Digital Forensic Examiners

We are certified digital forensic examiners of cell phones and computers. We have the software and know-how to extract deleted text messages, emails, browsing history, chat conversations, and more from cell phones and computers. What that means to you is that you can have more evidence to prove your case. Whether you need to catch your spouse cheating or you feel the need to monitor your child’s activity online or through their cell phone, our Private Investigators have the experience to accomplish it.

Career in Private Investigation

Are you thinking of becoming a private investigator? Here are some of the details you might like to know, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Quick Facts: Private Detectives and Investigators
2010 Median Pay	$42,870 per year  $20.61 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Some college, no degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	34,700
Job Outlook, 2010-20	21% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	7,100

What Private Detectives and Investigators Do

Private detectives and investigators find facts and analyze information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, including verifying people's backgrounds, tracing missing persons, investigating computer crimes, and protecting celebrities.   

Work Environment

Private detectives and investigators work in a number of environments, depending on the case on which they are working. Some spend more time in their offices conducting computer searches and making phone calls, while others spend more time in the field conducting interviews and performing surveillance.

How to Become a Private Detective or Investigator

Private detectives and investigators usually have some college education. However, many jobs do not have formal education requirements; and private detectives and investigators learn on the job. Previous experience in investigative work can be beneficial. Private detectives and investigators need a license in most states.

Pay

The median annual wage of private detectives and investigators was $42,870 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for private detectives and investigators will stem from heightened security concerns and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds.

Sherlock Holmes Joke

One day, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson were doing their usual investigative business, when they uncovered an unusual painting. 

At first glance, it looked like a picture of normal oak tree, in the middle of a wilderness, but if one looked closer, one could see that it was a remarkable painting. The tree trunk was actually made of fire, and its branches were made of ice, clouds and earth. 

"What is it, Holmes?" asked Watson in awe. "It's an Element tree, my dear Watson," replied Holmes.

Source: California Spy

Employee Screening - Driving Records

Motor Vehicle Records reports statewide driving records, including Commercial Driver's License status (CDL) for at least 3 years, oftentimes up to 7 years. We recommend screening motor vehicle records for any employment position requiring driving, such as trucking, transportation, delivery, DOT compliance, or any use of company vehicles.

Motor Vehicle Records offer driving history information including insurance lapses, license suspensions, revocations, accidents, traffic violations, and unpaid, or unanswered summons. The MVR report can flag Driving Under the Influence (DWI or DUI) charges and other potential substance abuse problems.

Matching Rules for Identifiers on Records -Varies depending on state.

• Typically requires driver’s license number
• Last name
• First name
• Some states also require DOB
• Sex

Source: Corra Group

Serial Litigators

In a court case for which you were the defendant, or the defendant's attorney, would it make a difference if the plaintiff were a serial litigator? If he had brought many suits on in the past for similar instances, could it lose him credibility in court? Indeed! We can uncover a trait such as this.

The “ typical” background check using the standard internet tools can provide a national criminal background check but often omits key information such as civil litigation searches. This type of limited information can miss some of the most important information since the typical c-level executive will most likely not have any criminal background. It is more likely that these subjects could have extensive civil filings that can provide insight into undisclosed business matters.

The difficulty that arises in researching civil litigation history is the fact that there is no centralized database for all civil court records. Some counties provide online records, but many require that records be obtained in person at the court house. It takes a skilled and experienced investigator to navigate various resources and compile a comprehensive report that encompasses civil backgrounds.

Source: PR Web

Jobs for Felons

Private Investigators talk about how to make sure of who you are hiring, but what if the person looking for the job is honest and says "I have a felony record." Should that immediately disqualify him? The answer is more complicated than you might imagine. We can tell you what the felony was, and possibly get additional information about the court case that is not in the public record. Some of those conditions may still allow you to hire the applicant. After all, a person without a felony may be conducting themselves improperly and never have been caught.

Here are some jobs that are more easily available to felons:

Construction Jobs
Normally, the easiest and quickest jobs for felons to obtain are in skilled and semi-skilled labor. These include jobs within the construction industry and the trades, such as plumbing and welding. Labor and trade jobs may be acquired through friends, connections, a contractor, or through a temporary agency. Temporary agencies offer work in a variety of situations on a daily basis, including general manual labor positions. Although professional licenses can be suspended or revoked, you can work in the field as a helper and possibly work your way up to a supervisory position.

Sales
Sales are a good job field for felons to work, because the pay is often based on commission. A primary concern for employers hiring felons is risk, but since the employer is not putting up a lot of upfront money, he may be willing to take a chance on you as a salesman. It also provides the opportunity to prove yourself, which can be difficult for felons. Sales jobs can be found in the automotive, home improvement and contracting industries.

Other Options
Other opportunities for felons include traditional and non-traditional job fields. There are organizations that assist felons in re-entering the workforce, such as Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and other rehabilitation-centered companies. Also, potential freelance jobs may be found on the Internet, especially in writing, blogging, web development and online sales.

Source: eHow

Qualities of the PI

Characteristics of an Effective Investigator
By Ralph Heibutzki, eHow Contributor

No two cases are alike, but investigators share five characteristics needed to function. First and foremost is an analytical mind-set to consider multiple theories of how a crime occurred, followed by strong communications skills to deal with suspects and witnesses. A flexible outlook is also essential to coping with the job's sometimes relentless personal demands. However, these qualities are meaningless without a strong sense of integrity, particularly if alternative theories lead cases in a different direction.

Analytical Mindset
An analytical mind-set and keen sense of curiosity are important skills to develop, says Kevin Trees, a Louisville, Kentucky, detective featured on A&E TV's investigative reality show, "The First 48." Chasing leads and identifying suspects requires looking at cases from many different angles, Trees stated in a posting for the aetv.com website.

Avoidance of Groupthink
Good investigators resist promoting one theory above all others. Known as "groupthink mentality," this situation is most likely to happen when fatigue and stress push investigators to their limits, former Vancouver detective inspector D. Kim Rossmo stated in an October 2009 "Police Chief" magazine article. Good detectives are flexible enough to admit their original theory is wrong because they realize that failure to acknowledge mistakes increases the likelihood for additional errors, Rossmo says.

Effective Coping Strategies
Investigators must develop ways of coping with the long hours and irregular schedules that distinguish their jobs. Detectives may be called any time, so relaxing with family and friends can be problematic, according to Trees. Even if he is not working a crime scene, Trees says, a detective must still take calls from detectives handling cases in his absence, he stated. Detectives can find that emotions spill over from investigating difficult or frustrating cases, Trees says, and their families have to deal with that.

Sense of Integrity
Investigators need a strong sense of integrity. This is especially important in avoiding wrongful convictions, which often result from ignoring alternate theories, according to Rossmo. In 1994, a British court ruled that police improperly used a covert operation to implicate Colin Stagg in the stabbing death of Rachel Nickell, Rossmo says. The outcome forced prosecutors to withdraw their case and release Stagg. Failures of integrity can damage departments' and investigators' reputations, Rossmo says.

Strong Communications Skills
Good detectives are strong communicators in dealing with suspects, according to a report written by corporate investigator Christopher D. Hoffman. Direct accusation works best when substantial proof of guilt emerges, but subtler strategies are needed for multiple suspects, Hoffman says. One variation is the Reid Technique, which evaluates a suspect's knowledge of the crime and if they are answering truthfully, according to Hoffman. Investigators adapt their responses, depending on the levels of truth or deception they encounter.

Source: eHow