1st Edition

The Elements of Private Investigation An Introduction to the Law, Techniques, and Procedures

By Anthony Manley Copyright 2010
    444 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    In today’s increasingly litigious society, the threat of a private investigator (PI) being hit with a civil lawsuit or even criminal charges is very real. Keeping up with the multitude of laws that impact what investigators can and can’t do—can be daunting—but could prove very costly if ignored.

    Emphasizing legal and liability issues, The Elements of Private Investigation: An Introduction to the Law, Techniques, and Procedures provides a comprehensive introduction to the professional requirements, investigative techniques, and legal responsibilities of the modern investigator. It supplies private and corporate security professionals with best-practice investigative techniques, highlights the risks that investigators are likely to encounter, and details what PIs can and can’t do in the eyes of the law. In addition, the book:

    • Details the restrictions placed on PIs as private citizens
    • Reviews the qualifications, licensing requirements, and code of ethics
    • Includes procedural checklists, sample forms, and a list of popular online resources

    Providing quick and easy reference to the latest laws and regulations that affect the profession, the time-tested logic offered in this book will help ensure that the evidence you collect will be admissible in court and that the methods you use won’t land you on the wrong side of a civil or criminal case.

     

    A Short History of Private Investigation

    Qualifications and Licensing

    The Selection of a Private Investigation Agency

    The Law

    Criminal Law

    Civil Law

    Criminal and Civil Liability

    Civil Rights

    The Criminal and Civil Litigation Process

    The Legal Powers and Limitations of a Private Investigator

    Liability Concerns

    Unlawful Actions Concerning Personal Rights and Privacy

    Wiretaps and Bugs

    The Polygraph and its Applications

    Privacy Rights and Civil Rights Violations

    Investigative Techniques and Cautionary Procedures

    Types of Investigations and Covert Operations

    The Art of the Interview and Interrogation

    Communication and Observation Techniques

    Statements and Confessions

    Commercial and Industrial Threats and Vulnerability

    Distinctive Situations

    Endnotes

    Glossary

    Selected References

    Websites of Interest

    Appendices

    Index

    Biography

    Anthony D. Manley retired from the Nassau County Police Department after twenty-six years as a patrol officer, plainclothes officer, detective investigator, and supervisor.

    During the last twelve years of police service, Mr. Manley served as a New York State certified police instructor at the police academy, specializing in areas such as management, supervision, and operational standards. Concurrently, during that period, he was assigned to the Departmental Inspection Unit; a specialized squad of administrative officers that conducted detailed examination and analysis, along with internal management and operational audits of all commands within the department, reporting directly to the Commissioner of Police.

    Since leaving the department, he has several years’ experience as a security consultant, including eleven years in contractual and proprietary management and administrative positions in the private retail sector.

    Moreover, during the period 1992 to 2005, Mr. Manley was a certified New York State Security Guard Instructor, curriculum developer and senior instructor for a large private school specializing in security officer training, disaster management, loss prevention, supervisory and management development and assorted professional and management training programs and seminars.

    Mr. Manley has earned an Associate Degree (AAS) in Criminal Justice, a Baccalaureate Degree (BA) in Criminal Justice Management, and a Master of Public Administration degree (MPA). Among his affiliation with various active and retired police associations, he also is a Past President of the Retired Police Association of the State of New York, Inc.

    The author emphasizes legal and liability issues, and provides a comprehensive introduction to the professional requirements, investigative techniques, and legal responsibilities of the modern investigator. It supplies private and corporate security professionals with best practice investigative techniques, highlights the risks that investigators are likely to encounter, and details what PIs can and can’t do in the eyes of the law.
    —ASIS Dynamics, March /April 2010