Comments on: Do Former Law Enforcement Officers Make Better Forensic Accountants?

By: Darren Chaker

Darren Chaker — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:06:34 +0000

Depending on the focus of the former law enforcement agent’s training and agency, I imagine such experience would be a sought after asset. If a corrections officer or other municipal police officer takes an interest in forensic accounting, then such prior experience is likely not be such an asset as a former IRS or federal agent whose primary function at one time was to investigate financials of laundering operation, Enron, cartel, or other sophisticated criminal network.

By: Jerry Goddard

Jerry Goddard — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:13:54 +0000

I agree. I was just bucking at the generalities. Generalities, here’s one. I have rarely, very rarely, found a Federal investigator who could actually think independantly. That, IMO, is because there are such restrictions on them. It takse, sometimes, weeks for them to get approval for investigative techniques, search and arrest warrants, etc. There is WAY to much reliance on lawyers… most of whom have very little or no real world experience.

OK, I’m done.

By: Brian Willingham

Brian Willingham — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:24:49 +0000

Doesn’t seem like we are that far apart Jerry. It’s a bit hit or miss. But I think related experience is key; not just experience for the sake of experience.

By: Tracy Coenen

Tracy Coenen — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:56:23 +0000

Jerry – I think we’re on the same page. The thing I wish people wouldn’t do is assume that “former federal agent” is some stamp of approvals and means that quality is assured. It’s simply not the case.

You’re right, it’s very individual. And I hope clients would take the time to research their experts and investigators before retaining anyone.

By: Jerry Goddard

Jerry Goddard — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:44:32 +0000

If we were in court… “objection, your Honor, assumes a fact not in evidence”.
I have come to respect you as a blogger. Some good opinions, some I disagree with. Whatever. I’m not walking in your shoes, your experience. And, by the way, you aren’t walking in mine, or Brian’s, or the FBI investigator, etc. etc. You might be a good investigator, but then you might just be…
I’d suggest that it’s more about experience and less about the entity one worked for and was trained by… but then what the individual does with that training and experience is actually critical. I spent a career in law enforcement, mostly working narcotics on the West coast. Thereafter I owned and operated a fraud and financial investigation firm. I’ve seen incredible investigators from local jurisdictions. I’ve seen FBI investigators who have to be told what to do step by step, and had great difficulty finding their way home at night… and a few good ones. I’ve testified as an expert with CPA / CFE as opposing parties, and I win. But most of that is about the case and not the person. My opinion is that the result is in smaller part the benefit of the training but in large part about the desire, drive and experience of the individual.
I completely agree regarding your conclusions about IRS agents. I once worked in an IRS/DEA/Customs/FBI task force. I would add that your conclusions are also accurate across the board in other agencies, AND about CPA’s generally. BUT there are very competent investigators in each of those agencies too.
My opinion is that while I might agree in part with your statement: “There is simply no relationship between being (a) former law enforcement (investigator) and being a good forensic accountant or fraud investigator”. That is way too myopic a view of the issue. Experience is key, some have it some don’t. CPA’s, Fraud Investigator, FBI agents, etc. included. HOWEVER, if you take two warm bodies doing the work, one with law enforcement experience and the other without, the one with the experience will always come out ahead.
Even non-bloggers get to have opinions… and sometimes they are right!

By: Brian Willingham

Brian Willingham — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Happy to give you some inspiration Tracy!