Practical Handbook for Private Investigators (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Since the trial of O.J. Simpson, the profession of private investigation has risen to a new level of respect among both the legal community and..." (more)
Key Phrases: criminal defense investigator, domestic investigations, defense investigation, United States, Worker's Compensation, Fourth Amendment (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

- Grace Elting Castle, Cluesonline Editor

- Kitty Hailey, CLI

If there is a page in this book that doesn't offer usable, straight-forward, information for both the neophyte and the experienced investigator, I have yet to find it. ... This book will easily become the 'Bible' of the investigation industry - a compact detailed book that should be a mandatory textbook for beginners, and a welcome and constant companion to the experienced investigator... Cluesonline congratulates Rory McMahon for writing the book that has been so sorely needed in our profession!

…one of the most comprehensive basic educational investigative textbooks… An experienced teacher can plan and execute a well-rounded college level instructional program with this book as a tool. …a no-nonsense, how-to, educational text. …Coupled with a thorough review of setting up and managing an agency, this book is [also] a valuable addition to the library of any serious investigator. …McMahon has helped to carve out a niche for the investigative textbook that … [reflects] the true work of the practicing private investigator.

Product Description

Since the trial of O.J. Simpson, the "profession" of private investigation has risen to a new level of respect among both the legal community and the public at large because the success of O.J.'s " Dream Team" was largely a result of the brilliant work done by defense investigators. Private investigators are often called upon to provide information for cases that are not criminal or when regular law enforcement cannot fit a more in-depth investigation into its criminal caseload. Investigators are called upon to conduct surveillance, asset searches, and background checks on individuals and corporations. While most books on private investigation tackle specific field-related topics, Practical Handbook for Private Investigators provides the first comprehensive coverage. Rory McMahon, a recognized leader in the industry, clears up many misconceptions about the world of private investigation as he guides experienced private investigators, as well as those wishing to enter the field. This practical handbook is a compendium of the work performed, with descriptions of the various types of investigations, case studies, and practical tips. Besides showing you how to conduct every kind of investigation, the book also offers advice on how to testify, how to set up practice, and how to get licensed.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 291 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (February 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849302900
• ISBN-13: 978-0849302909
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,401,392 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid Information, But Better Suited For Novices..., December 10, 2004

By	Michael Beltz, FCI "truthsleuthpi" (Orlando, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

Please note that this review is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, an assessment of Mr. McMahon's skills in and/or knowledge of the private investigation profession. I personally consider Mr. McMahon to be one of the premier investigators in the history of the profession. Certainly anyone who has earned the coveted distinction of Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) is an elite investigator regardless of any other contributions to the profession - and Mr. McMahon's contributions are many.

As a licensed private investigator and college instructor of private investigation courses, I think that Mr. Rory J. McMahon, CLI, FCI has written a solid and informative book. Please understand however, that this book would most likely be more beneficial to the aspiring or novice private investigator (for whom I would rate it 4 stars). In my humble opinion, an experienced investigator would realize less benefit from reading this title.

Mr. McMahon has compiled a great deal of information and has covered the vast majority of topics, but this book really lacks depth (i.e. actual techniques/procedures). If you're a novice looking for information (an overview) regarding the general aspects of private investigations, then this title might be worthy of your hard-earned money (although it is a little pricey for the casual reader). If you already have an understanding of the aforementioned information, then I would humbly suggest that you pass on this one.

If you're interested in information regarding the basic techniques/procedures of the private investigation profession, then I would highly recommend (emphasis added) "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Private Investigation" by Steven Kerry Brown (ISBN: 0028643992). Brown's work is also a must-have for anyone entering or attempting to enter the private investigation profession. Brown's text is a less than a third of the price of McMahon's title and contains much of the same information, while offering substantially more depth.

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. (...)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good appetizer, but not a meaty dish, January 12, 2002

By	Z. Becker (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While this book projects a basic overview of the investigative profession, it lacks thorough treatment of techniques and issues. McMahon does deserve kudos for devoting a chapter to ethics. Unfortunately, like many other books in this category, the author indulges in a lot of superficial introductory information and glosses over sources. This book and Brandon Perron's, are probably the most well thought-out books covering this field to date...but please, we implore you authors, to cut out the fluff and drive home more substance: tried and proven techniques, detailed (and updated) source listings (including databases and public records info) and more practical business advice. A conditional buy.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta have this book!, January 15, 2002

By	T. Grant (Marshall, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I checked this book out of the library to use as a guide in setting up a PI agency. After one day I decided to just buy the book, despite the relatively high cost. Well worth the price. The sample forms and contracts are just what I was looking for. A great how-to book for people starting out in the industry!