FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Investigative Dynamics, Inc.--P974806 INVESTIGATIVE DYNAMICS, INC. July 2, 1997 Secretary, Federal Trade Commission Dear Mr. Secretary: This is in response to the Commission's request for additional comments following the Self Regulation Hearing held June 10, 1997. As a private investigator licensed in three jurisdictions, I am a regular user of public and proprietary records containing personal identifying information, and fully endorse the proposition of self regulation. The data we regularly access and use to prepare reports to our clients has a beneficial use and need in society. It is important that a free flow of information be available to support commerce and our judicial system. It also allows the public that does not have the resources to manage all, the problems with which it is faced, to defend itself without looking to an already overburdened government for assistance. Further regulation would create additional barriers to us who today save lives, detect fraud and bring families together. We are required to keep the information we access confidential and maintain a high degree of accuracy in our reports pursuant to law, the courts and the market place. To have the targets of our investigations able to opt out of public and proprietary databases would be the death of the public’s right to defend itself from those who would prey upon it. Prevention of wrongdoing and protection from fraud are the real measures of the use of data. Privacy protection can be managed through our industry's self regulation of uses and distribution. The investigative industry has articulated through its representatives and organizations its willingness and desire to self-regulate. It is essential that it be afforded that opportunity. I ask that you support self regulation and work with our industry to successfully develop policies and procedures that will benefit the public and that we can all live with in a free society. Sincerely, Bertram S. FalbaumBertram S. Falbaum, President LICENSE NUMBERS: ARIZONA 891101 · DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 1206 · VIRGINIA 11-1226 |