Hi, All,

For my President’s Message/Column I plan to interview women Private Investigators—both real and fictional. If you are either, contact me—no authors, please, just P.I.s. We will set up an interview (via email) to talk about the profession.

Today for my first interview is a working P.I.—Sheila Wysocki. 

We are in my office sitting at a small conference table. My first question, Sheila, is why did you got a P.I. license? 

“I got my license to solve the murder of Angie, my college roommate—which I did. The murderer was convicted and put on death row.” 

That’s fabulous. That what every investigator working on a case hopes for.

 My next question is--do you read P.I. novels? 

“No.” 

Then I can’t ask you my next question, which is what do you think P.I. writers get wrong. So, moving on. Your specialty is cold cases. How do you get a case? 

“When there’s a suspicious death that hasn’t been solved, moms I’ve helped from my past cases refer me. I also work with attorneys and get cases from them.” 

What was your most satisfying case? 

“As I mentioned, finding Angie’s murderer and seeing him convicted of murder.” 

As well as being a P.I., you are a victim advocate. What does this involve? 

“I hope I offer to families seeking answers on cold cases a resolution for them. I’m an expert in most facets of investigative work, including crime scene analysis, evidence review, and legal processes. I’ve worked on some high profile cases where I came in with a fresh eye and uncovered new evidence that reignited the stalled investigation or the cold case.” 

Your investigative work doesn’t stop there. What is the other aspect of your work? 

“I’m an advocate. I work for legislative change, interact with lawmakers for reforms that will benefit victims’ families. I’ve developed the Homicide Victims Rights Bill to insure the rights of victims and their families are upheld during the investigative process. I have an investigative strategy, the Wysocki Cold Case Resolution Method, which I use to train investigators."

 Sheila, thanks so much for joining me today. I look forward to the virtual P.I. panel you will be a part of on Sunday, September 15 from 1-2:30 PST. See you then. 

My next P.I. guest will be Miss Mary Wandwalker, who, upon retirement, founded the Depth Enquiry Agency (DEA) based in London. She is taking time out of her current investigation to fly here for the interview. Many thanks!