UNITED STATES ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS (USAPI) press release, Web Mystery Magazine, Fall 2005

The United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Begins Accepting Membership Applications

"If you want to be a certified investigator the BCPI® (Board Certified Professional Investigator) designation will be the most sought after credential in the industry." Warren J. Sonne, President USAPI

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 2005)—The United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI), an organization that provides education, training and benefits to it's members across the full spectrum of investigative specialties has begun accepting membership applications, announced Warren J. Sonne, President. Sonne, a retired NYPD Detective who has spent more than thirty years in law enforcement and private sector investigations, has brought together some of the most widely recognized experts in the field of forensics, criminology, insurance, intelligence, civil, and other specialties to establish a first of its kind Certification Board.

According to Dr. Henry C. Lee, the world-renowned forensic scientist, author and consultant, "USAPI is a long overdue credentialing and educating organization. The concept of the "professional investigator," will benefit both law enforcement and non-law enforcement investigators by providing cutting edge technology, and training. I look forward to working with USAPI to develop training programs and educational seminars long into the future."

Lee, who has accepted a position on USAPI's Certification Board, joins other notable investigative experts including Lt. Vernon Geberth of "Practical Homicide Investigations"; Michael Ronczkowski, author of "Terrorism and Organized Hate Crimes"; Barry Zalma, Esq., insurance claims and fraud expert; Dr. Maurice Godwin, investigative psychologist, criminologist and author; Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM, owner of Hetherington Information Services;and Rory McMahon, educator and private investigator, among others.

"USAPI will not lump all investigators into one category," says Sonne, "but instead, our programs will provide world-class training and certification to the various specialties within our profession in much the same way that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) "board certifies" doctors. Our Certification Board members will offer our membership the finest instruction available. If you want to be a certified investigator, the BCPI® (Board Certified Professional Investigator) designation will be the most sought after credential in the industry.

USAPI is currently partnering with Nova Southeastern Universities "Criminal Justice Institute," and with the "Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science" at the University of New Haven, to develop seminar and on- site and distance learning courses for professional investigators.

Memberships will be available at Full, Associate,Student, and Corporate levels, all of which will include an extensive benefits package.

For more information about joining visit the Website www.USAPI.org, or contact info@USAPI.org or call 866.95.USAPI.