ABSTRACT
Why is it important to discuss “basics” in a text on “advanced” techniques? My experience has been that many detectives and investigators never master the basics for one reason or another. One reason is that they are never properly trained. Many agencies do not select detectives or investigators based upon merit, but on seniority, that is, if they put in enough time on the job, they are selected. Most detectives chosen in this manner argue that they are selected because of their experience. However, often a claim of 20 years of experience is nothing more than one year of experience 20 times.
