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

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