2021 Investigators Conference
Kerrville, Texas - June 24-27, 2021
2021-06-24 07:00:00
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GAIN CRITICAL INVESTIGATIVE,
SECURITY SKILLS
& NETWORK
WITH WORLD-CLASS COLLEAGUES

TOP
CREATIVE
MINDS IN
ONE PLACE

SPEAKERS

DO NOT MISS
YOUR
CHANCE,
REGISTER NOW

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CONFERENCE GOALS

“Investigation” is no longer a job, it is a skilled profession. FOI’s June 2021 Conference participants will gain access to valuable resources that will expand their investigative, security and professional skills. Opportunities will be provided for networking with peers and potential business associates. Instructors and vendors will provide access to the latest services, tools, and technologies to advance attendees’ careers. 2020 was a unique and tough year and in 2021 it is time to “Get Back to Business!”.

ACCREDITATIONS

Seminar attendees have the opportunity to acquire up to twenty-five (25) nationally-recognized CEUs and 25 Texas CEs (DPS School Lic. Y00235), and recertification hours approved by a number of States’ licensing authorities. All attendees will be provided with documentation and a conference completion Certificate. This Seminar will also provide 18 hours toward the completion of the Board Certified Investigative Professional (BCIP) charter class.

RECOMMENDED ATTENDEES

At this amazing event you will join and network with private investigators, law enforcement officers, attorneys, forensic specialists and and other persons allied to the investigative, security and law enforcement professions. Attendees will have hands-on exposure to critical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and cutting-edge tactics, techniques, sources, products and services. Our goal is to enhance your professional standing and skills.

Number of participants is limited!

This event will sell-out early! Don't miss out on the largest conference of the year!

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Speakers

Our World Class Speakers

Brandon Perron
Gilad Katz
Ken Lewis
Kelly Riddle
Alex Price
Ed Caffrey
Rodrick Benton
Gayle Rosnick
Tyleen_Caffrey
Dr Patrick Juola
Richard Whitehead
Al Ortiz
Scott Williamson
Fernando Fernandez
Richard J. Marquez
Brett Mikkelson
Peter Collins
Edmond J. (Ed) Martin
Jarrod_Resendez_name_1
Brian K. Ingram
Steven Rambam
Schedule

June 2021 SEMINAR AGENDAThat's not all, more details on the schedule page

PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING - FULL-DAY (7.0 CPE hours)
THURSDAY, 24 JUNE 2021
Full Day
"Certified Criminal Defense Investigator Course"

UNCOVERING REASONABLE DOUBT
The Component Method

Fast-Track Seminar

Instructor: Brandon A. Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER
National Training Director
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council

This is a special Investigators’ Conference – only accelerated 1-day version of the nationally acclaimed 2-day Certification Program. This dynamic and fast track training will detail a comprehensive approach to Criminal Defense Investigation and Case Management and best practices, as utilized by Public Defender Investigators and Private Investigators across the nation.

There is no ideology attached to this training. The Component Method is an action plan to facilitate a comprehensive approach to the investigative process and to determine the true facts of any criminal event.

Recognized as a standard of excellence, Component Method training will be presented by CDITC National Director Brandon A. Perron, CCDI, CFI-FTER and will include the following components:

  • Philosophy and Methodology of Investigation
  • Agents of Counsel – Attorney-Client Privilege & Work-Product Doctrine
  • Criminal Rules of Procedure – Legal Defenses and Defense Theories

The Six Components of Investigative Procedure

  • Forensic Case Review & Analysis – Lead Generation, Development & Tracking
  • The Defendant Interview
  • The Crime Scene Examination
  • Impeachment and Background Investigations
  • Witness Interviewing & Statements
  • Documentation, Report Writing & Testifying

Attendees can expect to receive and become familiar with specialized training in criminal investigation and to engage the philosophy and methodology of Criminal Defense Investigation as a specific investigative discipline.

NOTES: Credentialing requires subsequent self-study and an open book test. All graduates will be nationally recognized as Certified in the Component Method of Criminal Defense Investigation.
Those participants who meet additional requirements are eligible to apply for the Expert designation of Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI). Award of the CCDI designation will require an application process confirming experience and references and related fees.

8:00am — 9:00am
REGISTRATION OPEN for Pre-Conference Seminar and Conference
9:00am — 12:00pm
Morning Session
12:00am — 1:00pm
Lunch - Hotel Restaurant

(Lunch tickets provided to all registered attendees)

1:00pm — 5:00pm
Afternoon Session
Main Conference - Day One
Friday, June 25, 2021
08:00am
Registration Reopens

9:00am — 10:00am
Forensic Accounting and Investigation 'Then and Now'

“Old-school Gumshoe Investigation and modern Computer-Aided Investigation”
Attendees of this seminar can be expected to gain a greater understanding of how a combination of Investigative and Forensic Accounting techniques can benefit civil cases, sophisticated financial frauds and even Cold Cases. Tactics and techniques will be demonstrated using a case study of the disappearance of Madalyn Murray O’Hair.

Instructor: Edmond J. (Ed) Martin, CFE

10:00am — 11:00am
"Credentialing for Investigative and Security Professionals"

Presenter: Ms. Gayle Rosnick, International Certification Director ASIS International

As Investigation and Security, both public and private, complete their final transitions from “jobs” to professions, it becomes increasingly important to have objective metrics to confirm an investigative or security professional’s experience and competence. One of the best ways to do so is with professional credentialing and independent verification of skills, excellence and commitment to ethical conduct.

Ms. Gayle Rosnick, Director of Certification for ASIS International, a worldwide association of 34,000 investigative and security professionals, will discuss ASIS International’s professional credentialing program and, especially, the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) credential.

Ms. Rosnick’s presentation and Q&A will be interactive and virtual. Questions will be taken from all in-person attendees by the moderator and answered by Ms. Rosnick. This presentation will also be available for live viewing online.

[The Fraternal Order of Investigators is strictly non-competitive and supports all associations of investigative and security professionals that meet accepted ethical, professional and operational standards. FOI strongly supports credentialing and ongoing professional education for all members. FOI has selected ASIS International’s “PCI” credential as a recommended certification.]

11:00am — NOON
“Skiptracing Fundamentals and Essentials”

Instructor: Alex “SkipGuru” Price

This fast-paced introduction to “skip-tracing” will provide an overview of how to locate “skips” using modern tools, effective communication skills, and methodologies of breaking down the types of skips into categories. As Mr. Price demonstrates his techniques, you will see that categorizing “skips” is critical to the success and speed of tracking a “skip” to his or her current location.

Attendees of this presentation can be expected to attain an expanded understanding of:

  • Skip-Tracing Methodologies
  • Fundamentals of Skip-Tracing Tactics
  • How to Communicate Properly
  • What is Essential Information and Where to Find It
  • Compiled vs. Real-Time Data
NOON — 1:00pm
LUNCH and SPEAKER

“The Fight Against Terror and Extremism…The Good Guys Are Winning”
Presenter: Mr. Gilad Katz
Consul General of Israel to the Southwest

The State of Israel, “a small country in a tough neighborhood”, has from necessity become a world leader in investigations, security, law enforcement and counter-terror activities of all kinds. With cutting-edge intel, tactics and technology, Israel helps make the world a safer place.

The Fraternal Order of Investigators is now finalizing a Friendship and Training Trip to Israel for August 2022, worldwide health issues permitting. Trip participants will view Israel’s revolutionary tactics and tech first-hand, will receive training from exceptional investigative and security professionals and will network with Israeli and Middle East colleagues. And, not just incidentally, trip participants will visit some of the world’s holiest places and outstanding tourist attractions.

Mr. Gilad Katz, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest, will speak on today’s Israel and, of particular interest to conference attendees, Israel’s fight against terror and extremism.

[NOTE: only those persons with valid conference credentials will be permitted to attend. Conference credentials must remain visible at all times during this presentation.]

1:00pm — 3:00pm
“OVERLOOKED COLLEAGUES - VI”

(Specialized Law Enforcement Resources)

  • Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation
  • United States Postal Inspection Service
  • Texas SCRA Special Rangers

There are countless federal, state, local, military and special law enforcement and regulatory agencies with investigative functions; so many, that they are often “off the radar” of even experienced investigative professionals.

To assist FOI members in learning of these overlooked resources, for the past six years every Fraternal Order of Investigators’ conference has included an “Overlooked Colleagues” panel. The agencies featured typically perform an important and specialized function that can be helpful in assisting FOI’s law enforcement and private investigative members in successfully closing a difficult case and/or in bringing to the appropriate law enforcement agency information regarding criminal activity.

Details of the agencies and presenters that comprise the “Overlooked Colleagues” Panel VI follow below:

United States Postal Inspection Service

Presenter: Jarrod Resendez
Postal Inspector Team Leader

The United States Postal Inspection Service enforces over 200 federal statutes related to crimes that involve the postal system, its employees, and its customers. The UPSIS’ mission is to support and protect the U.S. Postal Service and its employees, infrastructure, and customers; enforce the laws that defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use; and ensure public trust in the mail.

Of particular interest to investigative professionals, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service prosecutes any scheme that uses the U.S. Mails to obtain money or something of value by offering a product, service, or investment that intentionally does not live up to its claim. (Meaning: fraud via the mails.)

The Postal Inspection Service also works with local, state, and federal agencies to investigate identity theft, arrest and prosecute criminals who steal identities, and prevent consumers from being victimized.

The Postal Inspection Service works aggressively to prevent the flow of illicit drugs and contraband through the mail stream, and takes all practicable measures to ensure the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. The Inspection Service is central to the strategy to eliminate the mailing of opioids and other illicit drugs and it works closely with other law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to share intelligence, coordinate cases and conduct joint enforcement operations. As part of this effort, the Inspection Service has developed tools to identify those who attempt to hide behind the secrecy of the dark web and cryptocurrency to misuse the postal network.

Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation

Presenter: Rodrick Benton
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Houston Field Office
IRS Criminal Investigation (CI)

Criminal Investigation (CI) is the law enforcement branch of the Internal Revenue Service. IRS-CI’s mission is to serve the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code, and related financial crimes, in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. IRS-CI’s Special Agents combine accounting skills with law enforcement skills to investigate financial crimes.

IRS-CI’s Special Agents are duly sworn law enforcement officers who are trained to “follow the money.” No matter what the source, all income earned, both legal and illegal, has the potential of becoming involved in crimes which fall within the investigative jurisdiction of the IRS Criminal Investigation. Because of the expertise required to conduct these complex financial investigations, IRS Special Agents are considered the premier financial investigators for the Federal Government.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) – Special Rangers

Presenter: Scott Williamson
Executive Director of Law Enforcement, Brand and Inspection Services
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) provides highly trained livestock theft investigators strategically stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

TSCRA special rangers are aided in their efforts by TSCRA market inspectors who identify around 4 million cattle each year at more than 100 Texas livestock markets. They report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the largest centralized and computerized brand recording and retrieval system in the nation.
Headquarters support staff distribute information on missing or stolen livestock to more than 700 law enforcement agencies nationwide.

TSCRA Special Rangers are not part of a government agency and are not paid for with taxpayer dollars. Nevertheless, TSCRA’s Special Rangers investigate an average of 1,000 cases annually and recover millions in assets for members and non-members each year.

3:00pm — 5:00pm
Forensic Linguistics and Authorship Analysis

“De-Anonymizing Threats, Defamation, Extortion and Lies”

[Live Demonstration ; Test Cases Accepted]

Instructor: Dr. Patrick Juola
Juola & Associates
Duquesne University

Cyber-harrassment, cyber-defamation, cyber-extortion. Anonymous false and defaming postings and webpages. Anonymous disruption of public safely or health. Anonymous political incitement to violence.

Someone receives threatening or extortionate e-mail. A key document of unknown origin turns out to be a forgery. Neighbors or business associates are receiving communications that defame your client. Anonymous social network postings are destroying a reputation with extreme accusations. The authors of these destructive digital documents need to be identified.

A witness to a heinous crime posts details online that clearly demonstrate first-hand knowledge. That witness needs to be identified and interviewed, so that the perpetrators of the crime can be identified.

Fifty years ago, an investigative professional would have turned physical documents over to a forensic document examiner, who would have looked at the paper, ink, and handwriting, and then, hopefully, told the Investigators something they needed to find the author. But today, most documents are electronic and there is no paper to examine. All we have is the words themselves.

Dr. Juola’s presentation will introduce attendees to “stylometry”, the theory and practice, with case studies drawn from the presenter’s own experiences as well as the literature. Stylometry lets Examiners, and often the Investigators themselves – with no special forensic expertise needed – find the “fingerprints” hidden in the author’s writing style.

Attendees will be able to see and participate in a live demonstration involving one of the major stylometric software systems and, per Dr. Juola, “are encouraged to bring their own documents to play with”.

[FOI recommendation: if your proposed test case is complicated and/or involves numerous documents, contact FOI at least 30 days in advance to facilitate screening and submission.]

5:30pm — 9:30pm
MOVIE NIGHT, NETWORKING and AWARD EVENT and SEMINAR

Instructor: Dr. Peter Collins

A better understanding of the motivation and thinking of a target, subject or important witness helps facilitate a more productive interview with that person and thereby a more successful investigation. Nevertheless, many public and private investigative professionals ignore one of the most potentially useful tools to prepare for a critical interview or interaction: a pre-approach forensic psychiatric analysis.

Attendees of this seminar can expect to gain a greater understanding of the use of forensic psychiatry to support investigations and resolution of all kinds, ranging from counter-terrorist activity to developing confidential informants to investigation of serious criminal activity to hostage situations.

[Dr. Collins’ presentation will be based in part on the preceding movie; therefore, we urge you to not miss the movie’s screening.]

5:30p – Bar and Dinner Buffet Opens
(Drink and Dinner Tickets provided)

6:15p – Special Awards Presentation ; Updates

6:45p – MOVIE BEGINS
MOVIE: “Psycho”

“Psycho” is a world-famous 1960 American psychological horror-thriller film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Based on the 1959 novel of the same name, it was loosely inspired by the case of convicted Wisconsin murderer and grave robber Ed Gein. Both Gein and the story’s protagonist, Norman Bates, were solitary murderers in isolated rural locations. Each had deceased, domineering mothers and had sealed off a room in their home as a shrine to her and dressed in women’s clothes. However, unlike Bates, Gein is not strictly considered a serial killer, having been charged with murder only twice.

During a lunchtime tryst in a Phoenix hotel, secretary Marion Crane and her boyfriend, Sam Loomis, discuss how they cannot afford to get married because of Sam’s debts. After lunch, Marion returns to work where a client leaves a $40,000 cash payment. Marion’s boss asks her to deposit the money in the bank. She decides to steal the money and drive to Sam’s home in Fairvale, California. During a rainstorm, Marion stops for the night at the Bates Motel. The proprietor, Norman Bates, invites her for dinner after check-in. She accepts his invitation but… sorry, that’s all until FOI’s Movie Night.

And, yes, there’s a PI in the movie…for a while.

8:00p – SEMINAR: “Using Criminal Profiling, Behavior Analysis and Forensic psychiatry for Investigation and Successful Interviews”

9:30p – FOI Bar Closed
(Hotel bar remains open until approx. Midnight)

Open bar and Texas Buffet dinner for all registered attendees, instructors and vendors (tickets provided). Spouses / SOs and accompanied appropriate-age children of attendees are also welcome.

This a networking and welcome reception provided by FOI for Seminar Attendees, Vendors and Instructors at no charge.

Main Conference - Day Two
Saturday, June 26, 2021
8:00am — 09:00am
Registration Open

9:00am — 10:00am
"Conducting Nursing Home Investigations”

Instructor: Kelly E. Riddle, TCI

As America ages, as health care fraud expands dramatically and as crimes against the elderly and infirm grow exponentially, investigation of crimes taking place in Senior Living and long-term nursing facilities has unfortunately become a necessary skill for the investigative professional.

Attendees of this presentation can expect to gain an expanded understanding of malpractice, crimes and abuse occurring in “Nursing Homes” and the methodologies and “best practices” for investigating those events.

10:00am — 11:30am
"Investigative Tools for Understanding Stolen Valor"

(Exposing Military Phonies – Military Records Hacks)

Presenters: Mr. Ed Caffrey ; Ms. Tyleen Caffrey

Every year, military impostors use fabricated military backgrounds to defraud unsuspecting victims and to obtain status and other benefits intended for genuine veterans. Often, “Stolen Valor” is a precursor and a red flag for additional criminal behavior.

Attendees of this important presentation can expect to gain a greater understanding of the phenomenon of military impostors, known as Stolen Valor, and to learn sources and methods for researching and obtaining military records. A number of military record “hacks” will be discussed.

11:30am — 12:30pm
LUNCH and SPEAKER

Presenter: Texas Law Shield

12:30pm — 2:30pm
“International Investigations”

Presenters: Fernando Fernandez ; Al Ortiz ; Brett Mikkelson ; Richard Marquez ; Steven Rambam

Moderator: Steven Rambam

International investigative capabilities are critically important for today’s investigative professional. Multi-jurisdictional investigations, foreign witness location and interviews, international child abductions, location of international fugitives and fraudsters, asset recovery and judgment enforcement and countless other modern investigations all require an understanding of how to conduct, refer and manage international investigative activity and liaison with foreign colleagues and law enforcement.

This presentation, provided by arguably five of the most active and experienced international investigators anywhere, will focus on investigations worldwide; however, a special focus will be placed upon investigative activity in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Attendees of this presentation can expect to obtain a greater understanding of conducting and managing international investigations and methodology for screening sourcing, tasking and supervising international colleagues. Topics reviewed will include licensing issues, retainers, language issues, evidence gathering and introduction of that evidence in a local jurisdiction, reporting issues, evolving privacy issues (ex. GDPR) and differences between a genuine, legitimate “fee” and an impermissible (ex. FCPA) bribe.

2:30pm — 4:30pm
Forensic Statement Analysis - "Deception Detection"

[Live Demonstration ; Test Cases Accepted]

Instructor: Richard Whitehead

Forensic Statement Analysis, a series of layered techniques, enables an Investigator or Analyst to identify subconsciously revealed linguistic signals that differentiate deceptive statements from the truth. Through the use of FSA, a statement obtained from a witness or subject can be effectively analyzed and used to better focus an ongoing investigation or reinvestigate a cold case.

The instructor will provide a live step-by-step introduction to the methodology of Statement Analysis and its use in detecting deception. Evidence and written statements from actual investigations will be used.

Attendees of this seminar can expect to obtain a greater understanding of Forensic Statement Analysis and its use to support effective interviews and investigation.

[FOI recommendation: if you are submitting a test document to be analyzed, please do so as soon as possible. The Instructor will choose the statements best suited to aid in instruction and once sufficient statements have been received no more will be accepted.]

4:30pm — 5:30pm
CLOSING EVENT

“Liquor and Laptops” topic introduction (Facial Recognition)

5:30pm
CONFERENCE CLOSES

[NOTE: Encore Event – optional dinner off-site and “Liquors and Laptop” training in the hotel bar for colleagues remaining in Kerrville. Dutch Treat.]

POST-CONFERENCE TRAINING
SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 2021
Full Day
Advanced Handgun Training and Range Day

Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) Qualification

ALERT – SPACE LIMITED

Instructor: Ken Lewis, Director of Training
National Protective Services Institute

This full-day training event, conducted by the National Protective Services Institute, allows attendees to obtain real-world, tactical and practical Advanced Handgun Training and to simultaneously complete the range qualification for the Texas LTC (License to Carry a Handgun).

This class is specially designed for investigative professionals who need to enhance their ability to protect themselves and their partners in the field. Whether you want to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Texas or to refresh your handgun competence with additional training, this class is recommended for all conference attendees.

Attendees must be legally permitted to handle a firearm. There are no training prerequisites.

Attendees can expect to receive training in and a greater understanding of:

  • Firearms Safety and Handling
  • Concealed Carry – methods, issues and lifestyle
  • Review of Carry Handguns
  • Mental Awareness and Preparation
  • Confrontation Avoidance
  • Physical – Psychological Reactions
  • Gun Handling Skills
  • Presenting the Handgun – including use of the holster
  • Defensive Shooting
  • Practical Field Scenarios for Investigative Professionals and Process Servers
    (approaching a door; interviewing; in the field, etc.)
  • Time permitting: firearms when Working with a Partner

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ

State-Mandated Classroom Training – LTC Applicants:

(This section only applies to persons obtaining a Texas License to Carry a Handgun.)

To obtain a Texas LTC (License to Carry a Handgun), both classroom and range training and testing must be completed. NPSI’s training format uniquely allows for all mandated classroom training to be completed online, which enables 2-3 hours of additional hands-on firearms training at the range. You can take the online class and test at your own pace, at any time, from the convenience of your home or office.

To take and complete the CHL classroom training, all prospective CHL applicants should take the online course at:

Handgun License Information

(Separate charges are payable to HandgunLicense.com at time of online class registration.)

The online classroom training section of the LTC‐101 (LTC Online/Handgun Proficiency Certificate of Training) form must be completed and signed by the Approved Online Course Provider after successful completion of the online classroom-only training and examination. Important: please bring two (2) copies of the LTC-101 to the training.

Required Equipment:

  • Closed-neck shirt
  • Close-toed shoes or sneakers (no sandals)
  • Eye & Ear Protection – “electronic ears” recommended, as there will be a substantial amount of instruction on the range; a limited amount of hearing and eye protection will be available at the range.
  • Handgun – it is recommended that you bring the handgun that you plan to carry most often; however, sub-compacts are not recommended for this class; compact to full-sized handguns recommended. Multiple handguns are acceptable.
  • 150 rounds of ammunition minimum. If you are also qualifying for the Texas LTC, bring an ADDITIONAL fifty (50) rounds (total of 200 rounds, minimum). “Bring more ammunition, shoot more.”
  • Strong Side Hip Holster – EXTERNAL only; made specifically for your model of handgun.
  • Quality belt to hold the EXTERNAL holster in place.
  • Extra ammunition magazines or speedloaders – a minimum of two are recommended, three is better
  • Magazine/Speedloader Pouch
  • Concealment clothing – whatever you routinely wear in the field and will use to conceal your handgun, ex. open front (jacket), closed (T/sweatshirt), a vest, an “over shirt” or untucked shirt, etc. “Bring more, practice with more.”
  • Desire for Training and Fun

Recommended Equipment:

  • Baseball-type hat
  • Sunscreen
8:00am — 9:00am
REGISTRATION OPEN for Post-Conference Seminar

(if already registered you may arrive at 08:45am)

9:00am — 11:30am
Morning Session

IMPORTANT: no loaded weapons in the classroom without the knowledge and permission of the Instructors

11:30am — 12:15pm
LUNCH - HOTEL RESTAURANT

(Lunch tickets provided to all registered attendees)

12:15pm
DEPART FOR RANGE
1:00pm — 5:00pm
Afternoon Session - RANGE

(LTC qualification first; please do not arrive late)

 
Ken Lewis will be present at the Conference hotel beginning Saturday afternoon in order to answer attendees' questions. Ken can also be contacted in advance via the NPSI office:

(210) 737-SAFE (7233) [No texts.]
training @NPSItraining.com

This Conference Will Sell-Out Early!

Register now to guarantee your attendence for the largest investigator conference of the year!

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