FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Dameron Investigative Services--P974806
July 10, 1997 Chairman, Federal Trade Commission Re: Support of Self-Regulation Dear Mr. Chairman: In response to the Commission's request for additional comments following the hearings held June 10, 1997, I, as a licensed private investigator, am a regular user of public and non-public records (such as credit headers), and support the proposition of self-regulation. I conduct investigations on behalf of attorneys, government agencies, insurance companies and corporations. Most of the investigations relate to pending litigation, where there is a court case number or a claim number. Also I conduct investigations relating to internal thefts where a police report has been completed. Although I support our industry's ability and willingness to regulate itself, I feel that in the type cases I have cited, it is imperative that information be made available to the concerned parties, and the subjects of the investigation not be notified. I am required to keep the information confidential and maintain a high degree of accuracy in my reports. To have the targets of my investigations to be able to browse around in my inquiries and data, or opt out of databases that are private and public, would be detrimental to my clients in pending litigation. Privacy protection can be managed through our industry's self-regulation of uses and distribution. Our industry has stated a willingness and desire to self-regulate. This industry must have the opportunity to self-regulate and welcomes the government's help in enforcing the rules, through our efforts and the industry's associations. I ask that you support self-regulation and work with the industry to successfully bring about policies and procedures that we can all live with in a free society. If you have any questions, you may telephone me at (818) 248-2229. Respectfully submitted, Jake DameronJake Dameron JD:cd Over 36 Years Investigative Experience · Insured · State License No. PI 12989 |