PI’s Declassified!

Founded in 1975, The National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) has fought restrictive legislation and governmental regulations with unintended consequences on behalf of private investigators and security professionals before Congress and governmental agencies. Today, NCISS announces two new programs to assist security professionals and private investigators expand their legislative knowledge and influence. Tune in to hear James Huckabee, Tom Shamshak, and Dean Beers, all NCISS Vice Presidents, discuss these exciting new developments, along with NCISS Legislative Advocate, Keith Nelson from the Washington DC firm of Lobbyit.

One of the myriad of tasks performed by private investigator is to interview individuals from all cultures and walks of life. The interview may be to gather details from a material witness, collect background information, or detect deception from a potential fraudster. Whatever the circumstances, cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery and Botox are altering an investigator’s ability to interpret key facial expressions. Tune in to head Los Angeles Private Investigator Catherine Townsend discuss this important development and her observations.

One of the most challenging tasks in a criminal defense investigator’s world is investigating a capital case that has already exhausted all of its appellate rights. Called a writ of habeas corpus, it is a death row inmate’s last opportunity for to find relief from execution. There have been 144 death row exonerations since 1973, according to Death Penalty Information Center. Possibly the trial lawyer was ineffectual or incompetent, the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated, or there may even be newly discovered evidence. Regardless of the situation, it is an uphill battle and mostly a thankless, but ever demanding responsibility. Tune in to hear Private Investigator Joseph Thornton, a former Philadelphia Capital Habeas Unit staff investigator discuss his daily life as a post-conviction capital case investigator.

Private investigators are often called upon when there is an unexplained disappearance, particularly when law enforcement does not have the resources. That was the case when Bob Ehlert went missing. Bob was last seen in Panama in June 2013 working on his boat outside Panama City. Hailing originally from Harris County, Minnesota, outgoing and gregarious Bob Ehlert loved living in Panama. Enter Panamanian Private Investigator, Brett Mikkelson, who was hired by the Ehlert family. Tune in to hear Brett’s tale of searching for the clues to find out what happened to Bob Ehlert.

Working on a high-profile criminal case is a little like being on a never-ending rollercoaster. Arizona Private Investigator, Rich Robertson was the defense investigator during the high profile homicide case of Prescott, Arizona stockbroker, Steven DeMocker. DeMocker was convicted of the 2008 beating death of his ex-wife, Carol Kennedy. The conviction last year followed five tumultuous years of courtroom drama including the death of a judge due to a brain tumor, termination of a key deputy, allegations of both evidence tampering and conspiracy, as well as the resignation of the original Defense Team due to a conflict of interest. Tune in to hear Rich Robertson discuss this fascinating case and provide his thoughts of managing a case with heavy media exposure.

Sometimes a mistake by a person serving legal papers can turn into a disaster. What do you and how you do it often makes the difference between losing a client and becoming a hero. Tune in to hear Kevin Toal from Nova Scotia provide tips on how to determine where to deliver those pesky legal papers and what to do if you have identified the wrong person.

Do you or your client have an important meeting and you are concerned about confidentiality? Has your board room’s security been breached? Are you concerned there are leaks from your organization and can’t figure out where the leaks are originating? Would your business be negatively impacted if your information was comprised? Consider a specialist in technical surveillance countermeasures? Tune in to listen to countermeasures expert Art Lesser. He may answer questions you never even thought to ask!

How do you start developing a unique brand for your business? Where do you begin? What kinds of issues should you consider? What about rebranding an established agency? It is a confusing process and immensely time-consuming. Tune in to hear Private Investigator, media personality, and former police chief, Thomas Shamshak, with answers to guide you and avoid the pitfalls.

Few would forget the Green River Killer, who claimed over 70 victims in the 80s and 90s in the Northwest before he was apprehended in 2001. Sam Waters was also a victim when he was wrongfully identified as the killer years before the true killer was captured. Specifics recently uncovered will reveal chilling proof of a prosecutor conspiring along with zealous police detectives to convict an innocent citizen. Who’s next? Years of diligent work unearthing the true facts surrounding Sam’s extraordinary story exposes the very people who are sworn to protect and serve who are in office still today. Tune to hear Sam and his investigator, Mike Kiger, provide an update on Sam’s long journey to prove key facts were suppressed and witnesses coerced.

Attorney, Private Investigator and Background Screening Expert, Lester Rosen, reports that in 2014 an employer will have to carefully balance the need to safeguard the workplace through the people they hire against the legal protections now available to job applicants. Les is the author of The Safe Hiring Manual, a comprehensive guide to employment background checks and the owner of Employment Screening Resources, a background screening firm. If you have one employee or 100, this is a topic that may be vital to your ongoing enterprise. Tune in to hear Les share his expertise and discuss how to address the trends he has identified for the upcoming year.