Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations: Private Investigator Entry Level (02E)

by Philip A. Becnel IV

Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations provides the essential tools you need to become a successful private investigator. From conducting straightforward background investigations to more complicated cases involving accidents and fraud, you will learn the critical skills needed to conduct all types of investigations and build a thriving business. Specifically tailored to meet the requirements established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, this easy-to-use resource offers an excellent balance between theory and practice, and is the definitive guide for private investigation instruction. 

Learn About Eight Types of Investigations: 

• Accident investigations 
• Background investigations 
• Criminal investigations 
• Domestic investigations
• Fraud and financial investigations
• Insurance investigations
• Missing persons investigations
• Undercover investigations 

Inside This Textbook You Will Learn: 

• How to apply the scientific method to the investigation process 
• How to conduct research, interviews, and surveillance 
• How to manage the products of an investigation 
• The ethics of being a private investigator 
• The law of public and private investigations

Philip Becnel is the Managing Partner of Dinolt Becnel & Wells Investigative Group LLC, a private investigative firm based in Washington, D.C. He is the author of the books "Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations" and "Principles of Investigative Documentation". He has published several articles in investigative, legal, and popular publications including Time Magazine, Westlaw Journal Employment, and The Corporate Counselor. Philip has served as President of the Private Investigators Association of Virginia, and has taught undergraduate courses in criminal procedure, white collar crime, and criminal investigation. He lectures on a wide variety of investigative topics to the legal community and is frequently interviewed by CNN, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and The Baltimore Sun for his expertise and unique perspective. Philip earned his B.A. in Anthropology from George Mason University and his Master's in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He is a licensed private investigator in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Philip lives in Washington D.C. and has two children, Philip and Ava.