Adavanced Diploma Training

Canada’s rich legal history originates from many different sources. Criminal laws protect members of society who might otherwise be vulnerable to abuse. Whether dealing with fraud, thefts or assault, criminal laws help protect the vulnerable. Private investigators should be familiar with the Canadian Criminal Code. The Criminal Code is the main source of criminal laws in Canada. Private investigators also work with provincial statutes such occupier liability and trespass to property law. Understanding the nature and classification of offences is essential. Also essential is an understanding of the elements of an offence. This program covers these areas. Also taught is a distinction between the work of private investigator and that of police. Both branches are essential to the protection of society, but their approach and priorities can often be very different.

An industrial undercover investigation relies on a private investigator’s ability to blend into a role. Usually, the role is that of an ordinary worker. But there is nothing ordinary about this branch of a private investigator’s work. Through interaction with suspected employees, the investigator can collect evidence identifying internal problems. These problems can include time theft and safety violations. They may surround pilferage or theft. They might involve internal spying or collusion. The work of an undercover investigator can be crucial to the success of the organization and well-being of the majority of its employees.

Commercial businesses are the target of retail thieves. Some sources peg Canadian retail losses at six to 10 million dollars per day. And according to some, nearly a third of all thefts are the result of dishonest employees. Private investigators and loss prevention professionals are responsible for helping control the problem. By learning to identify criminal behaviour, private investigators can help identify potential thieves. By knowing relevant provisions of the criminal code, investigators can apprehend suspects. And by knowing rules of evidence collection, investigators can help in successful prosecutions.

According to the criminal code, surreptitious interception of private communication is an offence. In fact, it can be a criminal offence to possess a device the design of which renders it primarily useful for bugging. Unfortunately, declaring something an offence does not make it particularly difficult to do. Think of all the electronics around us every day and how, with little effort, common items could be used for an illegal purpose. Private investigators should understand privacy, and how to help clients protect theirs. Whether conducting routine sweeps or examining state-of-the-art methodologies, privacy protection is essential to client security.

Every private investigator must know how to collect and manage evidence. Whether preserving a physical exhibit or managing sensitive video recordings. Private investigators must master the rules of continuity and preservation of evidence. They must be familiar with production rules. They must be careful in maintaining accurate logs. They must be skilled at documenting even minute facts. And today more than ever, they must appreciate the scientific value of evidence. All evidence must be collected with a view towards ensuring admissibility. This section of the course focuses on effective evidence gathering.

Presenting evidence in court is the investigator’s opportunity to have a real impact on the justice system. Private investigators need to provide clear and concise testimony. Understanding the rules of evidence is an important start. Private investigators must also understand stages of court examinations. For example, what is cross-examination and how it differs from other forms of questioning. This section of the program introduces students to the court system. Recognizing the varied stages of criminal or civil proceedings is important. Also important is ensuring investigators are well prepared for their role within the justice system.