Private Security and the Investigative Process

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

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