Description
Book SynopsisGet federal investigative insight and guidance on conducting thorough investigations and case-building The ability to conduct thorough and effective investigations is a skill that has become increasingly in-demand across many industries. At the same time, investigative resources are dwindling as markets recede. Regulation and financial hurdles impede traditional investigation processes. Even seasoned professionals are finding themselves overtasked or lacking the experience to pursue the types of cases that are accumulating.
In Investigator and Fraud Fighter Guidebook: Operation War Stories, author Charles E. Piper, CFE provides insight and guidance on how to conduct thorough and complete investigations while juggling a caseload. Piper served over 30 years in law enforcement-including 20 as an award-winning Federal Special Agent-Criminal Investigator. His wide array of experience allows him to lend a high-level perspective to the art and science of professional
Table of Contents
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xix
1. The Successful Investigator 1
The Basics 3
Investigators 3
If You Have the PIG, You Have It Made 4
Investigation 9
Success 10
2. Case Initiation 15
Jurisdiction, Venue, and Purview 17
Believable, Reliable, or Credible Source of Information 24
Dollar Loss 25
Seriousness/Harm 26
Caseload 27
Resources 28
Funding/Finances 30
Investigators’ Desire 32
Investigative Priorities 32
Projected Remedy 35
Prosecutor’s Prerogative 36
Media or Public Interest 38
Political Interests 44
3. Conducting Thorough Investigations 49
Questions to Answer 53
Seven Questions: Five Ws and Two Hs 54
Before, During, and After 54
4. Expanding Investigative Efforts 69
Comparisons 71
NCIC 73
INTERPOL 74
Resources 74
Seven Questions: Five Ws and Two Hs Plus “Else” 76
Currently, Previously, or in the Future 77
Thinking Like Others 79
Three Investigative Exploration Approaches 82
Follow the Same Blueprint 84
5. Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Systemic Weaknesses 87
Fraud 88
Waste 88
Abuse 89
Systemic Weaknesses 89
Ten Simultanous Investigations 90
Suggestions for Improvement 104
6. Summary Reports 111
Types of Investigative Reports 112
Official Files and Working Files 113
Other Reports 114
Preparing to Write 115
Length of Reports 119
Attachments and Exhibits to Reports 119
Reports Should Stand Alone 121
Report Formats 121
Common Report-Writing Mistakes 123
7. The Investigator’s Toolbox: Resources, Tools, and Techniques 131
Investigative Resources 132
Investigative Tools and Techniques 146
Search Warrants 156
Subpoenas 157
Interceptions and Tracking Devices 159
NCIC 159
Mail Covers 160
Trash Covers 160
Undercover Assignments 161
Photography and Video, and Audio Recordings 164
Laboratory Analysis 167
Informants 169
Polygraphs and Deception Detectors 170
Analysis and Audits 170
Other Case Files and Police Reports 170
Ask 173
8. Interviewing 177
Interviews and Interrogation 178
Rapport 179
Listen and Then Talk 181
Note Taking 182
Corroboration 184
Word Choice 185
Planning 186
Body Language 188
Props 189
Finish the Job 193
Empathy 194
Statement Analysis 194
Think Plural 199
Interview Notes 200
Interview Room Sketches and Photographs 200
9. Case Planning 205
Plans Change 211
Murphy’s Law 213
Private Investigations 214
Administrative Responsibilities 215
Case Files 216
Electronic Case Folder 216
Working File 217
Official File 217
Investigative Plan 218
Summary 220
Juggling a Caseload and Time Management 221
10. Large-Scale Investigations 227
Communication 231
Planning 233
Interview Log 233
Re: Strategy 238
Final Summary Report 241
Attachments and Exhibits 241
Postdraft Report 243
Report Distribution 243
Investigative Notes and Evidence 243
11. Making Presentations 245
Graphics, Charts, Visual Aids, Photos, and Videos 249
Investigator’s Appearance and Voice 250
A Copy for the Prosecutor 251
Presentations to Supervisors 253
Indictments, Convictions, and Dollar Recoveries 256
12. Providing Testimony 263
Dealing with Opposing Counsel 265
Visual Aids in Court 269
Make Sure You Understand the Question 271
13. Closing the Case 275
Old Case Files 276
Evidence 277
Recommendations for Improvement 277
Suspensions, Debarment, and Improvement Plans 281
14. Personal and Professional Growth 283
Training 284
Networking 285
Physical Fitness 287
Morale 288
Insurance and Representation 290
Preparing for the Future 291
Teddy Roosevelt 292
Conclusion 293
Appendix
Samples of Case Presentation Visual Aids 297
About the Author 305
Index 309
