Cover
Straight Talk from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission by
Jimmie Mesis
An interview with Joel Winston, Associate Director, Division of Financial Practice
at the FTC, who answers many of the questions and concerns professional investigators
throughout the U.S. have voiced. He expresses the Commission's position on
such topics as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley, the
Amy Boyer case in New Hampshire and other areas of concern, such as pretexting.
Also...
Now's the Time to Become a Security Consultant! by Kelly E.
Riddle
How to provide a service in growing demand since Sept. 11, 2001. Provides tips
for marketing these services to the corporate world, evaluating product security,
insurance/risk management, terrorist threats, facility security, including
sample security evaluation proposal format. Includes recommendations on report
writing and oral presentation.
Are They Really Independent Contractors? by
Grace Elting Castle, CLI
An interview with attorney Nancy K. Cary, a partner at the Eugene, Oregon law
firm of Hershner, Hunter, Andrews, Neill & Smith, LLP, a recognized expert
on the issue. Provides legal definitions, the twenty common law factors set
forth by the IRS to determine whether workers are employees or independent
contractors, and steps the professional investigator/business owner can take
to protect him or herself from accusations of violation of the regulations.
You as an Expert Witness by Frank J. MacHovec
Ph.D.
How to prepare to represent your profession on the witness stand. Details the
legal process, tactics to prepare for the worst and how to deflect tactics
that can be used against expert witnesses.
Sharp Testimony: When Do You Need A Knife Expert? by
Bernard Levine
An expert presents his areas of value to the professional investigator. He
describes how he has been called in to testify in cases involving some mystery
or ambiguity about the knife, or the brand name, involved.
Vacuum Metal Deposition, a Newly Available Fingerprinting
Technique by Gayle Trent
Describes a technology similar to that used in the semi-conductor industry
that develops fingerprints by evaporating gold and zinc while in a vacuum environment.
VMC can develop fingerprints on years' old evidence as well as newly acquired
evidence.
Mystery Shopping: A Viable Sideline? by Joan
Riley
Describes advantages and disadvantages of this possible source of additional
income, using the same skills that are second nature to professional investigators.
Includes web sites at which one can register and comments from experienced
mystery shoppers.
2002 Tax Bonuses by Mark Battersby
Advice on how to take advantage of tax breaks under the Job Creation and Worker
Assistance Act of 2002 (JCWA) through business tax planning to reduce federal
and state tax liability. Details how to use the JCWA depreciation “bonus” and
the net operating losses (NOL) provisions.
Case Management 201 by Paul Purcell
How to integrate software and office procedures to correct common case management
problems, including recommendations on software-based case management systems,
detailed office procedural systems and how to make sure these procedures
include backups and cross-checks. Provides sample client data sheet and clerical
activity checklist.
20 Tips to Invite Visitors to Your Website by
Edie Elting
Effective steps to promote your site at every possible opportunity, including
getting on the search engines.
7 Steps to the Magic Solution for Report Preparation by
Grace E. Castle CLI Editor
Investigating transcription “outsourcing” through phone-in dictation
service as a report preparation solution. Includes tips on how to choose a
company and negotiate the best deal.
Being Your Own Publicist by Scott E. Green
Basic tips on preparing and sending press releases to announce your business'
opening. Includes tips on how to gain assistance and advice on writing.
Tucker Pens Unique Marketing Tool by Grace
E. Castle CLI Editor
Using a self-promotional booklet as an effective way to market your business
Should I Accept Credit Cards? by John D.
Waller
Reviewing the benefits of increased market potential through accepting this
form of payment, including faster turn-around on payment, increased sales and
ability to turn partial service requests into full service requests.
“Crewseing” Through Setting Up a Business by
Grace E. Castle CLI Editor
A brief review of two new books – The Business of Private Investigations
and Professional Investigative Report Writing, Contracts and Forms -- by certified
fraud examiner and experienced businessman, Douglas Crewse, that show you the
way start and develop a successful private investigation business.
What Can We Expect? by Eddy McClain, NCISS
Legislative Committee
Washington Update by Larry Sabbath NCISS
Washington RepresentativeBoth brief articles discuss lobbying
efforts by the National Council of Investigation and Security
Services (NCISS) to correct the consequences of the 1996 amendments
to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Canada – Is Someone Watching You? by
Marjo Johne
This international feature describes the increasing use of professional investigators
to conduct surveillance on present and potential employees in Canada and advises
how to avoid allegations of employee rights violations. Also includes statistics
on increased employee surveillance and use of background checks in the U.S.
South Africa – Prevention of Corruption Bill
Reprinted with permission from Corporate Intelligence Review, this international
feature describes the enormous implications for the way government and business
would have to conduct themselves in and toward South Africa in the future,
if the Prevention of Corruption Bill is passed by the South Africa Parliament.
Book Review -- Successful Personal Injury Investigation
written by Francis D. Ritter, CLI, CI, reviewed
by Grace E. Castle CLI Editor A review of this step-by-step
guide on how to investigate over one hundred types of accident
and injury situations published by Diverse Publications of
Torrance, California.
#BI66 $6.00
|
