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Insights into our methods and our mindset. Or just what we find interesting.

June 18, 2024

Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing: Why There’s No Substitute for Primary Sources

As investigators, we often use commercial public record databases as a jumping-off tool when conducting investigations. Their vast reserves of data can help us start to connect the dots efficiently and see…

May 1, 2024

'Morgenthau' Author Andrew Meier to Speak at Union League Event April 25

The evening, moderated by Bethany McLean, will include a discussion with Meier on current events in the U.S. and Russia as well as his most recent work, Morgenthau: Power, Privilege and the Rise of an American…

April 2, 2024

For Facts’ Sake: Navigating the Murky World of Online Misinformation

The Internet is awash in misinformation but it also happens to be the greatest fact-checking tool in history – if you know how to use it properly. When it comes to fact-checking information found online my…

March 14, 2024

Using FOIAs to Unlock Hidden Information

From uncovering a public university’s report outlining allegations of sexual abuse, to obtaining government emails describing safety concerns at a location of interest, public records laws have allowed my…

January 9, 2024

Stalking is More Common Than You Might Think

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, but stalking is, of course, a year-round problem. In a 2016/2017 survey conducted by the CDC, one in three women and one in six men reported they had been…

November 17, 2023

When Is Too Good To Be True Too Good To Be True?

International Fraud Awareness Week, brainchild of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, a trade group combining forensic accountants, computer forensics professionals, investigators and other research…

October 13, 2023

Believe it or Not, Skepticism Is More Important Than Ever

In Chicago news industry lore there’s an old saying: “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” It’s a great reminder that no matter what you think you may know, it’s always best to get confirmation.…

September 22, 2023

The Comma Sutra: For Private investigators, Punctuation Can Be a Special Friend

Contrary to what many might believe about a day in the life of a corporate investigator, it isn’t all secret spy stuff, and it can often be quite the opposite that helps us crack a case. This weekend…

September 18, 2023

Life, Death, and Detective Work: How 'I Do's and Adieus Aid Investigations

On this date, September 18, in 1851, the first edition of the paper now known as The New York Times was published. It included reference to the marriage of Sarah Mullett and John Grant, informing readers the…

August 18, 2023

Catching a Fraudster: Scamanda Podcast Teaches Investigative Lessons

I love a good true crime podcast, so when a friend recommended Scamanda to me recently, I immediately started listening. The podcast tells the true story of bubbly and charismatic Amanda Riley who kept a…

August 1, 2023

The World Wide Web is a Great Investigative Tool – Except When It’s Not

The World Wide Web – which, like so many things these days, somehow has a day declared in its honor (August 1) – has revolutionized the way all of us search for information, amateur and professional…

May 25, 2023

Mental Health Records Pose a Challenge to Private Investigators

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to step back and appreciate the progress our country has made in destigmatizing a condition that was once seen as a personal weakness or failing. In…

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