The Professional Private Investigator Training Manual: Training Manual

By Dr. James D. Menser

Menser Security and Detective Training Agency, Inc. (MSDTA) have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fi eld of security. A former Law Enforcement Offi cer, Detective James D. Menser Sr. Ph.D, President and C.E.O. of Menser Security founded the organization and Detective Training, Inc., comes from a long history of undercover operations security enforcement. Detective Menser was fi rst introduced to security in 1973 where he performed as a store detective. Due to his success, he gained employment at larger agencies providing additional responsibility, a wealth of knowledge and the inner workings of security.

Menser has personally experienced every capacity of security from actual security guard service to middle and upper management services as well as sales representative for ERS Security and Detective Agency (bodyguard).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477155424

Dr. James D. Menser

TO FOLLOW

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Dr. James D. Menser, Sr, Ph.D

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

113874

Contents

Dedications And Credits

Rules And Regulations

Report Writing

Sample Report Blank

Ethics And Conduct For Investigators

Traits Of A Private Investigator

Investigations—New Job Form

Menser Security And Detective Training Agency, Inc.

General Characteristics Of The Undercover Agent

Undercover Identity

Official Contacts

Contact With The Suspect

Precautions And Possible Pitfalls

Closing The Investigation

Menser Security And Detective Training Agency, Inc.

Menser Security And Detective Training Agency, Inc.

Menser Security And Detective Training Agency, Inc.

Menser Security And Detective Training Agency, Inc.

Private Sources Of Information

Surveillance Of Premises, Vehicles And Persons

Collection, Identification And Preservation Of Evidence

Importance Of Laboratory Technology

Crime Scene Photography

Fingerprint Photography

Questioned Documents

Description And Identification

Divorce Investigation

Child Custody Investigations

Guidelines For Reporting Neighborhood Investigations

Skip Tracing

Shoplifting Seminar

Motel And Hotel Survey Inspection Report

Undercover Operations For Industrial Investigation

Theft Investigation

Testimony In Court

Career In Investigations

DEDICATIONS AND CREDITS

First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the vision and the endurance to publish this training manual. Without his help, strength, ability and guidance, this publication would not have been possible.

Secondly, I would like to thank my family and friends for without their love, patience, understanding and moral support, I would not have made it this far. Also, for them standing by my side in good/bad times through thick and thin. For their encouragement in relaying to me know that in spite of what negativity I was faced with, that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.+++

In addition to the above, without all of my past life experiences (whether they were good or bad), trials, tribulations, roadblocks, I would not have had the strength or courage to pursue my lifelong childhood dream.

Dr. James D. Menser, Sr, Ph.D

President and CEO

Menser Security and Detective Training Agency, Inc.

MENSER SECURITY AND DETECTIVE

TRAINING AGENCY, INC.

INVESTIGATORS COURSE

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Class manual must be brought to each class.

• All homework assignments must be turned in on assigned date.

• Only two unexcused absences will be allowed.

• Excused absences will be allowed only by advance permission of school official.

• Conduct during class will be that of professional investigator training in a professional field or atmosphere.

• Tuition payments shall be made promptly.

• Classes shall begin at assigned time and tardiness will not be allowed.

• No weapons are allowed in school classrooms or on training facility.

• Food and soft drinks are prohibited in classrooms.

REPORT WRITING

One of the most characteristic traits of a good investigator is the report he writes. Even though the investigator may have performed his job expertly, the indicator of the assignments success or failure lie in the report he submits to his supervisor or the client. Since in most cases only the investigator himself/herself has first hand knowledge of what has occurred, his reports must be written in a manner, which makes the information uncovered, be complete and informative as possible.

VALUE OF REPORTS TO THE INVESTIGATOR

Reports are of great value to the investigator himself/herself. It is these reports, which allow the investigator to review or recheck any information pertaining to a case at any time. How many hours were spent on the case? What did the subject do on a certain day? What is the subject’s name? These are just a few questions, which can be answered as quickly as pulling the case file for review.

VALUE TO THE EMPLOYER

Since the employer maintains a constant yet indirect interest in the case, reports should provide all material, which is meaningful and pertinent to the case. Thorough reports the employer can keep track of the case progress. A client may want the reports merely to confront an employee or he may want to prosecute the employer, at which time the report forms become necessary and useful evidence.

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD REPORT WRITING—THE REPORT SHOULD BE BRIEF

A good report is not judged by its length, but by its content.

BE CONCISE—only that information which is pertinent and has a bearing on the case should be included. If additional subjects are added, their relationship to the case should be made clear.

BE CLEAR—a statement of objections followed by a clear direct report make it easy to evaluate the success or failure of the investigation.

BE ACCURATE—information, which has been reported in error, may someday haunt the investigator. Errors also open the reliability of other information reported to attach.

BE OBJECTIVE—a report is no place to express personal feelings toward the subject or subject matter, and should be entirely free of propaganda. If a personal feeling is included, it should be presented in the proper place and labeled as such. Example

It is my personal opinion from the actions of the subject that he is not presently engaged in the theft of store merchandise.

BE WRITTEN IN PROPER FORM—samples of other reports are usually available to the investigator for reference. Some companies may have a format booklet, which the investigator may refer to for mechanical assistance.

BE CONFIDENTIAL—the reputation of the investigator and many times of his employer relies on the classified nature of his report. The good investigator is careful not to leave used carbon paper or copies of his report lying around. The investigator should make sure that only those individuals who have a need to know, sees his report.

MENSER SECURITY AND DETECTIVE TRAINING AGENCY, INC.

Date

10533.png

Case #

10535.png

Subject

10537.png

To:

10539.png

From:

10541.png

Type of Investigation: _______________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR INVESTIGATORS

Introduction

When you complete this course you will be able to:

• Decide the proper course of action to take in problem situations.

• Foresee developing situations that could comprise you.

• Relate the importance of ethical and professional conduct to your work and your image in law enforcement.

Discussion

1. Ethical Conduct

Ethical conduct in law enforcement relates to conduct which meets or exceeds the commonly accepted standards of moral behavior.

1.1 Definitions of Ethics

1. Moral human conduct—it is the only study of human conduct in the light of morality and in conformity with moral principles.

2. Correct demeanor—it is doing the right thing at the right time in the right manner.

3. Conformity to social standards—doing things in conformity with normal everyday standards imposed by society.

4. Conformity to social judgment—it is doing things in conformity with the judgment society would be expected to take concerning the rightness or wrongness of our actions.

5. Basically ethical conduct is a combination of good judgment and common sense.

1.2 Privileges

As law enforcement agents we enjoy the following privileges:

1. Professional position

2. Authority

3. Good salary

4. Respect

5. Trust

1.3 Responsibilities

As officers, we have the following responsibilities towards the public and the government:

1. Unwavering integrity and honesty

2. Absolute fairness and impartiality

3. Devotion to duty

4. Professional ability and performance

1.4 Rules of Conduct

Menser Security and Detective Training Agency, Inc. have set certain guidelines for use to adhere to:

These rules are based on concepts of:

1. Honesty

2. Integrity

3. Morality

4. Ethical conduct

2. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public relations in law enforcement are the effort put forth to create and maintain the confidence and good will of the public. Law enforcement is a public service that depends on good public relations for its success.

2.1 Public image

The public forms its image of you as a law enforcement agent by observing your:

1. Appearance

2. Character

3. Personality

4. Habits

5. Professional performance

A. The public expects an enforcement officer to act better than others.

B. An officer is judged not only on what he/she does or says, but also on the manner in which he/she does it and says it.

C. Although the public is usually unaware of long extra hours, arduous duty and trying situations encountered by an officer, it still expects the same high standards of performance at all times. the public is interested in present performance, not in past reputation. One bad act can offset years of good performance.

Working relationships—you should develop good working relationships with the following:

Agencies, institutions, organizations

• Government agencies and institutions

• Non-government organizations and institutions

• Local organizations

• National organizations

People of different:

• Professions and trades

• Geographical locations

• Ethic groups

• Age groups

2.3 Publicity and the release of information

It is the general policy of law enforcement agencies to cooperate with responsible writers, publications, radio, television and motion picture media in disseminating information calculated to promote knowledge of and respect for the laws we enforce. However, the agent on the line is not the preferred contact for dealing with the press and similar media. The appropriate supervisory officer should exercise such functions.

Supervisory clearance needed for:

37554.jpg Speeches

37557.jpg Writings

37559.jpg Television appearances

37561.jpg Press relations

37563.jpg Radio appearances

Premature disclosures

Premature disclosures of information can jeopardize an investigation or may interfere with the apprehension or successful prosecution of offenders.

As an aid to law enforcement

Publicity may be used by law enforcement organizations to prevent crime or to aid in enforcement:

black.jpg Circularize descriptions of wanted persons.

black.jpg Educate potential victims of the methods used by some types of criminals.

black.jpg Warn the public that certain types of criminals are operating in an area.

black.jpg Enlighten the public about conditions that foster crime.

black.jpg Point out precautions that citizens can take to prevent certain types of crimes.

black.jpg Educate the public on how and where to report violations or suspicious circumstances indicating a violation may be committed.

black.jpg Educate the public concerning the functions and services of the law enforcement agency.

3. GENERAL CONDUCT OF AGENT

Cooperation

Officers must make every effort to cooperate with fellow workers and with law enforcement personnel of other agencies.

Fraternization with criminal element

Officers must never fraternize with the criminal element, associate with persons of bad character or frequent places having bad reputations, except when authorized to do so for official purposes.

Prohibited activities:

1. Use of outside influence or political influence to secure assignments.

2. Misuse of badge or credentials.

3. The use of alcohol habitually and to excess unauthorized release or disposal of official information, property or records.

4. Ownership in prohibited business.

5. Illegal gambling.

6. Soliciting, selling, and canvassing, without permission.

7. Speculation in stocks, bonds, or commodities.

8. Gifts, bribes or special remunerations.

9. Use of illicit narcotic drugs.

10. Willful failure or neglect to properly perform duties.

11. Unwarranted use of firearms.

The following items, while not specifically prohibited, falls within the preview of the minimum standards of conduct reasonably expected of all law enforce—ment officers.

1. Failure to pay a bonafide debt.

2. Maintaining residence not in keeping with commonly accepted standards.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES: ALCOHOL, FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES

PRACTICAL EXERCISES: WOMEN

PRACTICAL EXERCISES: CREDENTIALS AND FIREARMS

PRACTICAL EXERCISES: GIFTS AND DISHONESTY

SUMMARY:

• Ethics is basically common sense and good judgment.

• Your actions affect the image and public relations of your employer and of other law enforcement officers.

• As a law enforcement officer, you have privileges, but you also have responsibilities.

• When in doubt, refer to your Rules of Conduct or consult with your supervisor.

TRAITS OF A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Every investigator must possess certain traits, which set him/her above others, his/her job is a special one, which requires special skills. Although many of these skills can be learned, many others must be inherent in the investigator himself/ herself. Listed below are some of the traits necessary to become a successful investigator.

DEVOTION—an investigator must be devoted to each assignment. Each new job must be undertaken as a challenge.

SILENCE—all information disclosed on an assignment must be kept confidential between the investigator, his/her supervisor, and the client. The unnecessary revealment of information will in most cases is cause for removal from the assignment, and even dismissal. It may be a constant temptation to reveal some facts on interesting cases, and friends and relatives who know what your job is will certainly question you. But the investigator cannot reveal information, which has been confided in him/her.

ABILITY TO ADAPT—an investigator’s role may be as numerous as the cases he handles. From a street sweeper to an executive may be a difference of just one day’s work. An investigator must try to remain as inconspicuous as possible constantly trying not to attract attention to him/her. Some investigators carry several different outfits with them, allowing a quick change should the need arise.

TRUSTWORTHYNESS—when dealing with the public, an investigator must gain the confidence and trust of each person whom he/she comes in contact with. Many individuals have refused to cooperate with one investigator will pour their hearts out to another. The investigator must relate to the public; putting you in their shoes, as the express goes, may sometimes mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful interview.

MENTAL STAMINA—long and constant hours can be a strain on anyone. The investigator must maintain in top efficiency even though he/she is under great mental stress. Undercover assignment many times can be very taxing mentally and the investigator will have to pace him/her to continue to function effectively.

PHYSICAL STAMINA—investigators should always be in peak physical condition. An investigator may have to work two or three eight-hour shifts without rest. This calls for physical as well as mental stamina. Physical strength may be necessary to affect an arrest, apprehend a suspect, or subdue a violent subject. Each investigator should try to schedule a workout session once or twice a week to remain in shape. A good diet also aids in physical stamina.

COMMON SENSE—the sixth and sometimes the most valuable sense. The obvious answer is many times the hardest to find. Learn to step back from an investigator and take an overall look at the progress along with the problems. Many times the answer is as obvious as can be.

HONESTY—an investigators’ reputation of honesty is as valuable as his badge itself. An investigator many times is placed in a position where his honesty and integrity are at stake, he/she must be able to defend himself/herself and account for his/her actions should a complaint or charge be made against him/her.

QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME AN INVESTIGATOR—each agency or company has certain criteria for hiring an individual as an investigator. There are certain requirements that almost all employers adhere to:

1. No prior police record—in most states, a prior police record will disqualify an applicant. Federal law also prohibits any individual with any felony convictions from owing or purchasing a firearm.

2. 21 years of age—this is the minimum age in most states to carry a firearm and the minimum age in Illinois to be employed as a security officer or investigator.

3. Good character—many agencies have methods of screening applicants through both written tests and oral interviews.

INVESTIGATIONS—NEW JOB FORM

( ) By phone

( ) In person

( ) Other

34229.jpg34246.jpg

Client Request and Purpose of Investigation Instructions

No. of copies of report: ____ Mail to: _______________ Ret. Received: ______

Rates quoted (any limit) __________________ Received by: ______________

Outside agency leads requested: _____________ Approved by: ____________

MENSER SECURITY AND DETECTIVE TRAINING AGENCY, INC.

UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS

Introduction

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUE

Enforcement agencies have long used undercover operations to obtain intelligence information in order to carry out their assigned missions. Although this method may be used in any criminal case. It is also one of the most effective means of gathering information against organized crime another being the use of inside informants. The basic difference between an undercover operation against a minor criminal suspect and a major hoodlum is the time required to complete the assignment.

AGENCY APPROVAL

The agency involved must approve the use of the undercover method of investigation before the undercover agent assumes his/her role. The method of approval will vary from agency to agency. Basically there are two types: One is the broad approval given to agents whose primary function is undercover investigations and the other is the approval given for a specific case.

If an agent has approval to work undercover at his/her discretion, his/her role is to supply information to his/her office regarding what he/she has discovered. The information will then be coordinated with an open investigation handled by another agent. Generally the undercover agent is not placed in charge of the investigation where his/her role will not permit him/her to make any open investigation where his/her identity would be suspect. If approval is required for a specific case, an agent is assigned to the case and he/she conducts an open investigation. If it is determined that an undercover approach would be appropriate, the supervisor, in consultation with the agent, will assign an agent or agents to work undercover.

An undercover investigation is expensive in both manpower and money. Even though the assignment may involve only a few hours of work per day, there may be a considerable loss of man-hours if the agent cannot be assigned to conduct overt investigations because of the necessity of protecting his identity. In addition, the assignments usually involve the expenditure of buy money, per diem and related expenses. However, in many cases, the undercover approach is a savings, because information can be gathered in a shorter time than would be required in an open investigation.

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS

The impromptu assignment is one in which the enforcement officer conducting an investigation in his true role as an agent, makes an inquiry using an assumed role. For example, the agent may pose as an insurance man when calling on a third party.

The one time assignment is one in which the enforcement officer has received information that illegal activity is taking place at a given location. To determine if it is worthy of further investigation, he/she will visit the location to substantiate the information.

The extended assignment may last from a few days to a few months. The majority of undercover assignments fall within this category.

The penetration assignment is one in which is agent works in an undercover capacity for a few months to any extended length of time. This type of assignment requires elaborate planning. Many different avenues of access may have to be explored to successfully penetrate the higher echelon criminal element.

UNDERCOVER OBJECTIVES

Some of the more important objectives of the undercover approach are to:

1. Determine if a crime is being planned or committed.

2. Identify all the people involved.

3. Obtain evidence.

4. Locate contraband and/or stolen property.

5. Determine suitable times for raids and arrest and identify prospective witnesses and informants.

If properly used, the undercover approach will produce

Reviews for The Professional Private Investigator Training Manual

[Olanrewaju Ola · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The library on the subject "Private Investigator" is quite rich