Portland Oregon Private Investigators

Rupert Murdoch - Persona non grata

2011-07-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Phone hacking: 9/11 victims 'may have had mobiles tapped by News of the World reporters'

DESPERATE Rupert Murdoch yesterday flew to London to try to save his crumbling empire.

He arrived in a cowboy-style hat to be hit by claims News of the World reporters hacked the phones of 9/11 victims.

Murdoch held talks with News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks, amid fears nine staff and three cops may face jail.

HIS media empire is crashing around him, he’s just shut down a scandal-hit newspaper and his BSkyB bid is in tatters, but Rupert Murdoch still came out grinning yesterday.

And this cosy picture of him giving his backing to smiling Rebekah Brooks will no doubt infuriate the 200 loyal staff at the defunct News of the World who were sacrificed while she clung to her job.

As Labour leader Ed Miliband vowed to scupper Mr Murdoch’s bid to own all of BSkyB, the News Corp boss seemed to brush off his troubles to joke with the under-fire News International chief executive – who was editor when murdered teenager Milly Dowler’s phone was hacked. Asked what his first priority was, he gestured at Mrs Brooks and said: “This one.”

Mr Murdoch arrived in London yesterday, wearing a Panama hat and clutching a final copy of the News of the World, in a bid to save his crumbling organisation after the phone-hacking scandal saw the 168-year-old paper axed.

But he flew straight into another storm as it was claimed 9/11 victims may have had their mobiles tapped by News of the World reporters. And there was more bad news when it was revealed nine reporters allegedly at the centre of the phone scandal and claims of police corruption could face jail, along with three officers.

After he spent time at News International’s Wapping HQ in East London, 80-year-old Mr Murdoch held crisis talks with Mrs Brooks, 43 - who denies any knowledge of the Milly phone tapping - at his home in Mayfair.

Read more...

PDX P.I. Now offers Surveillance Services

2011-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

PDX P.I. located in Portland Oregon has expanded it's services to include surveillance. PDX P.I. has a long standing history of excellence in investigative services. Accordingly, to better serve our clients, we now offer surveillance investigations.

AUDIO: Higher Parking At Jeld Wen Field - NewsRadio 750 KXL

2011-03-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

AUDIO: Higher Parking At Jeld Wen Field - NewsRadio 750 KXL

Cell Phone Spying

2011-01-21T22:24:00.000-08:00

OSP TROOPER'S HEAD-ON CRASH REMINDER TO ALL MOTORISTS OF WINTER DRIVING CHALLENGES

2010-10-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

On January 7, 2010 at about 8:22 a.m. OSP Trooper Josh Nagle was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 10 during icy conditions enroute to a reported injury traffic crash on Santiam Pass when the driver of an eastbound pickup lost control and traveled across the centerline. Nagle, who had been with OSP for one year, steered to the right shoulder in an attempt to avoid the oncoming out-of-control pickup but was struck nearly head-on. After the initial impact, a dump truck following Nagle's patrol car struck the rear of the involved pickup.

Bend Fire Department personnel spent about 30 minutes using ‘Jaws of Life' to extricate Nagle before he and the other driver were transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with non-life threatening injuries.

An investigation by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office concluded with the other driver being cited and convicted for Failure to Maintain a Lane of Travel.

"We are thankful this crash wasn't a fatal reminder and that both drivers recovered from their injuries. We hope this video reminds everyone to use your safety restraints and to be aware at all times, especially when winter and wet weather conditions can make driving challenging for anyone," said Superintendent Chris Brown.

OSP and ODOT urge everyone to prepare now for winter driving, following the tips and useful resources mentioned Monday in ODOT's news release:

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/10_25_2010_winter_driving_tips.shtml

"Now is the time for all drivers to get prepared and for car owners to make sure your vehicles are winter-ready to travel safely on our roads," said Brown.

Links to photograph taken at Trooper Nagle's crash are also provided with this release.

Photograph Sources: Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

PPB AND DISNEY ON ICE HALLOWEEN SAFETY EVENT

2010-10-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PPB AND DISNEY ON ICE HALLOWEEN SAFETY EVENT
Posted: October 27th, 2010 4:43 PM
Photo/sound file: HERE

Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate! will be making an ordinary day extraordinary for a group of local 4th and 5th graders that are being invited to attend a special "Let's Celebrate Safety!" event at the main stage of the Rose Garden.

Members of the Portland Police Bureau will be on-hand teaching important Halloween safety tips to kids before they head out for trick-or-treating activities this coming weekend.

Students will visit safety booths, receive safety related items and tips, along with healthy snacks. The event continues with a special appearance by Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse for a group picture they'll never forget! As an added bonus, the group will enjoy an spook-tacular Halloween performance featuring several of everyone's favorite Disney Villains from Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate!

Where: Rose Garden Arena
When: Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 1:00 p.m.

Covering media are invited to arrive at 12:45 p.m.

See attached flyer for additional event information.

Ex-OLCC worker accused in identity theft to change plea to guilty, court records show

2010-10-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Bulgarian national accused of using a stolen name to take a job with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will plead guilty next week to at least one federal crime, according to court records.

Doitchin Krastev is scheduled to change his plea before U.S. District Judge James A. Redden in Portland on Nov. 3.

Government prosecutors accuse Krastev of two felony crimes: making a false statement on a passport, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft, which carries a two-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Krastev came to the United States as a student in the late 1990s and later attended college before vanishing. He eventually surfaced in Colorado using the name Daniel Kaiser.

Fourteen years ago, the computer-savvy Bulgarian began going as Jason Robert Evers, according to the government. The real Jason Evers was 3 years old in 1982, when he was kidnapped and murdered near his Ohio home.

Krastev solidified his new name by obtaining a birth certificate, Social Security number, Oregon driver's license, voter registration and passport in the name of Jason Robert Evers, according to public records and government accounts.

Using the name Evers, Krastev went to work eight years ago for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. He became a rising star as an inspector and investigator for the state agency that regulates alcohol sales.

His ruse was undone last spring, when the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service ran the identifications of dead Americans with a database of new passport applications. Agents soon arrested Krastev, who for a time refused to provide his real name out of what he described as "safety issues."

After his arrest, Krastev resigned from the liquor control commission.

Last summer, a federal granted Krastev's request to be married while he awaited trial in the Inverness Jail in Portland. But it appears Krastev hasn't yet filed the paperwork that would allow a member of the clergy to preside over the marriage inside the jail, according to Lt. Mary Lindstrand, a spokeswoman for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

Krastev's immigration status remains in question, too. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined comment on the case Monday. But the agency typically waits until after a foreigner pleads guilty to a crime before deciding whether to begin deportation proceedings.

Bryan Denson, The Oregonian

TWO 16-YEAR-OLDS INDICTED FOR GANG-RELATED SHOOTING

2010-10-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
TWO 16-YEAR-OLDS INDICTED FOR GANG-RELATED SHOOTING
Posted: October 21st, 2010 11:57 AM

On Wednesday October 20, 2010, a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted 16-year-old Antonio Leron Cabine Jr. and 16-year-old Ryan O'Neill Davis-Pinney on charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Both suspects are presently in custody at the Multnomah County Juvenile Detention Center.

On October 12, Portland Police Gang Detectives arrested Cabine in Portland, while Davis-Pinney was arrested in Vancouver, Washington in a joint operation with the Portland Police Bureau, Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

This investigation began on Tuesday October 5, at approximately 2:12 p.m., after Portland Police officers responded to the 4600 Block of Northeast Rodney Avenue on the report of a subject shot. Officers arrived and located Antonio Cabine shot in both legs. Cabine was transported to an area hospital to be treated for non-life threatening gunshot wounds. Cabine told police that he was walking on the sidewalk when a vehicle drove by and fired several shots at him, striking him twice.

The suspect vehicle in this shooting was later found and seized as evidence. Detectives learned that Cabine had attended the funeral of 19-year-old Andre Payton held earlier in the afternoon.

During the course of the investigation, Detectives learned that the Cabine, along with Ryan Davis-Pinney had committed a drive-by shooting shortly before Cabine was shot and it appears that Cabine was shot in retaliation for the first shooting. The first shooting occurred at a residence located in the 3800 Block of North Gantenbein Avenue. Nobody was injured in the first shooting.

Cabine was arrested by Detectives after his release from the hospital and he was booked into the Multnomah County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Davis-Pinney was initially lodged in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center but since has been transferred to the Multnomah County Juvenile Detention Center.

Detectives from the Portland Police Gang Enforcement Team continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting of Antonio Cabine on Northeast Rodney Avenue and ask that anyone with information on that shooting to call Detective Todd Gradwahl at (503) 823-2056.

PIO or Assistant Chief of Investigations available for media interviews.

PORTLAND POLICE DETECTIVES RESPOND TO INVESTIGATE A SUSPICIOUS DEATH

2010-10-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND POLICE DETECTIVES RESPOND TO INVESTIGATE A SUSPICIOUS DEATH
Posted: October 21st, 2010 9:36 AM

At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, October 21, 2010, Portland Police Officers responded at the request of Portland Fire Bureau and Medical personnel to Southwest 1st Avenue and Southwest Sheridan Street on a deceased male. Portland Police Homicide Detectives have been called to the scene to begin an investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of this victim. Portland Police Spokesman, Sgt. Simpson, is enroute and media staging will be at Southwest Arthur Street and Southwest 1st Avenue.

PORTLAND POLICE CHIEF TO RUN IN PORTLAND HALF MARATHON

2010-10-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND POLICE CHIEF TO RUN IN PORTLAND HALF MARATHON
Posted: October 8th, 2010 12:11 PM

Portland Police Chief Michael Reese is running the Portland Half Marathon on Sunday October 10, 2010 to raise funds for the Mounted Patrol Unit. The total amount pledged to date for Chief Reese and the Mounted Patrol now reaches to more than $18,000 nearly reaching the Friends of the Mounted Patrol's (FMP) goal of $20,000. A number of individuals and organizations have stepped up as part of this effort including a $10,000 donation from downtown Portland‟s Clean & Safe District.

In August of this year, the Portland Marathon announced the FMP would be an official charity of the Portland Marathon. Chief Reese and Sergeant Franz Schoening signed up to run the Half Marathon to raise money for the FMP. The back of the medal for this year‟s Half Marathon will have an engraved image of a mounted patrol officer and horse. In addition, the Kid's Run and Festival at Lincoln High School will give proceeds from their event to the Friends of Portland's Mounted Patrol.

"We are grateful to the Clean & Safe District and our many other donors for supporting the Mounted Patrol Unit as their board clearly understands the important role the unit plays in keeping downtown safe," said Bob Ball, board member of the FMP.

"We also want to thank all of our other supporters who have gone to the Portland Marathon website to contribute money to the Mounted Patrol Unit. Of course, none of this would be possible without the Portland Marathon."

"The Mounted Patrol is one of our important partners in making Downtown Portland a safe place for everyone who enjoys downtown," said Michelle Martin, chair of the Clean & Safe board of directors and a senior property manager with Ashforth Pacific. "We know that budgets are tight and we hope that these funds can help the unit keep up its good work."

The public can donate to support Chief Reese running in the Half Marathon by going to the following link: http://www.active.com/donate/mountedpatrol. You do not have to be a marathon participant to donate or fundraise for the MPU. The Kid's Run and Festival will be on Saturday, October 9 at Lincoln High School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the Half Marathon will be on Sunday, October 10 starting at 7:00 a.m.

About FMP
The FMP is a private, nonprofit group that offers financial aid to the Police Bureau's Mounted Patrol Unit. In addition, the group assists the MPU as needed in all aspects of its operations. The FMP recently gave $100,000 to the City of Portland to prevent the elimination of the MPU from the City of Portland's budget and committed to raise additional money in support of the MPU.

About Clean & Safe District
The Clean & Safe District was created more than 20 years ago to support additional cleaning and security in the central city. The district, funded by downtown property owners and managers, includes 213 blocks in the central city, and also supports market research and retail recruitment and retention efforts. The district is managed by the Portland Business Alliance under the direction of the district's board of directors.

Sent out by the Portland Police Bureau on behalf of the Friends of the Mounted Patrol.

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau

2010-10-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
CRIME STOPPERS CASE #10-42 HIT AND RUN
Posted: October 8th, 2010 8:08 AM

***SEE MEDIA VICTIM INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY BELOW***

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is asking for your help in solving a hit and run accident that occurred on September 20, 2010.

On Monday September 20, 2010, at approximately 4:22 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to a residence in the 2800 Block of Southeast 153rd Avenue on the report of a hit and run accident involving a female in a wheelchair. Officers contacted 62-year-old Melinda Barnett at her residence where they learned that Ms. Barnett was on her way home from a coffee shop at Southeast 162nd Avenue and Division Street when she was struck by a dark-colored older car pulling out of a driveway. The vehicle then left the area without contacting Ms. Barnett.

Ms. Barnett was in her electric wheelchair traveling westbound on the south side of Southeast Division Street in the bike lane. Ms. Barnett saw a vehicle pulling out of the driveway to the Tall Firs Mobile Home and RV Park at 15656 Southeast Division Street when she was struck. Ms. Barnett told police that the driver told her that he would follow her home but after she passed by, the driver turned westbound on Division and continued past Ms. Barnett.

Although Ms. Barnett was not knocked out of her wheelchair, she suffered serious injuries to both of her legs, including a broken right leg.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored older American-made sedan driven by a 45-year-old white mal with medium length dark hair and possibly wearing glasses.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony crime. Callers can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP (4357) or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com.

Ms. Barnett has been hospitalized and in rehabilitation since the accident. She is available for media interviews today (Friday October 8, 2010) at 10:30 a.m., at the Park Forest Rehabilitation Center, located at 8643 Northeast Beech Street. Media wishing to interview Ms. Barnett is asked to coordinate that through Nancy Leisheit at (503) 256-2151.

Investigator:
Officer Peter Kurronen
Portland Police Bureau
(503) 823-2208

Crime Stoppers Coordinator:
Sergeant Pete Simpson
Portland Police Bureau
(503) 823-0830

PORTLAND POLICE INVESTIGATING A SHOOTING IN NE PORTLAND

2010-10-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND POLICE INVESTIGATING A SHOOTING IN NE PORTLAND
Posted: October 5th, 2010 2:37 PM

This afternoon, Tuesday October 5, 2010 at approximately 2:12 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to the 4600 Block of Northeast Rodney Avenue on the report of a subject shot. Officers from North Precinct and the Gang Enforcement Team have responded and are beginning the investigation.

Portland Police PIO Lt. Kelli Sheffer is enroute to the scene and will meet media at Northeast Mallory Avenue and Going Street.

PORTLAND SCHOOL POLICE ARREST EXPOSER

2010-10-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND SCHOOL POLICE ARREST EXPOSER
Posted: October 5th, 2010 1:40 PM

Today, Tuesday October 5, 2010 at 12:15 p.m., Portland Police Officers arrested 39-year-old Pedro Prieto-Enriquez for one count of Public Indecency. This arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation that began with last week's reports of a male exposing himself to Hosford Middle School children.

On Monday September 27, 2010 between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., a subject was observed openly masturbating in his vehicle parked near Southeast 26th Avenue and Grant Street in view of the public. Four female students from Hosford Middle School walked past his vehicle on their way to school and as they passed, he started his car, followed them for about a block and pulled over next to them as if to make contact with them while still masturbating.

Later that afternoon, the same similarly described suspect contacted a different female and was seen by school staff driving slowly past the school near Southeast 28th Place and Grant Street.

The next morning, Tuesday September 28, 2010, the suspect pulled up alongside the same female victim as the previous afternoon and got out of his car as she crossed the street to get away from him.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, late 20's to late 30's, about 5'2" and 150 pounds, with very short dark hair (head almost shaved), mustache and goatee, wearing a light colored shirt and dark pants or jeans.

The vehicle was described as an older model white 4-door smaller car, possibly a Pontiac, with a dent on one of the front fenders, possibly black wheels and black bumpers, with black scratches on the rear passenger side fender.

Officers from the School Police Division and Central Precinct were providing extra patrols in the area as a result of the reports.

On Wednesday September 30, 2010, Officer Walker Berg of the School Police Division spotted a vehicle and subject matching the suspect description, parked near Hosford Middle School. Officer Berg contacted the subject and obtained his identification but did not have a reason to arrest him at that point.

On Thursday October 1, 2010, Officer Berg was contacted by another School Police Division officer about a similar incident that morning involving an exposer in the area of Northeast 77th Avenue and Alameda Street. Officer Berg met with the 17-year-old female victim and she was able to identify Pedro Prieto-Enriquez as the person that exposed himself to her.

At this point, Prieto is charged with one count of Public Indecency, related to the October 1 incident. The investigation is continuing into the other reports and police are asking for any additional witnesses or victims to come forward with information. Prieto was booked into the Multnomah County Jail.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Officer Walker Berg at (503) 545-3907.

PORTLAND POLICE BUREAU RELEASES FINAL CHASSE DOCUMENTS

2010-10-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PPB RELEASES FINAL CHASSE DOCUMENTS
Posted: October 5th, 2010 1:01 PM

The Portland Police Bureau has posted documents related to the death of James Chasse on its website. These documents include the Training Review, Internal Affairs Review and documents from the Use of Force and Performance Review Board. These documents were previously held under protective order in regard to a lawsuit involving the family of James Chasse.

To access the documents, go to:

http://www.portlandonline.com/police/docs/Chasse_Final/

PORTLAND POLICE TALK SUICIDAL MAN OFF THE BURNSIDE BRIDGE

2010-10-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND POLICE TALK SUICIDAL MAN OFF THE BURNSIDE BRIDGE
Posted: October 5th, 2010 12:47 PM

At approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, October 5, 2010, Central Precinct Officers Helfrich and Sanders noticed a man sitting on the railing of the north side of the Burnside Bridge mid span as they drove across. The officers broadcast over the police radio they would be out on the bridge with this subject. Officers Helfrich and Sanders soon realized that this individual was considering jumping from the bridge and was suicidal. Sergeant Ossenkop and Officer Stegemeyer also responded to the bridge.

Sergeant Ossenkop quickly organized the incident and requested assistance from the Coast Guard who responded to the bridge via boat and shut down all traffic on the bridge. Officer Stegemeyer began talking with this suicidal subject and continued the conversation for 25 to 30 minutes. At that point, Sergeant Ossenkop said the man stepped over the bridge railing and was only holding on by his hands as there is no ledge on that side of the bridge. Officer Stegemeyer continued to talk with the subject and moments later the subject came back over the railing, walked to the waiting officers with his hands raised and surrendered.

The 39 year-old male subject will be transported to an area hospital, and the Burnside Bridge is open for all traffic.

Ex-Santa Ana police officer charged with 63 counts

2010-06-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ex-Santa Ana police officer charged with 63 counts

How To Watch Out For Unlicensed Private Investigators

2010-04-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

How To Watch Out For Unlicensed Private Investigators

Some people try to avoid the laws and regulations that must be followed to become a private investigator.

With the down economy, many private investigator agencies and sole proprietors are beginning to work without getting their state law enforcement issued license. This is against the law and if caught, the person(s) doing this will spend time in jail.

If you are in the situation where you need to hire a private investigator for adultery or any other surveillance job, you must do a little investigating of your own. All private investigators are required to show you their license prior to conducting any interviews with you.

Many non-licensed investigators who are doing this make up fake licenses, so when you speak to them originally, ask which attorneys they have done work for and call that attorney to see what they have to say. If the attorney has never heard of this investigator, notify your state's enforcement agency immediately.

One red flag to look for is if this un-licensed investigator has a website promising to cut you deals if you use them. If you speak to them on the phone and they give you a certain dollar amount as a retainer fee, and you say that it is more than you can afford, be careful if they say they will drastically cut the rate. If they ask you what you can afford, watch out.

Some people hire investigators, ask no questions, hand over a large amount of money for a retainer fee... and never hear from these people again. When you try to call them again, there is no answer or the number has been changed. Always run a check with the Better Business Bureau before signing anything or giving large amounts of money away. Be weary of those asking for cash.

Content Source: Bukisa - How To Watch Out For Unlicensed Private Investigators

Family calls for public's help in locating missing SE Portland man

2010-03-01T18:51:00.001-08:00

tyler brady

Private Investigator - Portland, Oregon - Portland - Other Services

2010-02-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Private Investigator - Portland, Oregon - Portland - Other Services

911 Call

2010-02-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

Portland Private Investigator's body found in backyard sinkhole

2010-01-24T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press
Monday, January 18, 2010; 9:21 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The body of a Portland man has been found in a 35-foot-deep sinkhole partly filled with water in his backyard after a friend called police to say she hadn't heard from him.

Dr. Karin Gunson, the state medical examiner, says 57-year-old Michael Zerwas died of a combination of hypothermia and drowning but survived the initial fall into the hole.

Officials say the hole was 5 feet wide and opened up over what appeared to be an old brick-lined cistern.

Police went to Zerwas' home Sunday after being called by a woman in Iowa who said she hadn't heard from him since Thursday.

Firefighter Justin de Ruyter was among those called to the scene after police found the body. He says he believes Zerwas, a private investigator, was gardening when the ground collapsed.

Facebook Could Reveal A Cheating Spouse

2010-01-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace can offer a wealth of information to spouses who suspect that their significant other may be having an affair

Read more.....

PDX PI

2010-01-04T13:13:00.001-08:00

Please visit our new Web Site

www.pdxpi.com

First Known Private Investigator - by Tom Turner

2010-01-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

The first known private investigator was a French criminal by the name of Eugène François Vidocq. Vidocq was born in the northern French city of Arras on July 23, 1775 and was the son of a baker. At age 14, Vidocq accidentally killed a fencing instructor who had challenged the young man to a duel over a woman, and Vidocq stole money from his parent’s bakery with the intent of sailing to the Americas. But along the way he lost his money to a young actress and at age 15, joined the Bourbon Regiment, a company of battle-hardened ruffian soldiers. After serving only six months, he boasted to having fought in fifteen duels. His military record reflects a long list of reprimands, desertions and reenlistments according to a ghost-written biography.

Vidocq was in an out of jail through his mid twenties for offenses ranging from a card shark, forgery and as a pirate. At one point in his early life, he masqueraded as a nun and even taught school. That ended when he was run out of town after becoming a little too amorous with some of his older female students.

In the early 1800’s, Vidocq decided to try something more respectable. He approached the Paris police and offered his services as spy. With knowledge of his colorful past, M. Henry, the head of the criminal department of the gendarmerie decided to take a chance on Vidocq. He worked as an undercover informant for the police as an inmate within a Paris prison. Proving his skills, officials orchestrated his escape.

By 1812, he had created the security department within the police called Sûreté, which served as the criminal investigative unit of the Paris police and was later the inspiration for Scotland Yard and the FBI. By 1820, his thirty man unit, many of which were ex-cons, had blossomed into a team of experts that had decreased the crime rate in Paris by 40% and were responsible for more than 800 arrests.

Vidocq is remembered because he introduced record-keeping and ballistics to criminal investigation and made the first plaster casts of shoe impressions. He is credited with creating indelible ink and unalterable bond paper. Vidocq was credit with conducting the first sting operations, plainclothes police work and crime scene preservation. Some of his concepts are still in use today by French police.

Growing bored once again, in 1833, Eugène François Vidocq established the first known private detective agency known as Le Bureau Des Renseignments (Office of Intelligence), again hiring ex-cons. Law enforcement was not impressed with Vidocq’s latest venture and tried many times to shut him down. In 1842, he was arrested on suspicion of unlawful imprisonment, taking money under false pretenses, corrupting public officials, and usurping police functions after he had solved an embezzling case. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined 3,000 francs. Later suspecting that he had been set up, the Court of Appeals released him.

During his later years, he wrote novels based on his criminal experiences. In 1946, there was a film based on Vidocq’s memoirs titled, “A Scandal in Paris”.
When his wife died in September, 1847, he retired and closed his agency. In April 1857, Vidocq became paralyzed in his home in the Marais district in Paris and died on May 11.

Portland Oregon Private Investigators

2009-03-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

PDX PI