November_December 2019 R

later, Banks found out it was him police were ister as a sex offender for the rest of your life. didn’t rape Wanetta Gibson like she claimed.
looking for. Do you understand that?” The report from the crime lab concluded not a
single sperm could be found on the vaginal and
It was a Monday when Gibson said she was “Yes, ma’am.” anal swabs, and none on her underwear.
raped by Banks. They were attending summer Judge Mark C. Kim accepted his plea of
school. According to Brian, he left class at 11:15 guilty and sentenced him to serve six years in Brian wrote a letter to the California
a.m. with a hall pass, telling his teacher he need- the Department of Corrections. He faced a Innocence Project.
ed to excuse himself to call a film producer who maximum eight-year sentence on the single
was doing a documentary on the football team. count of forcible rape that he pled guilty to, in “They told me they couldn’t help me,” said
In the hallway, he saw Wanetta coming out of exchange for the dismissal of the other counts Brian. They wrote back and said because the
the girl’s bathroom. She agreed to follow him that carried aggravated penalties. DNA report was available to his attorney at the
into the elevator, downstairs to another floor “It was Banks’s word against Gibson’s. Banks time he pled guilty, it wasn’t considered new
and into the stairwell known by students as the was faced with an impossible decision at the evidence. To overturn a conviction, one needed
“make-out” area. He said they began to kiss, and time—either fight the charges and risk spend- new evidence. The only way to reopen the case,
he admitted kissing her breasts as she caressed ing the rest of his life in prison, or enter a plea they told him, was to get the victim to recant
his penis. They planned to “mess around,” but of no contest,” said the petition that was later her testimony.
he denied having intercourse. filed by the California Innocence Project. He
“chose the lesser of two evils when he pleaded “I knew that wasn’t going to happen,” said
After being interviewed by detectives, Banks no contest.” He had never been in trouble with Brian.
was handcuffed, and taken to jail. He was ex- the law before this happened.
pelled from high school. He missed his senior His dream of playing in the NFL was shack- He tried filing a habeas petition on his own,
year of varsity football. Although he was still a led by a criminal justice system that too often pro se, to reverse his plea of guilty, alleging that
juvenile, just 16 years old, Banks was charged sends innocent people to prison. his first attorney was ineffective, but the judge
as an adult. “Many believed he was destined to play in the denied his claim of innocence.
NFL,” said the petition that cleared his name.
His dream of getting a scholarship to USC, “His physical fitness and his great speed for his Freddie and the team quarterback, Leon
to play for the Trojans and coach Pete Carroll, size landed him a full-ride scholarship offers Jackson, were the only team members that kept
came to an end before it began. Instead of from many top-tier NCAA Division I schools in touch with Brian, sending him letters, and
hearing sounds of joy, graduating with his high including the University of Southern California.” hope, while he was in prison. Freddie visited
school class of 2003, he heard the clank of Freddie Parish went on to earn a starting po- his friend in prison while others shunned him.
prison bars ringing in his ears. sition as safety on the varsity team his senior
year and became an All-American, replacing “Not too many others, to be honest with
Exactly one year later, on July 8, 2003, Brian the number one safety in the nation who had you,” said Freddie, kept in contact with Brian.
Banks pled “no contest.” At his sentencing graduated. The team without Banks made it to
hearing, his attorney explained to the judge, the playoffs, but the defending champions went Brian was finally able to return home after
“Mr. Banks is honest when he tells the court down to defeat. completing his six-year sentence, but was still
he did not want to run the risk of facing life in Freddie was offered a scholarship to play on parole. His father was homeless, according
prison.” The year he spent at the Los Padrinos for the University of Notre Dame in South to the elder Freddie, and his mother had prob-
Juvenile Detention Center awaiting trial con- Bend, Indiana, and played defensive back as a lems she was going through. Brian confided to
vinced him—he didn’t want to die in prison. true freshman for the Fighting Irish. However, his best friend that his home life was not good.
Freddie’s dream of playing in the NFL dissipat-
District Attorney Lesley Klein questioned ed after the third round of the draft. No team “I knew the shit he was going through at his
the teenager about his decision to plead guilty. expressed interest in offering him a contract. house,” said Freddie. He declined to elaborate.
But four of Brian Bank’s high school team-
“At your trial, you have the right to con- mates, DeSean Jackson, Darnell Bing, Winston Brian was spending a lot of time with
front and cross-examine witnesses, the right Justice and Marcedes Lewis, went on to play in Freddie and his family. One night, Freddie
to present a defense and to testify in your own the NFL. As one of the top 100 high school went upstairs and left Brian at the kitchen table
defense, the right to use the subpoena power players in the nation, there is no telling how far with his parents. When he came back down,
of the court . . . Do you understand all of the Brian might have gone had he played his senior he found his mother and father deep in con-
rights that I have just explained to you?” year of football and gone on to college. versation with Brian. They announced to their
While in prison, Banks discovered, through son that Brian would be moving in with them.
“Yes, sir,” he replied, nervously calling her the civil lawyers in the lawsuit filed by Wanetta Condemned in the eyes of the law and society
the wrong gender. Gibson against the school district, that DNA as a sex offender, Freddie’s family opened up
testing of the rape kit and of the underwear their hearts and home to Brian.
“Do you give up each of those rights?” that police collected as evidence had contra-
Klein asked. dicted Gibson’s preliminary hearing testimony “I didn’t know Mr. Banks at all. He was just
that landed Brian in prison. He was upset that released from prison, and he didn’t have a place to
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied. his attorney didn’t use “CSI” to clear his name stay, so my wife, Sylvia, and I invited him to stay at
“Now, the maximum sentence that you sooner. The results of the DNA test proved he our house,” said the elder Parish. He didn’t have
could have received on this case is 41 years to a car when he started living with them, so Sylvia
life. Do you understand that?” loaned Brian hers. She believed in him. She would
Banks politely replied, “Yes, ma’am.” sometimes walk to work because she had given
“But you want to plead in exchange for the her car to Brian. For about a year, Brian Banks
sentence that I indicated on the record, is that was a member of the Parish family.
correct?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” The younger Freddie recalled the time he in-
Klein went on, “You will be required to reg- vited Brian to go to the park with him and his
little kids. Brian said he couldn’t be around chil-
dren. The elder Parish said they couldn’t have

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 49

children come to their home on Halloween be- After 36 months working for DeMarr, She finally arrived at 11:15 a.m. His wife
cause Brian was a registered sex offender. Parish obtained his PI license and started his Sylvia was working at the reception desk when
own business, Vantage Point Investigations. Gibson walked in. Sylvia led her into the room
Months after he was released from prison, He rented an office suite on Orange Boulevard where Brian Banks was seated. Banks was still
on February 28, 2011, Brian received a friend in Signal Hill. His wife Sylvia helped run the on probation and was restricted by a court or-
request on Facebook from his accuser, Wanetta business, working as an executive assistant. Not der to remain more than 100 feet away from
Gibson. She sent him a message telling him she long after that, his son came to him for help. the Gibson, but she agreed on her own to meet
was sorry. “Let bygones be bygones.” The private investigator took on the case of face-to-face with Banks. Parish watched from a
Brian Banks pro bono. monitor in his office, then decided to introduce
He didn’t intend to respond. Brian showed himself and took control of the interview.
the message to his friend, Freddie. “I charged him nothing,” said Parish.
Wanetta Gibson came to the private investiga- Parish started off the interview with some
“Naw, fuck her!” Freddie responded. tor’s office and admitted she fabricated her story. light-hearted questions. After he got Gibson
“I said, ‘I feel you, but now’s your opportu- “No, he didn’t rape me,” said Gibson. They laughing, he asked about the first time she
nity,’” said Freddie. “I told him, this is chess, planned to have consensual sex in the stair- had sex and lost her virginity. It was not Brian
not checkers. Get her to tell the truth. well, she said, but she had her period. She later Banks, she said, and the date she lost her vir-
I knew my Dad was a private investigator, saw Banks with two of his sophomore friends ginity happened well after Brian Banks was in
and his office, like, any time you walked into laughing as she walked by. She thought they prison. Parish asked when was the first time she
his office, it’s being filmed and recorded. I told were making a joke about the smell of her had anal sex? She answered, “Never.”
Brian, if only you could get her there.” menstrual cycle.
Brian sent Gibson a message asking if she “She assumed they were laughing at her be- That admission blew the doors off the case.
would meet with his private investigator. She cause of the odor,” said Parish. Wanetta Gibson had the dilemma of living
agreed. After Wanetta Gibson left his office, Freddie with a lie that sent an innocent man to prison.
Freddie Parish III got his start as a private Parish thought he had the evidence to “blow She explained to Parish how she tried to undo
investigator working for Huntington Beach pri- the doors off ” the case, but got a sick feeling the lie she told police and to prosecutors. She
vate investigator John A. Demarr. in the pit of his stomach when he checked the had reservations about getting in front of a jury
“I started off doing skip tracing,” said video monitor and discovered an investigator’s and lying again under oath. She wanted to take
Freddie. “John DeMarr did a lot of high-celeb- worst nightmare. it back, before Banks went to prison. But her
rity surveillance.” It wasn’t long before his boss “We had total electronic failure,” said Parish. mother, who filed a lawsuit against the Long
asked Parish to join his surveillance team. “Everything failed. The equipment was junk!” Beach Unified School District, alleging there
One of his first assignments reads like Parish ordered new cameras, the best equip- was inadequate security at the school, con-
a Hollywood comedy. Parish was part of a ment he could find, an out-of-pocket expense vinced Wanetta to stick with her story. Citing
team conducting surveillance at a marina, and of $5,800. He paid extra for overnight ship- the transcript of Parish’s interview, the petition
their target was aboard a luxury yacht that ping. He instructed Banks to invite Gibson later filed by the California Innocence Project
was docked. They forgot some equipment, back to his office. stated, “When she voiced her concern, her civil
so Parish walked back to the car to retrieve This time, Parish arrived at 6 a.m. and set up attorney said, ‘Don’t say nothing.’”
it. Walking back, distracted—Parish’s mind a total of eight surveillance cameras through- It wasn’t until much later that the truth fi-
was focused on the case—he stepped into the out the room where the meeting would be held. nally spilled out.
night, one foot in front of the other. If one failed, there would be plenty of back-up. The school district, like Banks, mitigated the
“I walked right into the ocean,” said Parish. Gibson was scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. He severity of a civil jury verdict, and agreed to pay
“I fell off the dock.” tested and retested the equipment. Everything a $1.5 million structured settlement in reaching
Although embarrassed, it didn’t blow his was working perfectly. a plea agreement. The school district paid half
cover, and within 15 minutes, Parish captured “We started to get nervous when she didn’t the money up-front, with the other half prom-
video images of their target. show up,” said Parish. ised at some date in the future.
“I was able to successfully resolve the case,” According to Parish, the attorneys took 60
he said. “We still laugh about that today.” percent as their fee, while Gibson’s mother split
the remaining 40 percent with her daughter.
“All that money they gave us, I mean gave
me, I don’t want to have to pay it back,” she
told Parish.
Justin Brooks of the California Innocence
Project acknowledges that without the videotape,
they had no evidence to work with. And the fact
that Banks pled guilty was another obstacle.
“We would rarely look a plea bargain case
to start with, so we rejected it. In fact, we re-
jected it twice,” said Brooks. But after seeing
the video of Wanetta Gibson admitting she
fabricated the rape allegation, Brooks felt there
was enough evidence to finally accept the case.
The California Innocence Project, like other
projects around the country, depends so much

50 magazine | November/December 2019

on fact investigation, explained Justin Brooks. Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll invited
“Ninety-eight percent of what we do is Brian to attend a preseason minicamp, but he
didn’t make the team. On April 3, 2012, the
investigation, and only two percent involves Atlanta Falcons offered him a contract to play
litigation,” he said. in the National Football League. He made his
first appearance in a preseason game against
The California Innocence Project filed a the Cincinnati Bengals and made two tackles.
motion to clear Brian’s name. Long Beach
Superior Court Judge Mark C. Kim ordered
the State of California to vacate the convic-
tion of 26-year-old Brian Banks. He was of-
ficially exonerated.

Banks with
his legal team
awaiting Judge
Kim’s decision.

Banks playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Photo $305.
courtesy of the California Innocence Project.

“I’m here today and I remain unbroken,” After the game ended, Banks told report-
Banks declared after the hearing. “No matter ers, “It was definitely the best day of my life.”
what you’re going through, there’s light at the
end of the tunnel.” But the years he spent in prison not playing
football were a detriment to his dream. Brian
Later that night, Freddie Parish IV and his was cut from the team.
best friend, Brian Banks, sat on the back patio
of his parents’ home, on a hillside overlook- Three years later, on June 17, 2015,
ing the city lights of Long Beach, a spectacu- California Governor Jerry Brown authorized
lar view of the harbor, and the twinkling of a payment of $142,200 from the court of
stars above the Pacific Ocean. They reflected claims to compensate Banks for the nearly six
on what had happened. Brian broke down years he spent behind bars.
crying, and this time, it was “tears of joy,”
said Freddie. After Parish’s video came to light, the Long
Beach Unified School District filed a lawsuit
As time passed, the two friends lost touch against Wanetta Gibson on April 12, 2013,
with each other. to recover the $750,000 it had paid out on
the $1.5 million structured settlement. The
“People grow apart,” said Freddie. “I still school district refused to pay the remaining
love him like a brother.” Brian developed balance of $750,000. It was reported that
new, celebrity friends, said Freddie’s father. Gibson went into hiding and dodged efforts
to serve her with papers.

Freddie Parish III
and his wife, Sylvia,
with Brian Banks.
Photo provided by
Freddie Parish.

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 51

When the story broke, Freddie Parish was Freddie Parish with Jay Leno during a taping of the Tonight “There is no expectation of privacy in a pub-
given credit for his work that helped exonerate Show, which featured Brian Banks making a guest appear- lic place, like a restaurant or hotel lobby,” said
his son’s best friend. The NBC affiliate in Los ance. Photo Provided by Freddie Parish. Koehler. No criminal charges were filed against
Angeles led with the headline, “How a Private Parish, and no adverse action was taken against
Investigator Elicited the Confession That hours Parish put into his case, and the money his license.
Helped Exonerate Brian Banks.” The New he spent out-of-pocket. But as Banks walked
York Daily News the next day had the head- out of courthouse, finally exonerated, he told As a rule of thumb, investigators should be
line, “Brian Banks Investigator had One Shot his PI to “Fuck off! You’re just using me.” consulting with attorneys before embarking
at Accuser’s Confession.” Parish and his wife were heartbroken. on investigations, especially one this sensitive.
The right move would have been for Parish to
The media doesn’t always get the story right. Justin Brooks, director of the California offer his services pro bono to the California
In fact, Freddie had two bites at the apple. Innocence Project, explained why Banks may Innocence Project and work as a part of the
have felt that way. legal team, taking his cues from a lawyer.
Brian wrote a book about his story called What Set Me
Free, which became the basis for the movie Brian Banks. “The problem with the new evidence is the “So, you have to remember, the Innocence
way it was obtained,” said Brooks. “California Project that took over his case turned him
The private investigator was flooded with has very strict rules on non-consensual record- down. They wouldn’t even touch his case,” said
phone calls and had more work than he could ings.” Since California law requires two-party Parish. “They wouldn’t talk to him. They said
handle. He picked up a new corporate cli- consent to record conversations, Brooks was if you get something really outstanding, that
ent that paid him $10,000 a week to conduct concerned that the judge would throw out the would blow the doors off, maybe then we can
surveillance on a CEO who was suspected of evidence as being illegally obtained. do something. Then I get the tape, and sud-
impropriety. He followed the CEO into a spa, denly, everybody wants to talk to him.”
a place where men have sex with men, anony- “The investigator had signs posted in his of-
mously. Parish concealed a small camera, at- fice that they were being monitored, but she The case was resolved without an eviden-
taching it below his scrotum, and hid it with a never was told that she was being recorded,” tiary hearing, so there was no court challenge
towel. He captured the CEO harnessed in a sex said Brooks. “So, I was worried that the judge to the methods the PI used to obtain Wanetta
swing, with men lining up to have unprotected wasn’t going to let it in. And, as I predicted, she Gibson’s recantation. Brooks used his charm,
anal sex. As Parish crept up in the darkened recanted her recantation once she found out something his colleagues have seen before, to
room, several men groped him. she would have to pay the school back.” persuade the prosecutor to meet with Brian
Banks, to get his side of the story.
“I was afraid they would touch the camera,” Francie Koehler, past President of
said Parish. The CEO was fired by the board. the California Association of Licensed “That’s the beauty of representing a client
After the man’s wife saw the video, she filed for Investigators (CALI), explains the obligation who is already out of prison,” said Brooks.
divorce. The newspaper reported she received a of a private investigator is to comply with the
settlement of several hundred million dollars. It laws that govern attorneys, as well as private And when the prosecutor and Brooks met
was far less than Parish had made, but on that investigators. together with the alleged “victim,” her story fell
one case, Parish made more money than most apart.
PIs dream of. “That’s the value of joining an association
of private investigators, like CALI, because you “She said she never contacted him on
One would think this story ended well for have training,” said Koehler. The fact that he Facebook,” Brooks recalled. He asked Gibson
Parish. I expected to hear how Brian Banks was had signs posted in his office disclosing that how did she know where to go for the meeting
eternally grateful for the many uncompensated invitees to the business were being monitored if that wasn’t her communicating with Banks
“saved him” from any repercussions, said on Facebook?
Koehler. According to Koehler, only when
there is an expectation of privacy that two- She didn’t have a good answer to that ques-
party consent is required in California. tion. The prosecutor agreed to join the motion
to vacate the conviction, and Banks had his
name cleared.

A few years later, in 2012, the Illinois
Supreme Court declared the state’s eaves-
dropping statute unconstitutional. That case
involved a private citizen, Annabel Melongo,
who spent 20 months locked up in the Cook
County jail for recording phone conversations
without the consent of the other party, which
she hoped to use in court.

The Chicago Tribune reported, “She was
charged under the law—one of the strictest in
the country—that makes audio recording com-
ments made by any person, even in public, il-
legal unless their consent was obtained first.”

The justices pointed out that, in an age of
widespread cell phone use, innocent citizens
were in violation of the law every day when
they record conversations, and cited possible
abuse by prosecutors by charging citizens who
record the misconduct of police officers.

52 magazine | November/December 2019

It’s hard to fault Freddie Parish. When he was offered a position as Branch Manager of Miss Rebels, and was drafted in the first round
asked if she would sign a declaration attesting Paramount Residential Mortgage Company in by the Baltimore Ravens, helping them win the
to what she had told him, Gibson refused. San Pedro, California. 2012 Superbowl.

“She said she did not want to sign anything,” “My family took him in and gave him a home It’s the humanity of the human heart that
said Sylvia Parish, in an affidavit that was filed when no one else would,” said Parish. made the story of The Blind Side so endearing to
in support of Bank’s motion to vacate his con- critics and moviegoers.
viction. The movie Brian Banks, with actor Aldis
Hodge playing the title role, premiered at the Brian Banks begins his autobiography by say-
What if Wanetta Gibson was told up-front Los Angeles Film Festival in September 2018. ing, “I have chosen in writing my book to name
that the interview was being video and audio Parish and his wife and son didn’t attend the only the heroes.” The name Freddie Parish
recorded? What if she refused to cooperate? premiere. The film was released on August 9, never appears in the book. The man who made
If that had happened, there would be no happy 2019, in theaters. The movie had a short run in it possible to clear Brian’s name is generically
ending, no movie, and Brian Banks would still Louisville, where I live, and it was gone before referred to as “the private investigator.”
have the stigma of being a convicted sex of- I could see it.
fender. Despite what happened, Parish remains com-
Freddie Parish said the movie hasn’t become mitted to donating his professional time to
“The most important thing about the movie a blockbuster hit, like The Blind Side, the sports those in prison who are innocent.
for people to realize is that 96 percent of cases drama about an African American teenager,
end in pleas,” said Brooks. “And if the investiga- Michael Oher, who like Brian Banks was taken “I try to take one [pro bono] case a year. I
tion isn’t done, then witnesses are never ques- in by a kind-hearted family after his father was get joy out of helping people,” said Parish.
tioned, that’s the end. So, in most cases, they murdered in prison, and his mother, addicted to He helped to free another innocent man from
end in a plea bargain, and no one will ever know drugs, was unable to care for her son. The Blind prison, who spent over a dozen years, deprived
the real truth of what happened.” Side was nominated for the Academy Award of freedom. He never charged the man a dime.
for Best Picture. Sandra Bullock’s portrayal
Freddie Parish was disappointed in Brian of Leigh Ann Tuohy, the woman who invited “I’m batting a thousand,” said Parish.
Banks, both the movie and the person. There Michael Oher into her home to live as a mem- Freeing the innocent is rarely accomplished
was no one cast in the movie to play the role of ber of her family, won Bullock an Academy by a star player alone. From the investigators,
Freddie Parish, either son or father, who teamed Award for Best Actress. The offensive tackle be- who doggedly pursue new evidence, to the at-
up to clear his name. He and his wife closed the came a USA Today High School All-American, torneys and law students who draft the plead-
doors to Vantage Point Investigations. While his was recruited to play college football for the Ole ings, to the lead counsel who interacts with the
PI license remains active, in August of 2018, he prosecutor and judge, the outcome of a case is
a team effort. They are all heroes.

DATABASES CAN’T FIND IT

Call Today
& Receive

$50

FREE

CREDIT

The Professionals Source No Monthly Fees!
Since 1997 for: No Set-Up Fees!
Accuracy Guaranteed!
• Reverse Cell Number • Statewide/Nationwide
Research Bank Account “You have SCAN TO
NOT Seen LEARN MORE
• Prepaid & Non-Pub • Nationwide Tags/Vins Anything
Listings Like Us!!”
• Email Address
• Cell Number by Name Research

• Active Phones at • Credit Reports
Address
• Plus Much More!!

call 1-800-298-1153 or visit www.PDJservices.com

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 53

TIONAL COUNCNA LegiUslpadtiavtee
TY SERVICES
MEMBER IL
OF INVESTI
GATION & SECURI

BY WES BEARDEN, NCISS INVESTIGATIONS LEGISLATIVE CHAIR

As we near the end of the year,we At the forefront of these legislative issues, in large cities that have passed similar “Ban the
can be sure that next year will was the discussion of a potential nationwide Box” ordinances. Please be aware of where you
privacy act. This much-publicized potential are and whether local law requires additional
be as busy and hectic at home legislation has been the worry and concern of language in your pre-employment check re-
NCISS and many investigators across the na- lease. NCISS is monitoring this situation and
and in D.C. as this one. Hopefully, tion. Although we have yet to see a proposed will provide updates to keep you informed.
bill, we have been advised that members on
NCISS can inform you of newly both sides of the aisle are working feverishly At the state level, NCISS is studying simi-
to craft such legislation. This act could be con- lar issues amongst state associations. Recently,
anticipated changes in Congress and make life a sidered as intrusive as the Fair Credit Reporting NCISS offered a letter of support to the Private
Act or the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act. Investigator Association of Utah (PIAU). Due
bit easier for you. Here are a couple of year-end to the hard work of their legislative team, Utah
In particular, these acts define information col- obtained an exemption for the use of GPS de-
updates and anticipated moves for next year. lectors and brokers widely. It likely includes pri- vices. During our conference call, the group
vate investigators in several bill initial definitions. discussed the Utah bill and new ways to ap-
Last July, NCISS kicked off its legislative Further, these acts place significant requirements proach the ever-regulated state GPS statutes.
conference call. This new initiative is intended on the businesses affected. Some essentially ban
to create a conference call between NCISS and any use of a pretext nationally, such as H.R. 1282, Because of the collaboration, NCISS will begin
each of its member associations regularly is to S. 583, S. 189 & S. 184. Although these will likely studying potential assistance to state associations
discuss legislative issues at both the state and not be the final text, they are concerning. desiring to obtain reciprocity with other states for
federal level. The purpose is to coordinate with investigation license. More and more, our investi-
state associations on upcoming legislation, and You can view the text of these bills at gations are crossing state boundaries. A push to ef-
to create a coalition advancing the interests of https://www.congress.gov/. I would encour- fectuate reciprocity amongst the states would ben-
private investigators. age you to review and provide your feedback. efit all involved. Stay tuned to more on this effort.
NCISS intends to demonstrate the need for an
I am happy to report that we had approxi- exemption that would protect our legitimate NCISS will be hosting its mid-term fall board
mately 35 state associations represented on our use of all sorts of data. meeting in Plymouth, Michigan, alongside the
inaugural conference call. The call lasted approx- Michigan Professional Council of Investigators
imately one hour, and we discussed a number Additionally, we discussed at length the “Ban (MCPI) on September 29–October 1, 2019. We
of legislative items. Included was a detailed syn- the Box” legislation, including S.423, S.387 and are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with
opsis of the bills of concern at the federal level H.R. 1076, which would place further hurdles MCPI in their conference. Even if your business
by NCISS’s lobbyist, Keith Nelson, followed by on required disclosure for those of us con- is not in Michigan, I encourage you to give some
Q&As with state member presidents and com- ducting pre-employment background checks. consideration to education outside of your normal
mittee chairs to Keith. NCISS intends to con- Many of you have experienced this imposition geographic area. NCISS intends to move its con-
tinue state association access to federal legislative ference locations outside of the Washington, D.C.
updates so that information can be pushed to its area more often. Our intent is to bring Washington
members and informed decisions can be made. to you. If you are having a conference and are in-
terested in collaborating, please contact us.
NCISS
Finally, NCISS has recently become aware of
National Council of several media articles that argue for the reform of
Investigation & Security Services Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). As many
of you remember, NCISS was pivotal in securing
Your Voice from the Nation’s Capitol private investigator’s access to records under the
DPPA. Such driving records are critical in conduct-
Each day, NCISS monitors legislation that could have ing private investigations. We have already reached
an adverse effect on your business. out to the media sources to educate them on our
legitimate needs, and are preparing for last-minute
Show your support and NCISS Administrative Offices attempts to amend the DPPA. Please communicate
appreciation; become a 7501 Sparrows Point Boulevard to us any articles that cause concern or that you be-
NCISS member, TODAY! lieve may be of interest. I hope you are having a
www.NCISS.org Baltimore, MD 21219-1927 productive year and hope to see you in Michigan!
tel: 800.445.8408 fax: 410.388.9746

54 magazine | November/December 2019



101

10 TIPS

to Make You a Better
And More Efficient
Accident
Photography
Expert

BY MATTHEW SPAIER

Apicture is worth a thousand The trend towards using a smartphone for 20 minutes before you even take the first photo.
words. This is an age-old ad- photos does have an advantage. I have clients You need to absorb the scene. Think Sherlock
age that really has meaning that insist on it and others who demand SLR Holmes as he reenacts an accident in his head.
in our industry. Gone are cameras for photos. This article explores some Use the time to study the area and spot poten-
the days when you needed techniques for taking useful, constructive and tial video. It is always best to have an accident
to have special training and talent to wield a viable photos for personal injury cases, auto ac- report or incident report with you. Sometimes
35mm camera to capture the shots you want- cidents and negligence accidents. it is also necessary to have the injured party
ed. In the past 10 years or so, there has been there with you. NEVER RUSH!
a trend in the legal community to send “John Tip 1: Always try to arrive at the location
from the mailroom” to take some photos.The around the same time of day and day of the Tip 3: For motor vehicle accidents, follow
focus on the firm is to save a few bucks. This week that the accident happened. This is not this format: plaintiff ’s progression, defen-
is a counterproductive practice and can result always possible, but when possible, it is best dant’s progression, 360-degree view of the
in a loss of a significant opportunity to gain practice. Keep in mind time changes and light- area, witness vantage points (if known), and
leverage on a case. ing issues. video camera locations (if any). Take a short
video of traffic light sequence (if applicable).
Tip 2: Do not show up and “point and shoot.” Do not overshoot. Your client does not need
The best thing you can do is wait about 15 to 100 photos of an accident site. Typically,

56 magazine | November/December 2019

about 35 to 40 photos should be sufficient for a location and determine around when a de- to use for stairway cases or restaurant slip/
for this assignment. fect started. Google images can go back as far trip and fall accidents. Look up and understand
as 2007 in some cities. The newer images have codes and what is acceptable for lumen meters.
Tip 4: For premises cases, follow this format: better resolution. Also, always take an overhead
plaintiff’s progression, 360-degree view of the satellite image for context. Tip 10: Take your time and practice, practice,
area, adjacent building with defect and address practice. Find defects out in the street and prac-
showing, photos of defect with measurements, Tip 6: Let your photos tell a story. The photo tice shooting in your free time. Really understand
exact photo of defect without measurements, progression should always be framed to tell a your equipment and how to use it. Sometimes a
witness vantage point (if known), and video cam- story from the first to last photo. An attorney cellphone camera is the best option for the occa-
era locations (if any). If the defect is moveable, should be able to look at the photos without a sion. Be flexible when you have to.
like a broken step, take a short video. When mea- report and be able to understand the context
suring a defect, make sure you take length, width of the accident. Bonus tip: be time-sensitive. Photo assign-
and depth shots. If a defect is on a step, measure Tip 7: Use Dropbox or Google drive to dis- ments should never sit around in your to-
the full step width, length and rise. Measure the tribute your photos. It’s the fastest and easiest do list, especially if video is potentially in-
full set of steps and the railings for any possible way to transfer a file and keep the image in its volved. Most systems allow 30 days or less
code violations. It is important to take defect rawest format. When you attach a file to an for archiving video. Also, on motor vehicle
shots with and without measurements because email, the file size is reduced by compression. A accident cases, skid marks wash away or fade
there are times when a photo with a ruler may be compressed file does not make a good blow-up over time. Skid marks or pavement scrapes
excluded from evidence. It is important to back for a trial exhibit. Also, get in the habit of not can be very helpful in confirming a fact
up the shot with non-measurement shots. You printing and labeling your photos. The revenue pattern for an accident. Always approach a
should also identify and photograph any man- versus the trade-off in time is not favorable. photo assignment like it is the most impor-
hole, sewer or gas covers, and patchwork that is tant piece of the puzzle in telling the story of
adjacent to your defect. This is helpful when try- Tip 8: Do not modify or enhance any pho- how an accident happened.
ing to determine who may be responsible for it. to other than changing the name in the file
For tree/sidewalk cases, photograph the whole folder initially. Do not give any ammunition Not only is a picture worth a thousand
tree. If there is evidence of pruning, someone has to the other side’s attorney to create the spec- words, but this article lays the foundation for
been inspecting the tree and should have repaired ter of manipulated photos. A photo should taking one in 1,062 words (give or take).
the sidewalk around it. always show what the naked eye would see.
Never use a filter unless it is specifically not- Matthew Spaier is the owner of Satellite Investigations,
Tip 5:Use Google images for historical research ed in your report. a licensed and bonded investigation firm in New York
on defect cases. Learn how to use this tool to re- City. He is the 2nd Vice President of ALDONYS
search old street views. If you can master the art Tip 9: Explore other technology to incorpo- and is a member of SPI, NCISS and NYCAFE.
of surfing the area, you can find multiple dates rate, like light meters. Light meters are great You can reach him with any questions at MatthewS@
Satellitepi.com.

Join our host, Matthew Spaier, PI for this dynamic Podcast weekly as he dives into the perspectives of what
it takes to be a successful Private Investigator. Also, tune in and hear the perspectives of the very best minds
in the investigative community. This Podcast has topics of interest for the novice gumshoe all the way up to
the seasoned professional. You never know who’s perspective will be under the magnifying glass each week.

P.I. Perspectives Podcast

www.pi-perspectives.com or wherever you get your Podcasts

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 57

PERSPECTIVE 7 Tips to
Improve
Surveillance
Results

BY TIM SANTONI, PRES/CEO OF SANTONI INVESTIGATIONS

Over the course of my ca- 3. Obtain a current photograph of your subject. setup at large medical buildings can be very
reer (17+ years), I have Always request one from the client at intake. If difficult with one investigator. It is important
heard my fair share of one is not available, then try to track one down to be aware of the subject’s treatment schedule
complaints from potential on social media. Also, run a driving record via during the surveillance period so that you can
clients indicating that their DMV to get a description of your subject. be prepared for where they might go and un-
current surveillance/investigative partner was derstand the setup at the medical facility prior.
not achieving the desired results within the 4. Conduct searches of DMV to develop in- Also, if you end up conducting a medical tail
budgets provided.The activities and behaviors formation on vehicles owned by the subject so away you always want to make a discreet call to
of people are constantly changing, and that that you have plates to be on the lookout for. the treatment facility the day before to confirm
forces us as investigators to change our ap- If there are no hits, be prepared to run plates the appointment time, type of examination and
proach and evaluate our practices in order to once you get on the target in real time to see location. By doing this, you can avoid going to
achieve optimal results. if you can identify the vehicle your subject is the wrong facility or conducting surveillance
likely to drive. on a day when the appointment has been can-
In order to improve the results of your sur- celed or re-scheduled.
veillance investigations, I strongly recommend 5. If your subject is found to be inactive after
implementing these seven practices. a reasonable amount of time on surveillance, 7. Develop a surveillance plan. Based on the ac-
a discreet canvass needs to be conducted. tivities and habits of your subject and based on
1. Profile the subject before taking to the Contact with neighbors can reveal vital infor- what you are looking to uncover (employment,
streets. Verify the home address provided and mation like confirmation that the subject lives outside activities, household chores, infidelity,
develop a working phone number for the sub- at the address, activity level, work history, and etc.), put together and schedule your surveil-
ject. Many times, the address provided by the times when he or she comes and goes. If the lance to optimize the chances of getting video-
client is from a personnel file for your subject neighbors cannot be contacted and the sub- recorded evidence of these activities. I recom-
that could be pretty old. Sitting on a bad ad- ject is not represented, then discreet contact mend a setup time of 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7
dress is not a good way to start your surveil- at the subject’s residence is also recommended. a.m. on weekends.
lance, and it eats up the budget. Utilize a solid cover story and try to uncover
as much information as you can. The goal is Note: If the subject is in construction, you
2. Conduct searches of relevant social media to always give actionable information back to want to set up much earlier to avoid missing
platforms to develop habits and activities for the client as opposed to saying, “Two days of the subject’s departure. If the subject is known
your subject. If your client is willing to pay for surveillance conducted. No activity. No video.” to work nights, adjust your setup time to late
a pre-surveillance workup that includes social afternoon or early evening.
media, great; but if not, do it on your own time 6. Try a medical tail away or deposition tail
and offer it as a freebie to the client. away. I have found that these should be used as *Bonus Tip: Always ask the client to provide
a last resort when the subject’s current residen- reports for any and all prior surveillance. You
tial address cannot be located. Appointments should also ask if any prior surveillance inves-
change, subjects often are no-shows and the tigators have been burned during previous sur-
veillance efforts.

58 magazine | November/December 2019

PUBLIC RECORDS
UPDATE

BY KIMBERLY SPARGER

Court News sion of all counties is expected to happen in Territories Currently Under Review for an
groups over the new few years with all state, Extension:
KING COUNTY DELAYS ANTICIPATED district and appellate courts using it by the end American Samoa, 10/10/2019
PHASE II LAUNCH of 2021. The counties available on eCourt in- Northern Mariana Islands, 02/28/2020
The King County District Court in Washington clude Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Marion, Morris
announced a delay in its KCDC case manage- and Riley. Access to search and view case infor- According to the Department of Homeland
ment system phase II launch. The launch was mation is free. Security (DHS) web page at https://www.dhs.
scheduled for October 21, 2019, and would gov/real-id, all states that are not yet compli-
have implemented the mandatory e-filing of With a transition as big as this, technical ant have been granted an extension through the
criminal and infraction pleadings, and phase challenges are expected, and there have cer- dates listed above. Although the DHS website
II civil cases, plus enhancements in document tainly been a few with this one. Issues include doesn’t reflect this, Oregon has mentioned in
indexing, calendaring and docketing. The court the courts’ inability to efficiently send neces- their Real ID FAQ that they have requested an
noted that they were encountering many chal- sary information to other state agencies and extension through October 1, 2020. When an
lenges in configuring the new system. A new reports of missing documents. Unfortunately, extension is requested, whether or not its grant-
date has not been announced. for users of the system, they cannot fall back ed is determined by the following, among other
onto the legacy system. The counties that have considerations:
Even though the site hasn’t reached its full transitioned to eCourt are no longer accessible. • Progress made by jurisdiction in implement-
potential, there are still resources available in its The software developer, Odyssey, is aware of
current form. Depending on the user’s depth the many concerns with eCourt and is working ing the minimum standards of the Act.
of due diligence, the site provides searching to mend them. • J ustification for noncompliance and plans for
and viewing capabilities for civil cases, exclud-
ing small claims, civil protection orders, vehicle To learn more about the eCourts case implementing any unmet requirements.
impounds and name changes that will be in- management system, visit http://www.ks- • E xistence of external factors (e.g., resources,
cluded in phase II. courts.org/Kansas-Courts/District-Courts/
DCRecordSearch.asp. contract cycles, operations issues) that would
A FEE INCREASE THAT ACTUALLY delay full implementation.
BENEFITS USERS Motor Vehicle Note that extensions are renewable at the dis-
Following much conversation on the cost of News cretion of the Secretary provided there is ade-
the Judicial Record System PACER, an increase quate justification for continued noncompliance.
in the quarterly usage fee waiver has been ap- UPDATE ON STATES’ COMPLIANCE Renewal is not automatic, and the state must pro-
proved. Currently, users of the system who ac- WITH REAL ID ACT vide DHS with information about their progress
crue $15.00 or less in fees per quarter are eli- There are some states and U.S. territories that in implementing any outstanding standards.
gible to have their bill waived. Effective January have yet to become Real ID compliant. With For now, this means that federal agencies will
1, 2020, the waiver threshold will be $30.00. deadlines fast approaching, the following states continue to accept driver’s license and identi-
Reportedly, this will result in more than 75% of and U.S. territories must become compliant or fication cards issued by these states in accor-
the system’s users having completely free access have an extension approved. dance with each agency’s policies for access to
in any given quarter. federal facilities and nuclear power plants. Note
States with Extensions: that beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler
KANSAS GOES LIVE ON ECOURT New Jersey, 10/10/2019 must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s li-
Six counties went live on Kansas’s new case Oklahoma, 10/10/2019 cense (or other approved form of ID), to fly
management system, eCourt. The system will Oregon, 10/10/2019 within the U.S.
become the state’s centralized case manage- For further information and details, visit the
ment system and public portal. Full conver- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) web
page at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 59

CONFERENCE CORNER

Bill Everman awarding the gavel to PALI’s PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION Chris Finley was named the “James Carino Professional In-
first female president, Eileen Law. vestigator of the Year” with PALI President, Eileen Law, who
OF LICENSED INVESTIGATORS received the award last year.

2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 5 – September 6, 2019

On September 5, 2019 and September 6, 2019
PALI held their annual conference at the lovely
Hershey Lodge Resort in Hershey, PA. In atten-
dance was a tremendous line-up of knowledgeable
speakers covering a range of topics. The two-day
consisted of a great turnout of attendees consist-
ing of a terrific group of colleagues in an effort to
learn, network, and have a little fun. Exhibitors
in the PI Profession were also well represented.
The conference committee consisted of Eileen
Law, Chairman, Marc Bourne, Co-Chair, Kathleen
Smith and Bill Everman. PALI is already looking
forward to next year’s annual conference in 2020
to be held in Hershey, PA.

ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED PRIVATE Larry Rives, Secretary of AALPI at the conference
registration table.
INVESTIGATORS/ARIZONA PROCESS SERVERS

ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 7 – September 8, 2019

On September 7, 2019 and September 8, 2019, the Arizona
Association of Licensed Private Investigators (AALPI) and the
Arizona Process Servers Association (APSA) held their annual
meeting at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel Wrigleyville West in Arizona.
As always, some of the most well-respected speakers in the pro-
fession shared their knowledge with an impressive turnout of
Professional Investigators and Process Servers. Providing contin-
ued education, combined with the opportunity to network with our
colleagues in this profession is what makes the conference a contin-
ued success. Several exhibitors in the PI and Process Server profes-
sion were well represented. Patty Chlebanowski, the current secretary of APSA has decided to retire
after over 30 years of service to the association. She will be sadly missed her although we wish her
the best in her future. Thank you, Patty, for all your years of service to our organization. God Bless.
The Arizona Process Servers Association is an organization of Professional Process Servers who
strive to maintain the integrity of the Private Process Industry. arizonaprocessservers.org

2019 PROFESSIONAL PISA Members pictured in the photo from left to right: Robert Blansfield, Nicole Gray, Matthew
Henderson, John Kochensparger, Philip Brunson III and Philip Hecker.
INVESTIGATORS AND

SECURITY SYMPOSIUM

September 25 – September 27, 2019

The Professional Investigators and
Security Association (PISA) hosted its
annual Symposium in conjunction with
the Virginia Crime Clinic September 25
– 27th in beautiful Virginia Beach.  This
conference focused on the continued
private public partnership between law
enforcement and private security. 

60 magazine | November/December 2019

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE Tim Braatz presenting Appreciation
Award Winner, Member Bill Gordon.
INVESTIGATORS & PROTECTIVE AGENTS 2019

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE

September 25 – September 26, 2019

The 2019 MAPI Fall Conference was held at the Black Bear Hotel and Casino
in Northern MN. We had over 50 attendees from both MN & WI and four
Vendors. The excellent Training Courses included CPR/First Aid Training,
Computer Security and Internet Threats, Chiropractor Insurance Fraud,
Forensic Accounting, Security and Executive Protection Updates, Behavioral
Intelligence, Drunk Driving Defense Investigations, and MN PI/PA Board
Updates. Many thanks to PI Magazine, and our other Sponsors and Vendors
for again making our Annual Conference a success. More info. on the MAPI
Fall Conference in September 2020 will be posted at www.mapi.org.

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL 2019 Award recipients, Tom Wil-
liams, Steve Crane (Center) and
INVESTIGATORS 2019 ANNUAL EDUCATION Jerry Hardesty, President MCPI”

AND JOINT CONFERENCE WITH NCISS NCISS Board Members

September 29 – October 1, 2019

The MCPI 2019 Annual Education Conference was held at the beautiful event
venue The Inn at St. John in Plymouth Michigan. We had a large group of MCPI
members plus several members of the NCISS association for the joint confer-
ence held over three days. The blending of the two groups created a synergy not
experienced before. The powerhouse line-up of speakers included Paul A. Jaeb
National Speaker, Licensed Investigator and Consultant, presented “Supercharge
your Agency by Eliminating the 3 Most Common Mistakes. Kitty Hailey an Award-
Winning Author, National Speaker and Licensed Investigator. Kitty presented
“Standard & Ethics for the Investigative Profession”. Joe Koenig, CFE, Award-
Winning Author, National Speaker, Forensic Linguist and Licensed Investigator,
presented “Investigation Process and Techniques for Getting to the Truth”. Edward
J. Ajaeb, National Speakers, Open Source Intelligence Specialist and Licensed
Investigator, presented “Online and Social Media Investigations: Go Beyond the
Big Sites”. There was lots of valuable information shared with interactive elements.
MCPI Awards were presented. MCPI Investigative Excellence Award to Steve
Crane; MCPI Professionalism Award to Tom Williams. A good time was had by
all attendees. We thank our vendors, our advertisers, our venue captains and over 75
attendees for helping to create a memorable conference. https://mcpihome.com/

WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL WALI Conference
in session.
INVESTIGATORS 2019 FALL CONFERENCE

October 5, 2019

This year’s WALI Fall Conference in Seattle was another great success, following
on the heels of our Spring Conference in Yakima. This year’s presenters included
experts from the fields of motor vehicle collision investigation and reconstruction,
forensic document examination, private investigators role helping the wrongly con-
victed, DNA investigations and the WA State Crime Lab, conducting investigations
on Tribal lands, and effect timely marketing and developing your P.I. business. Next
year we are “Bringing The Association To The Members” by holding quarterly
WALI sponsored functions in different quadrants of the state in order to meet
with, and involve, even more of our members statewide. As always, we offer our
discounted conference membership rate to all licensed P.I.’s from all states, and to all
“In-House” investigators and paralegals in the legal community.
See you there……

Submit your conference and seminar dates to [email protected]
Having a conference or seminar? Have PI MAGAZINE & PI GEAR as a vendor.

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 61

ASSOCIATION PROFILE

ALABAMA PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION – APIA
The Alabama Private Investigators Association (APIA) was established

in 2013. Several other groups preceded APIA, dating back to 1991, with

the main goal of establishing State Licensing for Private Investigators and

promoting professionalism through education & training. The goal of es-

tablishing licensing was accomplished in 2014 with the passage of Chapter

25B – Alabama Private Investigation Regulatory Act. Our other mission,

the promotion of professionalism through Education and Training has

flourished as we approach the APIA 6th Annual Educational Conference.

We also provide continuing education at quarterly meetings. The annual

conference awards 10 to 12 CEUs over a 2-day period, while each quarterly

meeting provides 2 CEUs. We draw from Academia, Law Enforcement,

Criminal and Civil Defense Attorneys and others to staff our education-

al curriculum. Our membership is very diverse and includes Insurance

Investigation, Criminal Defense, Forensics, Fugitive Recovery, Service of Jonnie Munn - President of APIA

Process, Domestic Case Investigations, and many more.

The Education and Training never stops, and the legislative input continues as we try to improve Chapter 25B by

including Minimum Standards, Apprenticeship Licensing, Agency Licensing and Mandatory Insurance coverage. While the Alabama Regulatory Board

mission statement is “to regulate and license the practice of private investigation for the purpose of public protection” the APIA believes the surest way to do that is to upgrade

Chapter 25B to mandate “Minimum Standards, Apprenticeship Licensing, Agency Licensing, and Mandatory Insurance coverage”.

Please visit our website apianow.org to learn more about our organization and activities.

WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL INVESTIGATORS – WALI

Neil Harrison – President of WALI

WALI’s mission remains simple and firm;
• T o advance the integrity of the profession of private investigators and se-

curity professionals.
• T o provide continuing education and professional training to all licensed

investigators.
• T o advocate the needs and interests of our profession before legislative,

administrative, and judicial branches of government.
• T o honor our commitment to our colleagues and clients through confer-

ences, publications, and advocacy on behalf of our profession.
• To serve and protect our clients’ and the general public interest, by provid-

ing and regulating a professional code of ethics, conduct and standards.

The Washington Association of Legal Investigators is a non-profit organization formed in May of 1997 by a group of Washington State Investigators.
The main goal and purpose of the association is to provide a professional and educational forum for investigators throughout the State, that improves
the skills and abilities of those in the industry. Our members include private investigators throughout the state, investigators from other states and
provinces, and associate members from other related industries and professions.

 The association also provides an opportunity for networking and a news source for information related to investigations as well as performing other
functions related to promoting the professionalism of the industry.  WALI also meets regularly with government and legislative bodies to further the
interests and professionalism on behalf of our members.  Please check our calendar for more details.

If you’d like to become a member or for more information regarding the association please visit our website at www.wali.org and email us or call
any of the board members or officers of the association and they will be happy to answer any questions.

62 magazine | November/December 2019

SEMINARS
CONFERENCES

NOVEMBER 2019 JANUARY MARCH 2020

7-9: NCAPI Fall Conference 23-24 NALI 2020 MidWinter Conference 37 Annual Intellenet Conference
The Great Wolf Lodge in Sunny Florida March 30 – April 2, 2020
Concord, NC Details coming soon Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino
https://www.ncapi.com/2019-ncapi-fall- https://nalionline.org/events/2020-midwinter- Las Vegas, NV
conference-registration conference/

8 GAPPI 2019 Fall Training/Conference FEBRUARY 2020 Submit your conference
Chattahoochee Technical North Metro and seminar
Campus 5-7 FAPI 2020 Annual Litigation and dates to
Acworth, GA Investigators Conference
https://www.gappi.org/ Hilton Altamonte Springs/Orlando [email protected]
Altamonte Springs, FL
12-14: Southern California Fraud https://myfapi.wildapricot.org/ Remember to invite
Investigators’ Association Conference PI Gear and PI Magazine
Riviera Resort 27-28 KALI Professional Investigators
Palm Springs, CA Mid-American Regional Conference as a vendor to your
https://scfia.org/conference/ Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa conference.
Riverside, MO 64150
13-14: The 2019 Earl D. Gould https://www.k-a-l-i.org/conference/
Memorial ACBI Conference
The William F. Bolger Center
Potomac, MD
https://www.acbi.net/calendar.cfm

If your association is planning a conference or
training seminar, contact PI Magazine and PI Gear
for vendor opportunities. We offer an attractive
advertising and sponsorship package designed to
actively promote your conference Through free
advertising in PI Magazine and our web-page, and
inclusion as a sponsor on our email distribution
list, we'll get the word out! After the conference,
we'll publish a conference report to make readers
aware of your conferences success and highlights.
Our vendor tables and displays are first class and

will add a professional, well organized vendor
appeal to your vendor area making breaks and
down-time enjoyable, well-received and informa-

tive to conference attendees.

Contact Nicole at
[email protected]
or call the office at 856-566-0400

for more information.

November/December 2019 | www.pimagazine.com 63

LICENSED PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS NEEDED !

PLEASE CONTACT:

LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS P. RILEY, P.C.

First Library Square, 1114 Fremont Avenue
South Pasadena, CA 91030-3227

Phone: (800) 590-5511 Fax: (866) 242-8905[email protected]

WWW.TPRLAW.NET

When your clients suspect
they’re being

Watched, Listened To, or Followed?

RRececieeviveeUUpp TToo 2200%%
CoCmommmisisisoionnoonnYYoour RReeffeerrrraal l!

Home Sweeps Business Sweeps Vehicle Sweeps Telephone Sweeps

• Apartments • Offices • Live GPS Trackers • Landlines
• Condos • Conference Rooms • Passive Trackers • Voice Over IP
• Hotel Rooms • Cubicles • Audio Recorders • Digital
• Dorm Rooms • Executive Offices • Video Recorders • Cell Phones

Audio Sweeps Video Sweeps Wiretap Sweeps GPS Sweeps

We’ll electronically We’ll find hidden We’ll check all your We’ll search your
sweep for audio bugs video cameras and phone instruments vehicle for “live” or
recorders, wired or “passive” GPS Trackers
and hidden audio wireless, on or off no and telephone battery powered or
recording devices that matter how small lines for wiretaps and
hardwired.
are either on or off. recording devices

USAbugsweeps.comT S C M “ D E B U G G I N G ” S E RV I C E S
“Assuring your client’s privacy and peace of mind” SM

Providing TSCM “Debugging” Services
Throughout the USA & Abroad!

1-888-808-4802 • www.USAbugsweeps.com

Resources For information on
advertising in our PI
Resources section, please
call us at 856.566.0400.

www. AALPI.com Looking for a
Private Investigator

in Arizona?

Check here First:

Arizona Association
of Licensed

Private Investigators

Since 1974

PRIVATE Austin 6401 Bingle Road
Brownsville Ste. 203
Investigaton Corpus Christi Houston, Texas 77092
Dallas
Services in S.A. de C.V. El Paso (713) 807-8811 (Office)
Ft. Worth (888) 708-2321 (Toll Free)
Houston (713) 807-8311 (Fax)
Lubbock
Iguala#12Bis McAllen Texas State
Col.Roma.Sur San Antonio License #C06262901

[email protected] 06760 Bill Pellerin, CEO [email protected]
Mexico City, MX www.texasinvestigators.com
+52(55)5660-1323 TCI, PCI, CII

SERVING
MASSACHUSETTS &

RHODE ISLAND

A Network of
Investigators Nationwide

“We Focus on the Real Picture”

 Civil, Criminal & Corporate Investigation

 Asset, Financial, Background, Due Diligence Investigations

 Personal Injury & Pre-Trial Support

 Insurance Investigations - Surveillance Experts

 Domestic & Family Matters - Locates & Missing Persons

 Social Media & Internet Investigation & Digital Forensics Board Certified Legal
& Criminal Defense
1-800-435-8084 & 508-835-2211 Investigator on Staff

[email protected] www.PrivateInvestigator.com

Licensed, Insured & Bonded

DAVID J. COHEN AMIS
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Alliance Marketing
TOP NOTCH & Insurance Services
INVESTIGATIONS
LICENSED AND BONDED - NY For Private Investigators
LICENSED - Maryland
Specializing in Civil Commercial General Liability
and Criminal Investigations Errors and Omissions
Cell Phone: 917-301-0430 Assault & Battery

www.djcinvestigativegroup.com 800-843-8550

www.amisinsurance.com

66 magazine | November/December 2019

WW.AA..DD. DETECTIVE TRAINING HAM INVESTIGATIONS PI
INSTITUTE ASSOCIATIONS
SoesofAecAcfuIuGinrGrnivltivlotyeoeybssbPttaAPirilglGroAAaoAftetfloollesilsrrsasissAiinoonAacnncnneAaeddllss INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
• Professional Career Build your network
• Professional Salary • Criminal Defense
• Independence and prestige • DUI Consulting Visit www.pimagazine.com/
EARN YOUR CREDENTIALS • TSCM Bug Sweeps links/pi-associations-usa
THROUGH THE MOST REPUTABLE • Accident Investigations to learn more about the
HOME STUDY COURSE • Background Checks associations near you.
• Surveillance
AVAILABLE! • Infidelity
DETECTIVE TRAINING • Insurance

INSTITUTE We Cover the ENTIRE
State of Tennessee
www.DetectiveTraining.com
Nationally Recognized CALL TOLL FREE

888.386.6482

wwAswa m.ewmbaerdof.tnheet civil-criminal-medico legal “Find Process
WorBldeAcsosomcieatiaon of Servers
DeMteectmivebse, ryoTuohdaavey!the www.alaskainvestigations.com
7o5rf0e1thsSoepuoarclrdereosswat snindPteoprinrneatsttiBoiglnevadl. Andy Klamser • (907) 299-1989 Anywhere”
BaltimInoveres,tiMgaDtio2n1a21n9d USA
NALI - NCISS - NACDL - WAD - www.Serve-Now.com
Security Association in INTELLENET
Toll Free
00th1e-w4o4rl3d,-9es8ta2b-li4sh5e8d 6 (877) 737-8366
wad@in 1w92a5d. .net

• Promote and Maintain the

Highest Ethical Practices in the

•FFoorsteirnafnPodrroPfmeerspsaeiottuniaotena oSpniritadvertising in our PI Resources section, please call us at 856.566.0400.

of Cooperation

• Annual Conference

SHINKOWSKY• Educational Seminars Mara McLaughlin, CFE, CAMS, CCIE

• World-wide Contacts
wIwNVwES.TwIGAATdIO.nNSet President
NYS Licensed Private Investigator Your
Become a Member Today! Resource
Mayberry Investigations Ad HERE!
Harrisburg, PA
7501ESxpparerorwiesnPcoeindt Blvd 1019 Ft. Salonga Road, Suite 10 t: 631-731-1164 Call: 856.566.0400
BaltimPororef,eMsDsio21n2a1l9sUSA Northport, NY 11768 www.PImagazine.com
0w0ww1wa(-8.4hd0a40@r)3r2is-w7b96ua8-r0d2g2p.-0n4i2.ce5ot8m6
mayberryinvestigations.com
[email protected]

BUSINESS LENDING SPECIALISTS APPS FOR

“When Banks Say NO, We Say “YES” INVESTIGATORSTM

Randy Ontiveros appsforinvestigators.com
510.290.7000
NNovoevmembebre/rD/Deceecmembebrer20210919| |wwwwww.p.pimimaagagzaizninee.c.ocomm 6677
[email protected]
3121 Sheldon Drive • Richmond, CA 94803

BE SEEN... GET HIRED! Subscribe to PI C
Your ad in PI Magazine will be seen by colleagues, Magazine Today! M
insurance companies, SIU departments, attorneys, and scores of Y
potential clients with ads starting as low as $37.50 per month. Easy CM
MY
Call for Details: 856-566-0400 4 Ways: CY
www.PImagazine.com CMY
1. MAIL form below to: K
ADVERTISER INDEX
542 Cross Keys Road, Unit #3-228
AMIS............................................................................................................... p. 41 Sicklerville, NJ 08081
Black Horse Investigations.................................................................. p. 30-31 USA
Black Swan.................................................................................................... p. 35
Delvepoint.................................................................................................... p. 21 2. FAX
Digital Forensics Corporation........................................Inside front Cover
eChatter........................................................................................................ p. 20 form to 609-534-4556
El Dorado Insurance.................................................................................. p. 44
idi Core............................................................................................................p. 3 3. ONLINE
JT Palmer....................................................................................................... p. 20
Learning Shop USA..................................................................................... p. 26 www.PImagazine.com
McAfee Institute ................................................................ Inside Back Cover
NAPPS........................................................................................................... p. 50 4. PHONE
NCISS...................................................................................................... p. 54-55
Paraben Corporation................................................................................. p. 16 Call us at 856-566-0400
PDJ Services................................................................................................. p. 53
PI Bookstore.com....................................................................................... p. 33 Please tell us
PI Gear.com.................................................................................................. p. 25 something about yourself
PI Perspectives ............................................................................................ p. 57
PI Protect...................................................................................................... p. 29 .com  Licensed PI
PI Resources........................................................................................... p. 66-67  Legal Investigator
PI’s Declassified Radio Show.................................................................... p. 37  1yr. Digital Only  Law Enforcement
PI Seminars & Conferences...................................................................... p. 63 Subscription, $24.00  Security Director
Preemployment Directory.com............................................................... p. 43  1yr. Subscription, $39.00*  Student
Savoy & Associates...................................................................................... p. 23  2yr. Subscription, $65.00*  Future PI
Serve Now.com........................................................................................... p. 34  Government
SIIS Insurance............................................................................................... p. 51  Insurance
Skopenow..................................................................................................... p. 27  Education
Tomoko Discovery..................................................................................... p. 39  Other
The PI Coach.com...................................................................................... p. 47 _________________
Thomas Riley Law Offices......................................................................... p. 64
Tracers.............................................................................. Outside Back Cover * Includes Print and Digital Versions (USA Only)
Trans Union.....................................................................................................p. 1
Triple R Investigations................................................................................ p. 20 Subscription Information: (Please Print Clearly)
USA Bugsweeps .......................................................................................... p. 65 Name______________________________________
Worldwide Person & Info Locators........................................................ p. 17 Company___________________________________
Address____________________________________
68 magazine | November/December 2019 City___________________State___ZipCode_______
Telephone__________________________________
Email______________________________________

Payment Method:
 Bill Me
 My Check is enclosed (Payable to PI Magazine)
 Charge my  Visa  MC  Amex  Discover
CardNumber_________________________________
Name on Card________________________________
Exp. Date______/_______ Security Code*: ________
(*Last 3 digits of code printed on signature strip on Visa and MC)

Signature___________________________________

We can help CALL US TODAY
take your
career, expertise, 888 263 1650
& credibility to the
next level.