "Practical Methods for Legal Investigations" to your library!
- Understanding Suicide and Its Prevention
- Training and Resources for Investigators
- How to Select a Qualified Professional Investigator
- About AFI-LLC and Team Beers
-- Time is money!
-- Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) Facts & Forensics
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Tidbits From Our Profession
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
- Shooter pleads not guilty to weapon offense
- A Liberal-Conservative Alliance on the Supreme Court Against Digital Surveillance
- Indicted 'Parco P.I.' star plans to sue Brooklyn DA for claiming he tried to smear witness in sex frameup
- Private eye charged with illegally spying on Hallandale Beach politicians
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...
Together We're Better - Together We Make the Difference!
Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC is a Rocky Mountain West Agency owned by Dean A. Beers, CLI CCDI CFI-FTER and Karen S. Beers, BSW CCDI CFI-FTER.
We provide Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. We are Subject Matter Experts in Equivocal Death Investigation and Analysis, Medicolegal Investigations of Death and Serious Bodily Injury.
Based in the Rocky Mountain West, we provide expert consultations nationally. Learn details at www.DeathCaseReview.com
Our Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (FTER) Certifications
Last month we shared our completion of the Certified Forensic Investigator - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER) training and examination.
Although fun, interactive and informative - the easy part is the instruction. Although open book, the textbook chapter questions and final exam do challenge the investigator's grasp, understanding and application of the CFI-FTER process. It is a learned and earned process and certification!
Dean had an opportunity to review and recommend this book when first released in 2011. Here is a link to that review - www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/forensic-testimonial-recovery
Congratulations to everyone who completed the training and examination, and are now also CFI-FTER certified!
Tim Gosar
Jillian Sheue
Pamela A. Sharp-Colvin
Dustin Bryson
Justin Yentes
Tara Ring
Dean A. Beers
Karen S. Beers
Beth E. Courrau
Toni Powers
Charles Steffens
Tanya Smith
Jennifer L. Brown
CiCi Williams
*** How did we do? ***
We share our experience at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/our-forensic-testimonial-evidence-recovery-fter-experience
Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog.html
Keep up with the current events of our agency and profession through our blog. Dating back to the fall of 2011, there are dozens of articles, tips and resources for professional investigators.
Associations for Networking, Training, Information and Friendship (from 4/4/2012)
You likely know the value of networking, training, information and professional relationships. Do you know how to foster these? By being active and involved. Things happen, whether we like it or not -- being proactive is important. You are likely already a member of your state association. The right associations can help expand your network, knowledge and resources. If you are not already, we highly recommend a few for national and international interests.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/associations-for-networking-training-information-and-friendship
Add "Practical Methods for Legal Investigations" to your library! (from 12/6/2012)
Dean's Investigative Protocol is designed to find the facts that prove or disprove criminal charges, civil allegations, or elements thereof. The book includes case studies that clearly detail how the process of the Investigative Protocol applies to every assignment of the case and to the case as a whole. Comprehensive and methodical, the system provides a map to the truth.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/add-practical-methods-for-legal-investigations-to-your-library1
Understanding Suicide and Its Prevention (from 12/13/2012)
Unfortunately, this is the time of year in which suicides increase. Please read and share this article by Karen concerning this tragedy and might help a loved one and save a life: "Understanding Suicide and its Prevention"
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/understanding-suicide-and-its-prevention
Training and Resources for Investigators (from 12/19/2012)
There are many opportunities to expand your skills, training and experience. Some states and associations have continuing education requirements, so make sure you have that covered.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/training-and-resources-for-investigators
How to Select a Qualified Professional Investigator (from 12/22/2012)
We hope you seriously consider our agency for your expert consultations and legal investigations in civil, criminal and probate litigation, with an emphasis on cases involving death and injury causation. Please use this information sheet to assist in evaluating any investigative resource under consideration by your agency.
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/how-to-select-a-qualified-professional-investigator1
About AFI-LLC and Team Beers (from 01/15/2013)
Death and Injury Causation consultations and investigations or civil, criminal and probate litigation. If it involves these - we can help.
Dean and Karen Beers of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC, together have over 50 years of legal investigative experience and a combined official death investigation experience of over nine years at a busy and unique coroner/medical examiner's office. They are also among the first to be licensed private investigators under Colorado's new and unique 'Voluntary Private Investigator Licensure Program'. What does this mean? It means we have chosen to add distinction to our professionalism by being vetted for our experience, character and references. Licensed private investigators hold themselves to a higher level of professionalism and accountability than their peers, clients and the general public. Flat Fee - Equivocal Death Analysis
-- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/about-afi-llc-and-team-beers
Latest book available...
"Investigating Death and Serious Bodily Injuries"
FALI is offering, for a limited time, our Investigating Death & Serious Bodily Injuries book, "Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigation for the Professional Investigator," by Dean & Karen Beers.
These are for a limited time! The guide is under revision and will be released this summer for $95 - save 1/3 off the price now at just $70, including shipping with 50% net proceeds going to FALI!
https://fali.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?id=8948697
The manual is over 200 pages and begins with the core of the Beers's distance learning course manual. It includes over 20 additional forensic, death and serious bodily injury based articles.
Time is money!
Learn how we efficiently multi-task using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
Split View - www.SplitView.comwww.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered
Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv)
Facts & Forensics
About every other month Dean host a podcast featuring topical information in the areas of legal investigations and forensic investigations. He is joined by his wife and business partner, Karen for 'Conversations with Karen' on special topics of interest. Dean closes each episode with a 'Special Guest' who is an expert in a forensic specialty. Tune in this, and every, month!
All shows are posted at http://gimg.tv - the latest podcast topics include:
Conversations with Karen
This month we will wrap up 2017 and our experiences! Then we will talk about what we have planned for 2018!
Special Guest with Dean
In January we will be having our good friend and expert Forensic Photographer and GPS Analyst, Robert Wyman, return!
Expert Affiliations
We believe that medicolegal investigation and consultation is a team effort. Stephen Cina MD and Harold Schueler PhD are our agency affiliated experts in our respective fields offering our clients comprehensive medicolegal services.
Dr. Cina, based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations.
Dr. Schueler is now a profession at mid-Atlantic university, and is the former Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation. The CVs of both Dr. Cina and Dr. Schueler are available by Contacting Us
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010.
Tidbits From Our Profession
Do you have news of your associations and members to share? Please let us know!
The associations conference season is coming to a close. Stay tuned for upcoming state, national and international association conferences.
National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com) - 2018 Mid-Winter is January 18th and 19th in Orange Beach, AL. Details at http://nalionline.org/events/mid-winter-conference-2018
National Council of Investigation & Security Services (www.NCISS.org) - 2018 Hit the Hill and Annual Meeting will be held March 19th-21st. Details at www.NCISS.org!
2018 Hit the Hill and Annual Conference - Speakers announced!
NCISS is fortunate to have many members with expertise in multiple investigative and security services disciplines. We appreciate them giving of their time to join us for the Hit the Hill and Annual Meeting events, as well as speak to our group on a variety of important trends and topics important to each of us. The conference committee has recently secured the following speakers. Details of the full schedule and registration will be coming soon!
Terry Kilburn
Terry will use his decades of database and records experience to speak on trends and techniques of effective database use.
Timothy A. Dimoff, CEO/President
SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc.
The Escalating Trends of Aggression and Violence Sweeping Our Nation.
Cynthia will speak on the Internet, open sources and database offerings.
Associations and News
Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org) Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area. PPIAC continues to hold specialized training sessions for new and veteran investigators, and also specific to the new licensing program.
At the Annual Meeting in November, elections were held. Congratulations to each of the continuing and newly elected Board members!
Newly elected to the Board are:
Rachel Roberts (VP of Membership)
Andrew Allen (At Large)
Craig Smith (At Large)
Sam Petitto (At Large)
Returning to the Board are:
Andrea Orozco (VP of Legislative Affairs)
John Morris (Treasurer)
Jennifer Brown (Secretary)
Tan Smith (At Large)
Board Chairman Steve Davis, and President Ryan Johnston, continue leading the association through their terms to November 2018.
National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com)
NALI is the premier association for legal investigators for civil plaintiff and criminal defense, and oversees the prestigious Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) program. Experience is required to join and all members are subject to a background check.
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at www.nalionline.org/publications.htm
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)
Each day we find an increasing number of problems confronting the orderly growth of our profession. These problems include, among others: overly restrictive legislation regarding training and standards, proliferation of legislation requiring local licensing, public misunderstanding and misinformation on the role and contribution of private investigators and security services, and an uninformed media. It is the role of NCISS to meet and solve these problems while seeking to uncover and recommend action on any hidden potential problems which may have an effect on our profession.
The current issue of NCISS's official journal - Your Advocate - is available online at www.nciss.org/your-advocate
Special news and alerts are at www.nciss.org/important-nciss-news
NEW!! Members Only Page - www.nciss.org/members-only
State Legislation Awareness Monitoring (SLAM), Membership Directory (PDF), Member contributed articles.
World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net)
W.A.D. is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921 and formalized in 1925. W.A.D. is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world.
Karen is the W.A.D. Administrative Manager, and Dean is the Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South America). Together we work to further the mission of W.A.D. and provide resources to clients needing assistance in these regions. The W.A.D. magazine,
The current issue of WAD's official newletter - Beyond Global - is available online at www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations, as well as specialty specific national associations (see right sidebar). If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.
News From Our Profession
(our thanks to Bill Elliott, CLI, CCDI - Elliott & Associates - NM)
Shooter pleads not guilty to weapon offense
A man who claimed self-defense when he shot and killed a man in northeast Columbia pleaded not guilty to a federal gun charge this week.
Ricky Gurley, a local private investigator (although a convicted felon - Missouri allowed him to be licensed), is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which U.S. attorneys for the Western District of Missouri noted in court documents stems from "a crime of violence." In May, Gurley shot and killed Cameron Caruthers with a 12-gauge shotgun at Gurley's home, but was not arrested or charged with a crime after police concluded it occurred in self defense.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/20171201/shooter-pleads-not-guilty-to-weapon-offense
A Liberal-Conservative Alliance on the Supreme Court Against Digital SurveillanceJustices found common ground in asserting the relevance of the Fourth Amendment in the electronic age, even as they cited sharply different rationales.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard what could become the most important electronic-privacy case of the 21st century. The justices considered whether the government, without a warrant, can effectively trace our movements in public for months on end by demanding 127 days of the geolocational data—known as cell-site location information - that mobile phones beam out 24 hours a day. During the argument, it was encouraging to see two justices with very different perspectives - Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch—make passionate arguments for why allowing these kinds of mass searches of our digital effects would be as invasive and unreasonable as the hated general warrants that helped spark the American Revolution. It's possible, therefore, that Carpenter v. United States may continue a welcome recent trend: Liberal and conservative justices on the Court, by broad bipartisan margins, are insisting on translating the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution into the digital age.https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/bipartisanship-supreme-court/547124/
Indicted 'Parco P.I.' star plans to sue Brooklyn DA for claiming he tried to smear witness in sex frameup
A high-profile private eye accused of blackmailing a witness takes the prosecutor to court.Private investigator-turned-reality show star Vincent Parco was busted in September on allegations of trying to bribe a witness against a man accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl. Prosecutors said Parco's firm tried to discredit the witness by setting up a relative with a prostitute and recording the tryst.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/parco-p-star-brooklyn-da-trumped-claims-smear-article-1.3657554
Private eye charged with illegally spying on Hallandale Beach politicians
Last fall, when three Hallandale Beach politicians – commissioners Keith London, Michele Lazarow and Annabelle Taub - began complaining that they were being followed around during the bitter election season in Hallandale Beach, it might have been written off as paranoia. But then, London caught a man on video apparently following his car. Local 10 ran a check on the license tag of the man seen in the video, and sure enough, it came back to a private investigator named Victor Elbeze. But Elbeze and his boss at the time, Steve Cohen, who owns the Hallandale Beach firm General Investigative Services, denied following any politicians.
It was only after all three politicians discovered mysterious GPS trackers under their vehicles and turned them over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that a criminal investigation began. It's illegal in the state of Florida to install a tracking device without permission [there is no exception for PIs in Florida]. But still their political foes hinted they may have planted them there themselves as a stunt.
https://www.local10.com/news/local-10-investigates/private-eye-charged-with-illegally-spying-on-hallandale-beach-politicians
y now you may be familiar with the story of the Colorado licensed private investigator, also process server, having a gun pulled on him while trying to serve papers. If you have had this happen - you know its hard to describe the feeling, and it can be life / career changing. Here is the story...
Caught on Covert Camera! Denver deputy pulls gun on debt collector trying to deliver $150 overdue bill
The person being was at home, in the daylight of afternoon, and was an off-duty Denver Sheriff's deputy (he resided in a nearby metro county). The PI had already talked to him once - and suspected he was being lied to by the male who denied being the subject of the papers being served. After going to his car, confirming the identity by social media photographs, the PI returned to the door to attempt to serve again - and found himself looking at a handgun when the door was answered.
https://www.rawstory.com/2017/11/watch-denver-deputy-pulls-gun-on-debt-collector-trying-to-deliver-150-overdue-bill
This was all caught on camera using a covert camera. This is legal in Colorado, but not all states. Is it time for you to consider a covert body worn camera? It might be - the off-duty deputy was immediately suspended and has been charged with felony menacing. The evidence is the covert video footage. Just 10, 20 or 30 years ago, it was one person's word against another - and charges were very rare, favoring the homeowner.
Something to think about - and if you are - I am an authorized LawMate USA suppliers at www.My007Spy.com (GPS and other products coming soon).
At all times - be safe - nothing is worth your life or traumatic injury!
Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
Legislative Activity Summary
It remains relatively quiet on the state and federal legislative activity. Most state legislatures are not in session, and Congress remains mostly busy with domestic economic and healthcare issues.
For additional information on these items, please visit www.nciss.org/important-nciss-news
Legislative Report from Lobbyit
In the month of October, Lobbyit spoke with the House and Senate appropriations committees about plans for "labor policy" riders in the eventual omnibus appropriations bill to fund government for FY 2018.
Please read the full report at http://conta.cc/2zR13x1
NCISS is the National Voice of the Investigative and Security Professions - Your Voice in Our Nation's Capital!
The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
Skills Appropriate for the Assignment
Law firms and medical offices specialize - Professional Investigators also specialize. Their casework and continuing education should also be in your specialized areas.
Experience and Knowledge
Professional Investigators strive to maintain and further these. All professions have requirements of continuing education. The CLI and CCDI programs both require extensive compliance with continuing education.
Responsible and Ethical Conduct
Every component of the investigation has evidentiary considerations. Professional Investigators hold themselves to a higher standard and leaves no question as to the admissibility of their evidence. Information without ethics is not evidence.
Professional Investigators maintain communication with the attorney, client, witnesses, and other key persons in the investigation. Moreover, reports are the product of an organized investigation and should reflect the work product you expect.
Keyword - 'Professional'
Honesty, Integrity & Intelligence. These define Professional Investigators and gives you the confidence that your case is in competent and skilled hands.
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.
We provide investigations and consultations of any death or serious bodily injury case nationwide with the conveniences of modern technology and assistance of our local professional friends and colleagues.
In addition, we continue to provide Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation. Additional information at www.DeathCaseReview.com/general-services.html
Call us today, we're glad to help!
Experience the PRIDE of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence in every assignment.
Dean A. Beers, CLI CCDI CFI-FTER* and Karen S. Beers, BSW CCDI CFI-FTER*
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
Colorado (970) 480-7793 - Dean x1 and Karen x2 - Voice / TXT
*Certified Criminal Defense Investigators ~ Certified Forensic Interviewers / Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery ~ Certified in Medicolegal Death Investigations
IN CLOSING... We are honored to provide legal investigations for 30 years!
www.Forensic-Investigators.com
- Legal Investigations - Civil, Criminal & Probate
- Expert Consultations and Medicolegal Investigations of Death & SBI
- Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities
We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families. Contact our agency any time – we're there when you need us.
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We are excited to announce we are now an authorized retailer for LawMate USA – DVRs, Digital Audio Recorders, Batteries and Accessories, Body Worn Cameras, Nanny Cams, Personal Cams, Car and Travel Cams, Home Office Cams, and Counter Surveillance products at 10% off retail, with additional professional discounts! Visit www.My007Spy.com or call (888) 940-0101 or email info@My007Spy.com NOW!
Are you a member of your state association, NALI, NCISS, WAD, CDITC, or NRA?
Email info@My007Spy.com for a discount code and save another 10%!
Our agency has developed, and shared those developed by professional colleagues, distance learning courses valuable to you in continuing education credits, expanding your skills and knowledge - and services you can provide clients.
These newsletters date back to December 2016. All prior newsletters are archived.
Please email us with any questions and suggestions - associates@DeathCaseReview.com
Keep up with news of our agency and profession!
About AFI-LLC
Death and Injury Causation
AFI-LLC Blog
Affiliated Experts
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Contact AFI-LLC
Investigative Training
Dean - LinkedIn
Karen - LinkedIn
Tools for the
Litigation Attorney and Professional Investigator
(click images for details)
Learn Basics of Death and SBI Investigations
Buy the book - Practical Methods for Legal Investigations!
Lawmate USA Covert Cameras, GPS, and TSCM Equipment - lowest retail prices and you may qualify for an additional 10% discount!
Distance learning - Ethics (FREE), Forensic Photography, Locates & Backgrounds, and MORE!
Buy the book - Professional Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities
Join theInvestigators on Yahoo Groups!
Buy the book - A Survivors' Guide to Understanding Death Investigations
Books, Tools and Resources for PIs!
(c) 2019 Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC ~ Expert Consultants and Legal Investigators
CO (970) 480-7793 and WY (307) 222-0136 ~:~ Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
The information found on this website is for general, informational and educational purposes only. Any information found on this website does not constitute advice or a solicitation of clients, nor does it create a relationship between the reader and Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC or its principals.