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PI Magazine - Issue #93
September/October 2007
Underwater Investigations
By Aric Dutelle
This article introduces the investigative reader to the environmental challenges,
personnel, and equipment modifications which are necessary in order to effectively document an underwater crime scene. The article addresses how
depth affects color, how the density of water affects subject size and clarity, and
how the investigative photographer and the equipment must compensate for such difficulties.
FEATURES:
How Long is a Piece of String
By Logan Clarke
If you can’t get the client in your door, you’ll never survive in this or
any business. But in this business, it is more difficult to “get them in the
door.” It isn’t just about the location of your office; they need to be able
to trust you with a big problem. And once you get them in the door, it’s a whole different talent to get their money. Then it will be another talent to solve their problem. You’ll never get to the latter two problems if you
can’t solve the first.
Proven Tips for Customer Service
By Clay Renick
According to a recent study by the Wharton School of Business, only six
percent of customers will contact a company after a problem -- but 31
percent will tell friends, family or co-workers. That means you can lose
32 to 36 customers for every 100 people who are unsatisfied with your
business. The study also found unhappy customers “embellish” their
story with each telling.
PIs In Paradise
By Anayat Durrani
When you think of private investigators living and working in Hawaii,
Magnum P.I. immediately comes to mind. A mustached Tom Selleck in his
Hawaiian-style aloha shirts. And, while Thomas Magnum was the stuff of
fiction, the real thing is not too far off. “I used to watch every episode of
that series,” said Russ Darling, a private investigator working on the Big
Island. The beautiful weather, endless beaches, and breathtaking scenery
were enough to pull Darling from the mainland to make a permanent
move to Hawaii in 2005.
Credibility of Witnesses
By Jane Cracraft
In any type of case, there can be a melange of witnesses: accurate witnesses,
befuddled witnesses, honest-but-mistaken witnesses, shady witnesses,
and perverse witnesses with hidden motives. Part of the professional
investigator’s job is to find the most credible witnesses who will be able
to contribute to the truth-finding process of discovery, deposition and/or
trial testimony.
DEPARTMENTS:
Badges,
By Chris Woodson
An unofficial survey finds that the most vocal advocates
for the right to carry a badge here in California are those
who have no sworn law enforcement experience.
11 Things Every PI Should Know,
By Nick Spill
After reading what private investigators (PIs) are
discussing in current online groups, I decided to list
what we as PIs should know.
Let's Go Blogging,
By Michèle Stuart
BLOGS! Social networking sites such as: MySpace,
Friendster, Facebook, Bebo, Classmates.com, LinkedIn
and the hundreds more in the Internet can provide an
abundance of information on a subject.
Designing PI Reports,
By Steve Wilson
The final report can be an important document in an investigator’s
marketing arsenal. A professional-looking report
tells readers that the investigator is also a professional.
Employee Background Investigations,
By Lynn H. Levy
A comprehensive background investigation or screening
conducted prior to hiring can prevent spending
hundreds or thousands of dollars later while building
a dossier to fire the employee.
Sexual Harassment Investigation ,
By Mickey Veich
Thorough preparation is essential before conducting a
sexual harassment investigation. You need to be properly
prepared for the first encounter with a victim or
the accused.
NALI's TLI Section:
NALI Members Gather in St. Louis
The 40th anniversary of the National Association of Legal Investigators was celebrated in the area where NALI was founded in 1967. New officers were elected, a new Certified Legal Investigator was recognized, and Editor-
Publisher Awards were given to authors of articles.
How to Detect Tampering of Medical Records, By Kathleen Cunningham
Documentation of the facts in a medical malpractice case starts with a careful review of all medical records. Quite
often, what is NOT there is more important than what IS there. In a 6-inch thick medical chart, the one document
that is missing could be the “smoking gun” that is needed to prove the case.
How to Maintain the Chain of Evidence, By Rory McMahon
Legal investigators need to know exactly how to collect and maintain evidence that can be used in a trial, whether it is a civil or criminal matter.
Beware of Spoliation of Evidence, By Jane Cracraft
If the parties in a lawsuit --or their agents -- damage, lose or alter evidence in some way, the court can impose severe penalties that will affect the ability to try the case and/or the outcome of the case.
In Every Issue:
PI Buzz (www.pibuzz.com)
By Tamara Thompson
PI related issues from the top investigative blog on the web.
Gadgets Gimmicks and Tricks of the Trade
By Julius “Buddy” Bombet, Associate Editor
New technology, equipment and advice that every PI should know.
Have any contributions for this section?
Send them to Buddy@Bombet.com or
by fax 225-272-3631.
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