Customer Reviews

Uncovering Reasonable Doubt: The Component Method - Criminal Defense Investigation

5 star:		(8)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
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As a licensed private investigator and college instructor of private investigation courses, I must commend Mr. Brandon A. Perron, CCDI for writing a book that is, in my humble opinion, the best book currently in print covering criminal defense investigations. While this book is certainly of more value to the novice investigator, the experienced investigator will also benefit for Mr. Perron's insight. This book was also a "fun read" (something not too common amongst informative texts).

Mr. Perron shares his detailed and systematic approach to uncovering reasonable doubt while effectively demonstrating the use of the component method through specific case examples. I believe that this is the book's greatest asset.

All investigations require a detailed and systematic approach to determining the truth about the matter under investigation. This book takes this theory and applies it in a very specific manner through the use of the aforementioned case examples. Most private investigation texts fail to provide an articulate description of feasible and applicable techniques/procedures. Where others have failed, this book delivers.

If I were going to say anything negative about this book, I would have to state that this book suffers from "creative editing". By that I mean that of the 110 pages of text, only 68 pages contain information. Therefore, the content is not as high as you might be led to believe by the page count. With that said, the content is excellent and the author is one of the nation's foremost authorities on criminal defense investigations. If you are truly interested in this topic, then this is the title you've been looking for.

I would also like to personally thank Mr. Perron for taking the time to send me a signed copy of this book.

As always, check with your local library or bookstore to see if you can read/review this or any title before deciding to make a purchase. This method has effectively allowed me to make the most of my investigative library budget.

I hope you found this review helpful.[...]

This work is a "must" for any veteran or new-comer to the profession. It provides the first and ONLY comprehensive, methodical approach to the investigative process while also opening the readers mind to the theories of Truth that every investigator works with --but may not even realize!

Some may not get it but I sure did! The perpective from the criminal defense has long been overdue. The foundation in critical thinking is what makes this work unique to the field. As a lawyer I found it most helpful in respect to what the investigator can do for me. I would make it a must read for any truly dedicated criminal defense professional.

For the lay public, or for someone starting out in defense investigations, this book is perhaps not indispensible but certainly a solid foundation. Every good investigator should develop a reliable methodology; the marketplace and the justice system dictate that any method must be efficient and trustworthy. Herein, Perron's method is sound and may be relied upon by the most green of investigators without worry.

On the other hand, a more experienced investigator with private professional or public/law enforcement experience will probably not gain much in the way of technique. The book may help orient investigators to some of the specific requirements and needs of clients on the criminal defense side of the aisle. This book is a good start, but Perron needs to return to the text and double-up the substance of the book (more on working with police; and especially ethics). It won't hurt to read this book, but groundbreaking it is not.

Brandon A. Perron's work on the subject of criminal defense investigation is a unique and interesting perspective on a topic which has been neglected until now. Many published works are available on the subject of criminal investigation from the prespective of law enforcement. Finally, "Uncovering Reasonable Doubt: The Component Method" provides public defender investigators and private investigators alike the oportunity to assume an identity beyond that of the police detective. Mr. Perron understands that the criminal defense investigator must be an intellectual as much as he is familiar with the streets. I would recommend this book to anyone considering the field or currently working in it. The book and the simple yet effective component method is designed for the novice and experienced investigator. This work is sure to become a classic.

The author clearly understands the difference between the law enforcement investigator and the criminal defense investigator. Uncovering Reasonable Doubt explores the concept of reasonable doubt and the difficulty associated with identifying it. The Component Method is the first method of criminal investigation designed to provide a "formula" for conducting the inquiry in a methodical and intellectual manner. Congratulations to Mr. Perron on this very fine text. This is a must read for the public defender investigator, private investigator, paralegal, and lawyer engaged in the complex discipline of criminal defense.

I read this book and was in awe of the depth and breadth of a work on criminal private investigation. From the philosophies of truth to a solid methodology for discovering all essential elements for true criminal investigation, Mr. Perron is eloquent, factual, and all encompassing. Ever since beginning my investigative career, I was always concerned about adequately providing my clientele with the integrity and thoroughness they deserved. This book has advanced my own professional development light years ahead of what would have been a long ramp-up in building knowledge and experience. The investment in this book and its wisdom and knowledge will return many times over in helping me help my clients uncover the truth and present a reasonable doubt.

I am tired of hundreds of pages with referenced information that reads like a college text book. Who wants to read all of that? I need something that I can use in a practical way and that I can take with me as a field guide. This is it! I use the Component Method on all my cases and the positive impact has enhanced my efforts. Fundamentally, it is an action plan. Uncovering Reasonable Doubt: The Component Method

I expected more for $38. In my opinion, the book was filled with too many "war stories," all with obvious 'aha' moments. In essence, the book boils down to: Carefully read all the information available, talk to as many witnesses as possible, examine & sketch & photograph the crime scene and write a readable, thorough report. Again, that's my opinion.

Though I am an experienced criminal investigator of 8 years, this book is an excellent nuts & bolts 'how to' guide re defense-based investigations. Even more experienced practitioners are reminded of the importance of following fundamental methods & steps in pursuing a successful, encompassing investigation & also reminded of the critical need for ANALYTICAL & CREATIVE thought -- limited only by the bounds of the law, good ethics & your agency's policies -- in every investigation. The component method is tried & true & continues to be a solid gauge for the way I work through a case. The writing gets a bit dramatic & flowery at times, but I saw it as 'poetic license' by a highly esteemed practitioner/writer, who is passionate about his calling.