About the Book

A text for those wishing to enter the field as private investigators, offering comprehensive coverage of the industry. Topics covered include necessary skills for an investigator, interviewing and interrogation, taking statements, computers and the Internet, testifying in court, setting up practice, and more.

Practical Handbook for Private Investigators Written by Rory J. McMahon, an experienced, certified legal investigator with twelve years of federal law enforcement experience, this exciting new book provides the inside detail, the tools, the techniques and the background you will use to succeed in the fascinating world of private investigation.

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.

About the Author

Between 1978 and 1991, Rory J. McMahon was a Federal Probation officer in the Southern Districts of New York and Florida. From 1990 and 1998, Rory was an Instructor and Department Chair of the Private Investigative Services Program at City College, a private accredited Junior College in Ft. Lauderdale. McMahon has been the President of R.J. McMahon and Associates, Inc. since 1991. He was a founding father of the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators and is the former Southeast Region Director for the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI). In 1997, he passed the rigid requirements to become certified as a Legal Investigator. Two years later he became a Florida Certified Investigator through FALI. In January, 2000 Rory was recognized as a Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator by the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council. He was also named to their Board of Directors.

Read the Reviews

Book Review
By Kitty Hailey, CLI, CFE

Practical Handbook for Private Investigators
by Rory J. McMahon

Rory McMahon, CLI has prepared one of the most comprehensive basic educational investigative text books available today. This very informative and well organized book is an excellent primer. An experienced teacher can plan and execute a well rounded college level instructional program with this book as a tool.

Basic skills, principals and ethics are included with an inclusive line up of specific methods of investigation of both civil and criminal investigations. Investigative skills, tools, methods and disciplines are all discussed with a very realistic style.

This is a no-nonsense, how-to, educational text. McMahon covers such necessary topics as: Principles of Investigation, Interviews, Interrogation and Statement Taking, Investigating Fraud, Computer Crime, Due Diligence and Skip Tracing. Coupled with a thorough review of setting up and managing an agency, this book is a valuable addition to the library of any serious investigator.

I was most impressed with the care given in providing a complete background for the neophyte investigator. Discussion of the court system, constitution and appropriate background lay the foundation for more complex and in depth examination of the finer aspects of investigation. Current trends in computer crime, fraud and criminal investigations are given excellent coverage. Chapters are broken into easy to use lessons that would constitute an entire semester of valuable information.

I was also delighted to note that references were made to professional associations where fledgling investigators could seek mentoring or benefit from continuing education seminars. Data on State Licensing was also available, stressing the professionalism of the industry. I believe that we have a great need for more texts of this nature which can be used to clearly define the role of the investigator in society. Instructing individuals early in their educational career is valuable to the entire profession.

McMahon has helped to carve out a niche for the investigative text book that is not based upon law enforcement principles. This very appropriate and detailed text concentrates instead with the true work of the practicing private investigator.