WHY BECOME AN INVESTIGATOR?

Choosing a career is no easy feat. If you have different hobbies and interests, narrowing these down and picking one job is daunting. There are so many career paths available to us and so many routes we can take to get there, but ultimately the decision is your own. If you’re interested in becoming an investigator or you’re wondering whether computer forensics is your forte, there are a few things to keep in mind first.

Technical expertise

When you’re working with computers, cell phones and other devices, technical expertise is a must. It doesn’t matter how much you like the idea of a job, if you cannot handle the practicalities and advanced technology involved, you’re not likely to be successful. But if you know your way around a PC or you have the capacity to learn, becoming a forensic investigator will suit you perfectly. If you have the skills, training in computer forensics will be a challenge you can face head on.

Helping others

There are many vocations you can follow if helping others is your priority. From nursing and care work to teaching and charity, there is no shortage of job opportunities where you can make a difference. Fortunately, forensic investigation falls in this category too: your work can be the difference between someone going to jail or keeping their freedom, proving their innocence or living in the shadow of doubt. Your work can change the future of families living without their loved ones, and you can ensure the right person is brought to justice and prevent them from committing more crimes. There is no greater way of helping society than by keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, so if helping others is important to you than forensic investigation is a great career path.

Exciting challenges

Forensic investigation is like a puzzle. You have some clues here and there, but it’s your job to gather the information and put the pieces together. If you enjoy crosswords, sudoku, escape rooms, jigsaws or any game that puts your mind to the test, forensic investigation is the career for you. Those who thrive under pressure, readily accept challenges and get satisfaction from a job well done will no doubt enjoy great success as an investigator.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/why-become-an-investigator/

Are you searching the Private Investigator?

An accused is entitled to adequate representation by investigative services and by counsel under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA). ICFECI is at the forefront in providing expert investigative services indispensable for adequate representation of defendants under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3006A, and Adequate Representation of Defendants.

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/criminal-justice-act-services/ 

5 KEY STEPS INVOLVED IN DIGITAL FORENSIC SCIENCE

Digital forensic science in its simplest terms is the process used for examining and interpreting data that can be found on digital devices such as computers, mobile phones, hard drives, and any other device that has internal memory and communication ability. ICFECI has been providing digital forensic services in Dallas and Fort Worth for many years and are experts in this field.

What is digital forensics used for?

Digital forensics is used as a way to provide evidence in a court of law or in civil proceedings to prove or disprove that a crime took place. It is a vital science when dealing with cybercrime but it can be used to provide evidence in other legal cases involving fraud, criminal investigations, and wrongful convictions too.

The process of digital forensics

As is the case with all sciences, digital forensics involves a structured process of steps that are carried out in a particular order to preserve evidence in its original form. The process occurs in the following order:

1. Identification

To begin, it is important to have a clear understanding of the purpose of the investigation and identify what resources will be needed. From this, investigators then need to identify the evidence, what type of data they are dealing with, and what digital devices the data is stored on.

2. Preservation

Next comes the preservation of the evidence found. This means that that the data has to be isolated and preserved and analysts make sure that the device the evidence was located on remains secure and can’t be used by anybody until the investigation is over.

3. Analysis

At this stage, the evidence has to be analyzed and other searches will be carried out to support the initial evidence found. The digital forensic experts will then draw conclusions from what they have discovered and use all the data they have gathered to support their conclusions.

4. Documentation

Now everything has to be documented. The digital and data evidence will often be documented with images, photos, sketches, and a map or timeline of the crime.

5. Presentation

During the final stage of the process, the evidence and conclusions are presented according to the necessary forensic protocols. The presentation will also include details of the methodologies and procedures carried out to explain the analysis and the conclusions that were reached.

If you or someone you care about needs digital forensic services in Texas or digital forensic services in DFW, contact ICFECI today and let our team of experts assist you.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/5-key-steps-involved-in-digital-forensic-science/

BUSINESS CRIMES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Running a company is a tough job, especially if you have a large team to oversee. While we’d like to think we know and trust our employees, occasionally there are some that surprise us in the worst way. Businesses are often susceptible to criminals stealing information, ideas and money, but there are a number of precautionary measures you can take to prevent this.

Theft

If your place of work stores a lot of products or cash, theft is surely one of the most prevalent crimes affecting your business? Trusting employees with large amounts of money and expensive stock is a risk, but this can be successfully mitigated using CCTV cameras, stock takes and employee monitoring.

Espionage

Business espionage or industrial espionage refers to theft of ideas, data or knowledge. Competitors may place spies in your workforce to acquire trade secrets or technologies without you even realizing. A forensic investigator in Texas can help track your employees’ activity and detect any fraudulent behavior.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves employees using and abusing the company’s funds for their own needs. They may falsely acquire assets or covertly direct money their own way, effectively stealing from the business. Keep a close eye on any employees you suspect are doing this, and make sure there is more than one person dealing with financial matters – one individual should not have all the power and access that would enable them to commit these crimes.

Forgery

Falsifying documents or altering existing ones is a small but hugely illegal act that could cause massive problems for your business. Employees may forge contracts, receipts, deeds and other documents, so be sure to have a stringent verification system in place and keep important paperwork locked away from those who don’t need access.

If you’re looking for a certified fraud examiner or a forensic expert to investigate your employees, contact ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/business-crimes-and-how-to-avoid-them/

How You Can Get Help through Health Care Fraud Investigation Texas?

Led by Dan James, one time Chief Investigator & Certified Fraud Examiner for the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Texas, ICFECI’s team of healthcare fraud examiners investigate cases relating to..

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/certified-fraud-examiner/health-care-fraud/

LIE DETECTION

Lie detection is a hotly debated area of modern day psychology. Although it is not an exact science, there are techniques and methods that allow experts to judge if someone is telling the truth or not. Polygraph tests go some way in detecting lies, but they are not always available or feasible for every case. Instead investigators use a number of observational methods to establish whether someone is lying, including facial expressions and body language.

Micro expressions

It is widely accepted that faces exhibit two messages – what the liar wants to show and what they want to hide. Micro expressions refer to these brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal their true emotions. This flash of leakage is there and gone in a matter of nanoseconds, so you have to be quick to catch it. Whilst this cannot prove guilt or deception, the behaviour does indicate dishonesty and warrants further investigation.

False expressions

Tied to this notion of micro expressions is the subject of false expressions. These nonverbal behaviours are forced or exaggerated to conceal true emotions, and research has shown that these faked expressions are asymmetrical.

For example, smiling may indicate a false expression when the eye muscles are not used. A genuine smile involves the movement of the outer part of the eye, so no matter how big the grin may be, a lack of eye expression may be the telling sign. If someone is afraid or sad, the absence of forehead expression hints that they are falsifying their emotions.

By studying the symmetry of a suspect’s face, experts may be able to detect a liar from a truthteller.

Body language

Studies have suggested that liars often gesticulate with their hands after they talk. This is because their brain is so preoccupied with making up and remembering a story, meaning that hand gestures that might normally appear before a statement happen afterwards instead.

Fidgeting is a common sign of lying. Twitching, shuffling feet and clasping hands are behaviours that may indicate guilt or deception due to fluctuations in the autonomic nervous system. This system regulates bodily functions, and when people are nervous it may manifest itself in fluctuations that cause itches or tingles in the body.

Sweating

It’s an exaggerated image we’ve all seen in movies and TV when a suspect is being questioned – sweat dripping from every pore in their body. Whilst it may not be this extreme, it is true that lying suspects sweat more due to automatic nervous system changes. If you notice someone’s forehead or upper lip perspiring, it could be a sign of deception.

To find out more about how we catch liars and get to the truth, get in touch with ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/lie-detection/

COMPUTER FORENSICS LAWS IN TEXAS

In the fairly recent past, a criminal defense investigator in Dallas would need to uncover physical evidence in order to help clear the name of their client. However, thanks to the advent of the digital age this has changed. A range of new crimes have emerged which are committed in an entirely digital space. This requires defense teams to utilise computer-based methods. It is vital that they understand the rules and regulations regarding these practices.

TEXAS RULES

Some areas of the United States are not very clear when it comes to the rules for this form of law examination. Extra research into local vendor compliance may be necessary. Texas, Michigan and Georgia are much more explicit. When it comes to the state of Texas a digital forensics practitioner needs to be fully licensed. This means that a criminal defense investigator in Dallas TX is only legally able to perform their duties if they have express consent from regulators. Those who manage to attain it are commonly referred to as PIs.

Licensing

A computer forensics criminal defense investigator in Fort Worth or any other area within Texas would need to apply for a Private Investigation Business License. This is also a requirement for owners of businesses that provide these types of services. Employees will be able to become fully licensed detectives in the process. However, start-ups may have difficulty due to these rules.

Restrictions

The main stumbling block for new computer forensics firms is the amount of experience that the manager needs. This includes at least 3 years of experience as an investigator or a degree in criminal justice. The FBI may perform a background check on them. The fingerprinting of managers in Texas is also mandatory.

Conclusion

There is a good reason for all of these rules. The PI will tend to gather and present digital evidence that is then used in court cases. Therefore regulations need to be in place in order to enforce a decent standard of conduct, accountability and training. Defendants rely on these firms to help them get a fair trial. The best company for this service is ICFECI. Contact them for all of your forensic examination needs.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/computer-forensics-laws-in-texas/

THE MEANING OF MESSAGES

As computer and cell phone forensic experts, ICFECI uncover a lot of private messages. Whether it’s emails, texts, social media messages or private IMs, this kind of data can become incredibly important evidence. Some messages may not seem obviously incriminating, but there could be a lot of revealing information for authorities or clues as to the authorship of the documents. While forensic investigators are concerned with retrieving, storing and presenting this evidence, we understand that it is the meaning behind the messages that makes all the difference.

Forensic linguistics

Forensic linguistics is the process by which experts analyse texts to establish authorship. Linguists look at syntax, grammar, word choice, conjugations, spellings and more to find patterns in a person’s writing style. If repeated patterns emerge, experts may be able to identify who originally authored the message. Certain spellings and word choices can help investigators build an offender profile – previous cases have allowed authorities to correctly identify age, education level, location and more.

The applications for this field are seemingly endless. Not only can forensic linguistics reveal who has written the message, but it can also establish if there is any perpetrator at all. Suicide notes, for example, can be examined to check if someone is covering up a murder, or suspicious texts sent from a loved one might be uncovered as the work of a kidnapper.

Handwriting analysis

While forensic experts deal mostly in digital communication, we may also come across written evidence on the devices we analyse. This is often the case with legal documents, certifications and contracts.

Handwriting analysis claims to study documents like these and identify the author through their written word. This is particularly useful when it comes to disputes about signatures for instance, or in cases of forgery. This kind of analysis can be performed either by a human investigator or machine systems that identify patterns and idiosyncratic lettering, comparing ‘known’ documents with the materials in question.

If you believe a message could make or break your case, hiring a forensic investigator in Texas is the right course of action. We can uncover deleted and hidden messages, and we are experts in retrieving evidence from even the most damaged device.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/the-meaning-of-messages/

How Computer Forensics Analyst Handle Crimes and Cybersecurity Incidents?

The results of forensic science is likely the number one factor in solving cold cases. Image for over 30 years, having an unsolved criminal case hanging over your head. One of the largest serial crimes was solved by the use of computer forensic services.

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/computer-cell-phone-forensics/

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMAGES IN COMPUTER FORENSICS

Computer forensics can unearth an enormous amount of data. From files and internet history to downloads and emails, computers have more information than we might even realize. One of the greatest resources a case can have is photographic evidence, and computer forensics is essential to retrieving this.

Proof

One of the ways photographs may help your case is if they prove who the perpetrator is. There may be a device that has stored images of the criminals at work, for example CCTV, or passers-by may have caught them in the background of their photos.

Even if the images don’t show the crime in motion, they could still help solve the case. Authorities may have other information that will incriminate the culprit, such as identifying features like tattoos or scars, and photos may point them in the right direction. No matter how irrelevant you think they are, always turn over any photo evidence you have in the event it may disprove your involvement in the case.

Alibis

If you’re being accused of a crime you didn’t commit, the first thing you can do to prove your innocence is to offer an alibi. Giving police a cast-iron reason why you couldn’t have committed the crime is the easiest way to rule you out as a suspect.

Images can provide evidence of your whereabouts at the time of the offense. For instance if you say you were attending an event or party, and photographs can place you at this function. This should be a clear indicator to authorities that you couldn’t have committed the crime – after all, nobody can be in two places at once.

Locations and dates

When a picture is taken, it is not just the visual information that is captured. Images contain a lot of data, including the location, date and time the photograph was taken. Once again this may serve as an alibi for you, e.g. if you’ve taken a selfie at the time of the crime in a completely different location. Even if you’re not featured in the photo, this data can exonerate you and prove your whereabouts at the time in question.

Computer forensics can uncover a great deal of information that could be vital to your case. For the best forensic investigator in Fort Worth Texas, contact ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/the-importance-of-images-in-computer-forensics/

WHAT IS COMPUTER FORENSICS?

Computer forensics is a specialist process in which experts analyse data stored on electronic devices. Evidence which may be retrieved includes:

·       SMS messages

·       Emails

·       Images

·       Videos

·       Internet history

·       Operating data

·       Downloads

·       Files

·       Intellectual property

Experts can trace PCs, cell phones, hard drives and other electronics to find this data. Even if the devices have been damaged, burned or water-logged, it’s possible to retrieve information that could be critical to your case.

Programs that replicate the images of media stored on devices are often used in these cases. This allows the investigator to mirror data to use in court proceedings whilst keeping the original intact and protected. This can also be useful for covertly extracting information without the device owner’s knowledge.

Experts

Experts take a methodical approach to ensure that factual information is extracted for civil or criminal matters, adhering to strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the data. Failure to comply with these rigorous procedures may result in evidence being inadmissible in court.

Computer forensics investigators are not simply IT technicians. Years of skill, training and experience is required to ensure devices are analyzed adequately. The amount of data stored on a single device can hold significant value for a case, so it’s essential that a dedicated computer forensic expert in Dallas oversees the process. Without this expertise, crucial evidence can be lost or become inadmissible.

Applications

Computer forensics has applications for almost every case. Because we do so much on our cell phones and laptops these days, there is a wealth of useful information and data stored on these devices that could help any type of investigation. Computer forensics is particularly valuable for cases involving:

·       Fraud

·       Employment disputes

·       Intellectual property

·       Murder

If you’d like to learn more about computer forensics or you need an expert for your case, get in touch with ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/what-is-computer-forensics/

HOW COMPUTER FORENSICS CAN HELP YOU

These days we use computers and cell phones for everything. With one device we can send messages, play games, take photos, browse the internet, bank, listen to music, transfer files and so much more. Every time we pick up our cells or laptops we’re creating, sharing and downloading more and more data. Given that most of us have a Smartphone or PC at home, this means that a lot of information can be stored on these devices and prove useful to providing evidence in court.

Computer forensics can unlock all of this data, even if it’s been deleted, damaged or hidden. With the right equipment and expertise, you can retrieve all kinds of information from a PC or laptop to support your case. Let’s take a look at just some of the ways computer forensics can help you.

Emails

Email correspondence can be found on a device even if it has been deleted. Finding these messages may reveal knowledge that someone is denying, or prove that you had a relationship with someone.

Photos and videos

Photographic evidence is pretty conclusive in court. Raw footage demonstrating someone else committing a crime you’re accused of, for example, is irrefutable. If photos can support your alibi for the time in question, that will also be a huge help to your case.

Internet history

We’re all guilty of searching some risqué things we don’t want others to know about. But when it comes to illegal internet activity, this is a serious issue that computer forensics can easily uncover. If you suspect someone’s involvement in a crime for instance, their history may incriminate them and provide solid evidence.

Downloads

Downloading things from the internet is a pretty normal thing for a lot of computer users. However if a person is downloading things from an unlawful website, that data can be used to bring those webmasters to justice.

Files

Any files stored on your computer can reveal a lot of information, e.g. when documents were created, who accessed them, what edits were made etc.

Choosing a computer forensics expert in Fort Worth Texas couldn’t be simpler with ICFECI. We have decades of experience in handing all manner of cell phone and computer forensics, as well as our expertise as certified fraud examiners. Get in touch today to see how we can help your case.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/how-computer-forensics-can-help-you/ 

WHAT IS MALINGERING?

When people talk about their mental state, we usually believe they are telling the truth. However when it comes to offenders, lying and exaggerating is common practice.

Feigning mental illness can form a strong defense. If the offender did not have mens rea (a Latin term for guilty mind, meaning someone didn’t understand what he was doing or that it was wrong), he may be found not guilty or given a lighter sentence.

Malingering is the name given to people deliberately fabricating or exaggerating symptoms, whether that be physical or mental. For example, someone may pretend to have a limp or pretend to experience hallucinations.

This may involve:

·       Dramatising the presentation or experience of symptoms.

·       Naming well known features of psychological disorders (e.g. hearing voices).

·       Deliberate and careful recounting of what’s happened.

·       Inconsistencies in what they describe vs what’s widely known about the psychological problem in question.

Defendants may believe they can have their case thrown out or get a shorter sentence if they’re considered mentally ill. For this reason, experts have to be on the lookout for any examples of malingering.

Assessments of mental states need to take into account whether an illness is being invented or faked in some way. The best way to do this is usually in the form of an intensive clinical interview, where the person is asked about their life and any issues that have affected him. The interviewer takes note not only of what they are saying, but how they communicate and how they present themselves.

Suspicions may be aroused if:

·       Rare symptoms are reported, especially if there are a lot of them.

·       Claiming a large number of symptoms. Severely ill patients usually only have a few serious symptoms.

·       Unusual and unlikely symptoms are reported.

·       There are inconsistencies with described symptoms.

People close to the offender dispute the symptoms. For example someone complaining of tremors that no one has seen.

If you suspect someone of malingering, gathering evidence is the best way to prove this. ICFECI can help with collecting data and information that will bring offenders to justice and get the sentence they deserve.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/what-is-malingering/

How Fraud Investigations Service Works In Texas?

Frauds are classified as White Collar Crimes that may be subject to civil and criminal litigation. An individual may knowingly or unknowingly misrepresent or conceal facts resulting in an unfair advantage to him or his organization but in a decided loss or harm to the victim. In clear terms, fraud is intent to deceive victims with the aim of deriving advantage and depriving them of their right.

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/certified-fraud-examiner/

ICFECI CAMPAIGNS FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL

The experts at ICFECI have seen a lot of cases over the years. Although the crimes, victims and evidence are ever changing, there are some concerning elements that reappear time and time again. One such factor is the type of people being tried, convicted and sentenced in criminal court on a regular basis – not just for allegedly disobeying the law, but because of who they are.

Poor people

Unfortunately it is often the case that the poorer members of society are prosecuted far more than their wealthier counterparts.

This is usually because legal representation is a huge financial burden. With the number of hours involved in a case and the level of expertise required, sadly it is often necessary for defendants to seek pro bono counsel or even represent themselves.

Being your own lawyer is risky not just due to a lack of legal knowledge and background, but also the possibility of incriminating yourself in the process.

If indigent suspects can afford legal representation, their lawyers may be offering lower rates due to inexperience or a limited record of success.

Wealthier people often have more education, power and resources at their disposal to ensure that arrests and convictions rarely occur.

Uneducated

In a similar way, the lack of ability the uneducated have makes them more susceptible to prosecution.

Anyone with limited legal experience cannot be expected to know how a criminal investigation works. This means that miscarriages of justice may go unnoticed and any protocols that were not followed can be swept under the carpet. If defendants knew about this ahead of time, trials could be avoided and sentences quashed.

Minorities

It’s no secret that minorities are disproportionately arrested and prosecuted. Black people are more than three times as likely to be killed by police than white people, and are also fives time more likely to be arrested compared to a white person. These rates are similar for Latino individuals and indigenous groups.

What emerges from these shocking statistics is a clear picture of discrimination, bias and injustice. Minority groups are unduly targeted and research has shown that these people often receive harsher sentences too.

Dan James and ICFECI are committed to providing fair representation to all. No matter your race, gender, background, education or class, we will work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.

If you suspect your case has been dealt with unfairly, we will do all we can to right that wrong and prove your innocence. Get in touch today to see how we can help your case.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/icfeci-campaigns-for-justice-for-all/

WHAT IS WHITE-COLLAR CRIME?

White-collar crime is a term used to describe illegal acts made by employees, corporations and business professionals. These non-violent crimes will typically involve deceit, secrecy and abuse of power and are usually motivated by financial gain or personal advantages.

Coined in 1939 by sociologist Edwin Sutherland, the name refers to “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation.” This can include fraud, insider trading, embezzlement, money laundering and wage theft amongst others.

Although these crimes may not be violent, that is not to say they are victimless. In fact, a single scam can bring a company to its knees, rob investors and bankrupt families. While a direct victim may not be hurt, these types of crimes can affect many people in different ways.

Various agencies work together to ensure white-collar crime is policed effectively. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) usually rely on organizations like the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to identify evidence and track investigations.

Ponzi scheme

One major example of white-collar crime is the infamous Ponzi scheme. Charles Ponzi started out as a poor immigrant in the 1920s, working odd jobs and doing two stints in jail before creating his multimillion-dollar scam.

Ponzi realized he could make a generous living by taking on ‘investors’. He would promise lucrative annual returns of 50 to 100 percent which encouraged many to part with their cash. However instead of investing the funds, Ponzi pocketed the money and only paid ‘returns’ to give the illusion of growth.

His scheme soon began to unravel when too many investors requested to withdraw their funds that the fraudster had already spent.

If you have any suspicions about colleagues or employees, ICFECI can help. We are experts in computer and cell phone forensics, while founder Dan James has been a Certified Fraud Examiner for over 25 years. We have decades of experience dealing with corporate crimes and fraud, with a track record of success in uncovering schemes and compiling evidence that will stand up in court.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/what-is-white-collar-crime/

HOW TO REQUEST FUNDING FOR INVESTIGATIVE, EXPERT, AND OTHER SERVICES NECESSARY FOR ADEQUATE REPRESENTATION

Preparing a budget for court appointed investigators and experts (in computer/cell phone forensics) can be difficult, especially if you don’t have much experience with it. Budgets are something we are all familiar with, but it’s hard to manage when you don’t know when and where funding will come from.

Dan James at the Institute of Computer Forensic Examinations and Criminal Investigations (ICFECI) is a resource to the CJA-Panel.

Dan has been in the field of computer forensics since 1968, giving him a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills required for world-class investigative work. Dan has also been a Certified Fraud Examiner for over 25 years. With more than 50 years of experience in planning, working and budgeting computer forensic examinations and criminal investigations, Dan has the know-how and wherewithal to manage funding in a professional and effective manner.

Looking to request funding?

The following information may help.

Go to: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/forms

Scroll all the way down to “C” for CJA 28 forms. These forms are available as pdfs for you to edit digitally or print out yourself. There are various forms catering to experts, attorneys, etc. so be sure to select the right one for you.

The CJA 28 form templates are simple and easy to use. What you may find difficult however knows how to determine time involved in types of forensic examinations and criminal investigations. Even more difficult is estimating time involved in “Mega Cases” in areas of forensic science.

If you’re new to the field or struggling with budgeting, Dan James can help. Having dealt with funding requests for the best part of 50 years, Dan knows all the tips and tricks to ensure your budget planning is effective, successful and straightforward. Get in touch with Dan at www.icfeci.com if you need any assistance or have any questions.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/how-to-request-funding-for-investigative-expert-and-other-services-necessary-for-adequate-representation/