Investigator and Fraud Fighter Guidebook: Operation War Stories

Conclusion

The previous pages have provided guidance on how to plan and conduct thorough and complete investigations drawn from my own 30-plus years of professional investigative experience. I recognize that every investigation cannot be initiated or conducted with the intent of immediately expanding the investigative effort. However, after reading and absorbing the information provided, you will at least now be able to think along those lines most of the time. Even time-sensitive investigations can be expanded on later when time and resources permit.

Exhibit C.1 outlines the, “Piper Method” of conducting thorough and complete investigations. It can serve as a guide for your future investigative efforts.

Application of the methodologies, techniques, and/or guidance described in this book, combined with other experience and training, should greatly benefit not only investigators and fraud fighters but also their agencies and organizations as well as the individuals and assets being protected.

Whenever possible, investigators and fraud fighters should strive to kill two birds with one stone and avoid reinventing the wheel. By maximizing the use of resources and minimizing expenditures, you'll be able to get more bang for your buck. By conducting investigations with strong ethics and a commitment to the cause, you'll be able to walk the walk and talk the talk. Remember: “A good investigator can connect the dots, but a great investigator can find the dots to connect.”

Exhibit C.1 ...