Larsen: Real-life PI Work Not Made for TV

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - The Daily Nonpareil ran a profile of private investigator Dan Larsen, a former undercover officer with the Council Bluffs Police Department. In 1989, Larsen opened his own PI firm, Evidence, Inc. Much of his work revolves around child custody cases. One of the more interesting things about the Larsen profile is his view of TV. Larsen doesn't’t think much of PI shows that suggest the profession is all about style, stealing records and bossing police around. In fact, Larsen spearheaded an effort opposing “Snoops,” a 1999 David Kelly TV show.

Alternate Defenders Names Investigator as Award Winner

MARIN, CA - This year’s recipient of the A. Leonard Bjorklund Jr. award is San Rafael private investigator Denise Garety. Alternate Defenders Inc. awards this honor each year to those who offer excellence in representing indigent defendants. The award is named in the memory of a Marin, CA lawyer. Alternate Defenders Inc. is a nonprofit group offering attorneys for indigent defendants. Garety shares the honor with Tiburon attorney Tracy Barrett.

PIs Hired by Parents in India

INDIA - In India, the tradition of arranged marriages continues to be popular. However, the way that prospective spouses find each other has changed. At one time, family connections decided a future spouse, today many families go online to find partners for their children. This new technology has created an increased demand for PIs, hired by families to determine whether online profiles are true. Some PIs in India have reported that demand for services has doubled as the middle classes – and not just the wealthy – turn to detectives.

New Laws for Security Guards and PIs in Canada

CANADA - Ontario has passed new rules for private investigators and security guards. The new rules will affect armored car guards and security consultants, alarm installers and locksmiths, all of whom will have to undergo the type of testing and training that security guards and private investigators always have had. PIs and security guards now will face two classes of licensing and those who may have to use force as part of their work will need additional training, as well. PIs and guards annually will have to renew licenses.

PIs Tape Athens Fires

GREECE - A fire that destroyed the old Butler Furniture building in Athens was captured on tape by two PIs. The tapes were brought into a local television station and could eventually become important in determining whether the fire was deliberate or not. Dwight Posey, II and a fellow investigator happened to be near the fire when it was raging. They captured approximately 11 minutes on tape, most of it after the initial 911 call was made.

Attorney: Vandal Guilty of "Felony Stupid"

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - Darren Thiesen is a vandal who was caught on tape breaking into and burglarizing a Hayden private investigations firm, Confidential Investigations. Thiesen’s own attorney has said his client committed “a felony stupid.” Thiesen was arrested for felony malicious injury to property and felony burglary in January, after surveillance tapes from Confidential Investigations were released to the media. The tapes show Thiesen looking right into the security camera and trying to paint the lens.