Why P.I.s with Law Enforcement Backgrounds Make the Best Expert Witnesses

Posted by Pamela S. on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

Obtaining evidence is only one part of a very complex puzzle. All the evidence in the world is useless if it can’t stand up in court. An expert witness can back u

p the evidence and help you achieve a better outcome.

Many companies and individuals use private investigators to obtain evidence. Not all investigations are conducted for the purposes of litigation, however an investigation can provide evidence in the following matters:

• Various forms of fraud; corporate, mortgage, insurance, banking
• Non-compete violations, breach of contract, intellectual property, and other employment issues such as workers’ compensation fraud, benefits fraud, theft and financial crimes
• Personal issues such as divorce and custody

An investigation provides direct and indirect evidence in the following ways:

• Interviews and statements from witnesses
• Hearsay evidence
• Similar fact evidence
• Factual presumptions
• Documentary evidence
• Video and audio evidence
• Physical evidence, such as DNA, digital evidence

Not everyone makes a good witness. You can be a great investigator in the field and freeze up on the witness stand if you aren’t comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people. Most people, even professionals, don’t have the skills or influence of a public speaker. When you are also being interrogated by a brilliant lawyer, it can be daunting. Private investigators with a background in law enforcement understand the legal system and have

substantial experience testifying in court.

A private investigator with expert witness experience will ensure that your evidence is seen in the best light. When you need a professional to provide expert witness testimony or give an expert opinion on a particular subject, a private investigator can recommend a professional with expertise in the appropriate field, such as:

• Technical or scientific opinions
• Forensic accounting
• IT
• Health and safety
• Document examination
• Accident reconstruction

A good investigator knows that their evidence will have to withstand the scrutiny of court. An expert witness can also offer an opinion in a case where they are not hired by a party of the proceedings in the original investigation, depending on their expertise.

Tom Sheer and the team at Sheer Investigations have a wealth of court experience, as former law enforcement; FBI, DEA, IRS and Secret Service, and as private investigators.

Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Sheer has recruited the best from the FBI, DEA, IRS and Secret Service to build a formidable team at Sheer Investigations. Our private investigators have the sensitivity and experience to handle the most delicate investigations.