Gathering information is an important first step, no matter your investigation type. Due diligence, surveillance, skip tracing/locates, and interviewing witnesses require researching and getting smarter before taking action.

But where do you start? What techniques help you target what you need while navigating the problems of too much information, too little, or answers that don’t address your questions? And how do you translate findings into something you can use?

In this course, Marcy Phelps, the former librarian turned private investigator specializing in investigative research, shares a three-step process that helps you get better results in less time. Whether digging deep or doing a quick first pass, learn the best approach for better investigations anytime you need information to solve a problem or answer a question.

 Learning Objectives

• Recognize how a research process improves your results and saves time.
• Discover how to prepare for your search to stay focused and organized.
• Identify best practices for targeted, efficient online and primary information gathering.
• Explore how to transform your findings into actionable information and avoid sending a data dump to your client.

Course Outline

Introduction
Why?
Research Secrets- Prepare
Research Secrets – Prepare (Cont’d)
Research Secrets – Search
Research Secrets – Search (Cont’d)
Research Secrets – Action
Summary

Supporting Downloadable/Printable Materials:
Research Secrets: Slide Deck/Handout
Research Secrets: Glossary
Research Secrets: Evaluating Websites/Checklist

ASSESSMENT/QUIZ

Key features of this course include:

• 1 hour of video lecture with practical and engaging content
• Content authored by experts in their field
• Quiz/assessment (unlimited attempts)
• Certificate of completion