Everything Private Investigation Book: Master the techniques of the pros to examine evidence, trace down people, and discover the truth (Everything (Reference)) [Paperback]

Sheila L. Stephens (Author)

Book Description

Series: Everything (Reference) | Publication Date: August 1, 2008

Observe someone without being observed.
Dig up long-buried dirt.
Catch a cheating spouse.

The Everything Private Investigation Book shows you the basic research techniques and tricks the pros use. You'll learn how to get background information using a wide range of sources, including newspapers, court records, military files, and even the DMV. Written by experienced investigators, this guide helps you to:

• Use the Internet to get information on anyone and anything
• Conduct background checks for prospective employees or tenants
• Uncover hidden identities and assets
• Manage a physical or electronic surveillance
• Protect privacy and avoid identity theft

Whether you're a journalist, an amateur genealogist, a business owner, a landlord, or just curious, you'll find essential information in this guide. In addition to being a valuable resource, The Everything Private Investigation Book is also a fascinating read. Even "armchair detectives" will enjoy reading about famous real-life and fictional PIs and the little-known secrets professionals use to crack the case.

Sheila L. Stephens was the first female Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) special agent in the state of Alabama and one of the first in the nation. She recently graduated from Boston University with a master's degree in criminal justice. After leaving the ATF due to injury, Ms. Stephens opened a private investigation/security business. She is a criminal justice professor at Andrew Jackson University and a contributing writer and associate editor of The Agent, the newsletter of the National Association of Federal Agents (NAFA). Ms. Stephens lives in Bessemer, AL.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sheila L. Stephens (Bessemer,AL) was the first female Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) special agent in the state of Alabama, and one of the first in the nation. After leaving the ATF due to injury she opened a private investigation/security business. She is also a criminal justice professor at Andrew Jackson University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598695355
• ISBN-13: 978-1598695359
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Law > Criminal Law > Law Enforcement

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Resource for Professionals, January 29, 2009

By 

James J. Brown (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Everything Private Investigation Book: Master the techniques of the pros to examine evidence, trace down people, and discover the truth (Everything (Reference)) (Paperback)

I recently retired after thirteen years on the bench as a Federal Administrative Law Judge and spent twenty-four years as a Trial Attorney. I am the author and editor of three law books, and a novel. See: [...]. I am now doing legal consulting in tracing assets and money and in social security case matters. I found Shelia L. Stephens book on Private Investigations a very useful tool for the professional. I keep it on my desk top for easy reference. The book has an incredible table of contents and covers investigations completely, in a well-written step by step guide to this subject matter. It is not only a must read, but it is a very practical tool for professionals like private investigators, attorneys, paralegals, accountants and experts alike.

Hon.James J. Brown, Raleigh, NC

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, December 31, 2008

By 

TheNannyFinder1 (Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything Private Investigation Book: Master the techniques of the pros to examine evidence, trace down people, and discover the truth (Everything (Reference)) (Paperback)

Sheila L. Stephens' book, The Everything Private Investigation Book, is so much more than I expected. I have owned and managed a nanny-finder service for thirteen years. Ms. Stephens' firm does all my background and pre-employment searches. I would trust no one else to do them as I know her to be an expert in her field and scrupulous in her integrity.

Yet, when I learned of her book, I did not read it for some time--after all, I'm not a private investigator. However, others were reading it, and continued to tell me how much information has been included about keeping children safe and finding abducted children. I decided to buy it.

Not only was I engrossed in the part of this book that addresses the safety of children, but I found myself going back to the beginning and reading to the end. I learned more than I've ever realized I didn't know! I learned, also, that the book is not written only for investigators. There are so many interesting and helpful chapters, anyone will be happy that they've bought this book. The world in which we live is rapidly changing, and security is important in all aspects of our lives. Ms. Stephens has covered the bases, here.

I am very busy, and do not usually comment on books, even the ones I love, so this review is evidence of my admiration for what Ms. Stephens has done. This is an amazing book. Don't pass it by.

Cathy Shumaker

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good basic book, December 3, 2009

By 

Capt. Bart (Cartersville, Ga United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Everything Private Investigation Book: Master the techniques of the pros to examine evidence, trace down people, and discover the truth (Everything (Reference)) (Paperback)

If you are thinking about becoming a private investigator, this is a pretty good book to get an idea of what the job is really like. Most states require certified training and a license to work as a P.I. Don't think you can read this book and go to work. However, it can certainly help you decide if you want to go to the expense and effort required to get a P.I. license. Read chapter one carefully before you invest thousands of dollars in training. If you can't concentrate for long periods of time or write detailed reports, the P.I. business is not for you.