Practical Investigation Techniques is useful for new as well as veteran investigators to establish a practical standard for conducting a wide range of diverse criminal investigations.

Introduction: Motivation for Today's Crime. Interrelationship of Crime and Drugs. Steps Needed to Conduct a Successful Investigation. Administrators: How to Get Permission to Continue. Mind Set of the Investigator. Creativity in Law Enforcement. Role of the Investigator. Criminal Investigator. How to Identify Targets. Receipt and Validation of Information: Sources of Information: Outside Law Enforcement Sources. Dealing with Informants. Validation of Information. Bank Records. Appendices. Civil Forfeiture: Why Use Civil Forfeiture. Advantages of Civil Forfeiture. Federal Forfeitures. Planning for the Seizure of Property. Shoplifting: Habitual Shoplifters. Steps to Be Taken to Attack the Problem. Benefits of a Coalition for Law Enforcement. Benefits of a Coalition for Businesses. Security and Loss Prevention Surveys. Case Examples of Informants: Shoplifter. Shoplifter and Narcotics. Tavern Fencing. Employee Theft. Sports Bookmaking Investigation. Employee Theft and Fencing Stolen Property. NSF Checks. How to Chart Investigations: Qualities of an Infiltration Specialist. Cover Story. Role Camouflage. Infiltration Techniques. Covert Equipment. Surveillance. Types of Surveillance. Air Coverage. Important Surveillance Tips. Preparation for Surveillance: How Do You Begin? Appendices. Search Warrants: Probable Cause Development. Search Warrants. Appendix. Auto Theft: What Is Auto Theft? What Is the First Step? Type of Investigation. Case Examples: Car-Jacking. Vehicle Theft Ring. Vehicle Theft. Bad Checks: Case Examples: Check Fraud. Stolen Cashier's Checks. Counterfeit Clothing: A Case Example. Credit Cards: Case Examples: Employee Theft. Stolen Credit Card Delivery. Credit Card Fraud (1). Credit Card (2). Fencing Stolen Property: Goals. Job Description. How to Attack the Problem. Case Example: Buying Stolen Property (1). Case Examples: Fencing Operation. Buying Stolen Property (2). Fencing Stolen Property. Employee Theft. Murder for Hire: Case Examples: Wife Filing for D