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

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.

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.