Private investigators slinking in dark corners waiting to pick up their ‘target’ is confined to the movies and nothing like the modern professional if a new book edited by an investigation expert at Charles Sturt University (CSU) is any indication.

 

Dr Hank Prunckun’s book, Intelligence and Private Investigation published by Charles C Thomas Ltd, shows how private investigation has grown, particularly since the ‘9/11’ terrorist attack, into an exacting, sophisticated occupation.

 

Dr Prunckun, who is Associate Professor of Intelligence Analysis with CSU’s Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS), investigated private intelligence practiced by operatives other than law enforcement, national security, or the military.

 

Eleven world experts contributed chapters addressing key issues concerning the skills, abilities and knowledge necessary for success in private intelligence.

 

“The early chapters outline the present status of intelligence and overview specific issues in private intelligence, Dr Prunckun said.

 

“We then progress through major topics such as fraud intelligence, ‘open source’ intelligence, anti-terrorist and anti-gang intelligence, counterintelligence, clandestine communication methods, preparing a prosecution brief, legal issues for intelligence-led private investigators, and ethical issues for intelligence-led private investigators.

 

Other experts from CSU’s AGSPS also wrote chapters for the book:

“The clear, concise text in Intelligence and Private Investigation provides a foundation of practical and useful information, with study and revision questions included for students in private investigation courses as well as intelligence practitioners,” Dr Prunckun said.