Private Investigators Hndbk

For all you PIs and wannabees, The PI Handbook tells you everything you _really_ need to know about the business. Not that you're ready to open that seedy little office and hire a sexy secretary when you finish, but if you ever wondered how to run a three-person surveillance on foot, this is the book for you. Dr. Gavin covers everything from setting up a van for covert surveillance to combating industrial espionage. He touches on computer security and how to penetrate computer systems, map reading and orientation, disguises, radio call signs and how to, uh, maintain regularity while on stakeout for days. (Hint: Eat lots of dried fruit.) He even incorporates a section on fitness for the private operative. Gavin is a former Royal Marine, police officer and social worker, currently operating his own investigation company based in Britain. While this 190 page book is not comprehensive in every aspect of the business, there's enough gritty technique to inspire the amateur or flesh out that PI story you've been working on. Although the references to various legal issues are strictly from a British point of view, the techniques are applicable anywhere. (Gavin even discusses assignments overseas.)

I found this a user friendly, well illustrated, and interesting handbook, covering techniques for surveillence, and other useful information to give insight and practical help in the fascinating world of private investigation.