About Mark

With more than 28 years of law enforcement and forensic science experience and a master's degree in forensic science from George Washington University, Mark Gillespie combines extensive first-hand field experience with cutting-edge technical expertise. He founded Gillespie Investigations as a full-service investigative agency specializing in both criminal and civil investigations, background investigations, surveillance, missing persons, forensic consultation, crime scene reconstruction, insurance fraud and infidelity investigations.

Mark spent a career as a special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Gillespie commanded many investigative units both in the U.S. and overseas. He personally investigated or managed major felony offenses such as capital murder, sexual assault, white collar crime, child abuse, theft, computer crime, sexual exploitation of children on the internet, narcotics and aggravated assault. He also has extensive experience with technical services countermeasures, protective service operations, counterintelligence and counterespionage operations.

Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1996, Mark became the Director of Forensic Science for the Austin (Texas) Police Department where he supervised a staff of over 90, including crime scene specialists, crime lab analysts, evidence technicians and crime records clerks. Mark has extensive experience in crime laboratory management, crime scene investigation and forensic photography. Some of his specific accomplishments worth noting include:

• Established Austin's DNA Lab;
• Created Austin's Crime Scene Unit;
• Overhauled all of the lab's high-tech forensic equipment;
• Established need for new 45,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Forensic Science Center;
• Organized and spearheaded effort for the passage of $19 million city bond election to fund construction of new forensic lab;
• Key designer in forensic lab;
• Architect of Texas Senate Bill 638, which allows the collection of DNA samples from persons upon indictment and conviction for certain offenses;
• Established civilian unit (Property Crime Response Unit) to handle non-emergency calls for police officers - allowing officers to focus on serious issues within the city;
• Secured nearly $3 million in federal grant funding.

Since 2002, Mark has served on the faculty at St. Edward's University where he is an Instructor of forensic science, crime scene investigation and criminal investigation. Mark has the distinction of establishing the forensic science undergraduate degree program at St. Edward's University.

Hiring a Private Investigator

Hiring a private investigator can be a difficult and challenging process. It can also be one of the most important decisions you can make. It boils down to trust and confidence. You are placing your complete trust and confidence in a person to perform a critically important task. The results of this task could literally impact your life; therefore, selecting the right person for the job is extremely important. To help, consider these tips:

1. Ask around for a referral. Your friends, business associates, your lawyer, your insurance company may be good sources of information.
2. Is your PI licensed? Not all states require PI's to be licensed. In order to conduct investigations in the state of Texas a person must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau.
3. Check your state's private investigator associations, most of which have web sites that post their membership directory. If you can't find a PI association for your state, there are a number of national PI organizations that refer investigators, such as The National Association of Investigative Specialists (NAIS) and PINow. Check your state's trial lawyers' association; they maintain a directory of PI's your area. In Texas, you may want to contact Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) for referral advice.
4. Check Internet and Yellow Page ads for private investigator listings.
5. Before you speak to an investigator, know how much you can afford to spend.
6. When you speak to an investigator, ask if he/she has done the type of work you're seeking and what the results were. In most instances, your conversation with the PI will determine if you hire that PI.
7. Expect to pay a retainer before any work is begun. This is a common and acceptable business practice.

For more information about hiring a PI check these links:

• http://www.bls.gov/home.htm
• http://www.askmen.com/fashion/how_to_150/162b_how_to.html

Fees

Contact Mark Gillespie to discuss your needs and obtain an estimate.