ISSUE 01 19 The Investigator WINTER 2 0 1 9 Newsletter of the Indiana Society of Professional Investigators

INspi Purpose this issue

The society’s purpose will President’s Message P.1 be to promote the Y Legislative News HB1269 P.2 competency and integrity of the investigative and INspi P.4 security professions, to advance and safeguard How Did We Get Here? P.6 the highest professional codes and ethics of said President’s Message professions, and to As your new President, I wanted to start by cultivate and endorse thanking everyone for entrusting me with the those arts and sciences leadership of our association. It is truly an which will raise the honor and privilege to be in this position. Also thank you everyone for electing Steve Radde This mentality and strategy of quality over quantity, standards and techniques and Roger Getz, both are known by me to be has not only strengthen INspi, but has strengthen of the professional very capable and honorable professionals. our profession. In the last four years more Indiana investigative and security investigators have gained certifications and fields of endeavor. One of the major difficulties that I’m faced with increased their knowledge then in previous in this position is the outstanding work that decades. Also, financially, INspi went from INspi Membership was conducted by our outgoing President, continuously calling members to pay their dues, to Brandy Lord. The bar has been set to such a The members of the having a surplus of funds and seeking worthy high standard that it may never be attain by Indiana Society of causes to sponsor. Professional Investigators another. Throughout the last four years, come together to establish Brandy has slowly changed the mentality of These accomplishments for INspi and our and promote a state our association from focusing on quantity to profession were not easy to attain. I want to thank society which organize focusing on quality. our outgoing President, Brandy Lord, for these and educate our accomplishments, that came with a great members, promote and The training seminars and meetings that were investment of volunteer time, funds and effort. In enforce professional organized have attracted the attention of not appreciation we remain. canons of ethics, develop only investigative professionals in Indiana, and sponsor mutual however, investigators from all over the feelings of good will and country. The name and reputation of INspi has trust among ourselves spread throughout our nation and has made and other investigative George Gergis, CLI our association shine like a beacon from the President – INspi and related associations crossroads of America. Many from other and organizations professional associations have contacted throughout the United States of America, and Brandy for advice to assist with their meetings. worldwide. Industry leaders and professional trainers have complemented her on successful seminars and training. Indiana Society of Professional Investigators, Inc All Rights Reserved

INspi Officers 2019

President: Legislative News George Gergis Investigative Support Unit, Inc P.O. Box 10231 HB 1269 South Bend, IN 46680 574.292.5171 [email protected] The Select Committee for

Government Reduction

Vice President: H. Steve Radde Radde Investigative & Security Committee hearing January 26, 2019 Agency Inc. 1323 N. Ironwood Drive The Select Committee on Government Reduction, if you haven’t heard of them, it is a committee in South Bend, IN 46615 st 574.234.9091 the House of Representatives assigned in the 121 Assembly. They appear to have a mandate from [email protected] the executive office to reduce government by eliminating or reducing professional licensing. House Bill 1269 authored by the chair of the committee, Representative Doug Gutwein (R-Francisville) and

Secretary: co-authored by Representative (R-Kokomo) and Representative Robert Cherry Roger Getz (R-Greenfield) was being considered with language that would basically eliminate or reduce the Getz Investigations Inc. licensing for various professions, including an outright appeal of licensing of private investigative 259 W 700 N firms and security guard agencies. Valparaiso, IN 46385 219.763.2379 Other members of the committee included Vice-Chair, Representative Jim Lucas (R-Seymour), [email protected] Representative (R-Georgetown), Representative Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen), Representative (R-Goshen) Representative Dave Wolkins (R-Warsaw), Representative Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), Representative (D-East Chicago), Representative Vernon Smith (D-Gary) and Representative (D-Indianapolis). On the morning of January 26, 2019, with sub-zero temperatures, the Midwest was facing one of the coldest days in decades. This was the day the committee scheduled a hearing with very little notice. Paid lobbyists, assisting various professions, testified at the hearing in favor of their issues. As

professional investigators in Indiana, our group is a smaller group and paid professional lobbyists is a luxury that we can’t currently afford. It is the commitment of our members and true professionals who seek to safeguard the highest professional standards of our profession, who rallied for all of us. Professionals like David Shelton, from Illiana Investigations, who testify at the hearing. Professional like Kim Ridding and Chris Ridding from Legworks Investigations and Don C. Johnson from Trace Investigations, that drove into the Capitol on that icy cold day to be present and support our issues.

After the day’s testimony, the committee agreed to entertain amendments to the bill; however, the amendments could only be introduced by members of the committee. A vote was to be on February 5, 2019, a short 10 days away. It could take weeks to schedule a meeting with a Representative of the House to educate and convince them to introduce an amendment to a bill. David Shelton was to accomplish just that. His representative was on the committee, Rep. Hostettler, fortunate situation for us. They accomplished this within days instead of weeks and with almost no administrative support. Language for an amendment which saved the PISG Licensing Board was drafted and was part of a larger amendment brought before the committee. (continue on page 3)

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Legislative News … Continue

On February 5, 2019, the committee voted to accept the amendment that would continue to allow the licensing board to conduct business. Special thanks should be given to Representative Matt Hostettler that took the time to review and understand the importance of professional licensing for investigative and security agencies. Also thank you for the group of investigators that were present during that vote, David Shelton, Kim Ridding, George Gergis, Chris Ridding, Don C. Johnson and Brandy Lord.

Also thank you to the members of NCISS that reached out and provided needed support and insight to assist with this issue. Collateral harm to our profession and businesses may come from various legislative changes, with most being unintentional. Without a professional lobbyist we rely on the due diligence of our members to bring legislative issues to our attention. Please take the time to know your public officials and support the people that support our issues.

Photo of David Shelton of Illiana Investigations, presenting information to the House Committee.

All Rights Reserved,

Indiana Society of Professional

Investigators, Inc

Articles appear on the authority of the author. There is no warranty provided on advertisers. Nothing herein should be construed as

Legal Advice.

For information about NCISS contact Brandy Lord at: 574.288.5911 or [email protected] Or visit their website at www.nciss.org

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MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS

INspi Code of Ethics Networking

PREAMBLE Leadership The Indiana Society of Professional Investigators hereby states that a Section 2. Section 4. member should at all times exhibit high professional standards, and A member will not advertise his or The member will preserve the should protect and further his or her her services in a manner which confidentiality of the client or Education client’s interest and confidentiality, would be deemed unprofessional employer and the client’s or in a manner consistent with all or inappropriate by his or her peers, employer’s interests unless applicable laws and circumstances. or in a dramatic, misleading, or directed otherwise by the client or It should be the intention of every exaggerated fashion. A member employer, or unless under a Exclusive member to deal honestly, justly and will not engage in conduct which specific order of legal authority. courteously with all, and to practice would bring discredit, dishonor, or Section 5. Resources his or her profession according to injury to the dignity and honor of his or her profession, or to this this Code of Ethics. The member will make all society. reporting based upon truth and PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS RELATIONS WITH CLIENTS AND fact, and will offer honest opinions Discounts Section 1. THE PUBLIC and conclusions based thereon.

Each member of the society will Section 3. cooperate with other investigators Section 6. and related professionals, and by Upon request, the member will give Thank you for being a to each client a full explanation of the exchange of information and The member will conduct all member, with the the work to be performed, rates experience promote the welfare of aspects of his or her business and fees to be charged, and his or her profession in all matters within the bounds of legal, moral, assistance and reports to be rendered. not in conflict with the member’s and ethical considerations. commitment of all our relationship with a client or employer. members we are

strong.

.

2019 Membership Due Reminder

If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do so. Membership can be renewed, and dues paid on line at

www.INDIANAINVESTIGATORS.COM Or complete the application/renewal form on the next page

and mail to: INspi 50710 Princess Way, Suite 300 Granger, IN 46530

NOT A MEMBER YET? Just complete the below application or complete the on-line application. Page 4

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FORM 2019

The applicant information, excluding the name, is exclusively for INspi’s use and will not be released. The applicant’s name and business information are public record and will be listed in our website directory. Once application is approved a membership package will be forwarded. Thank you!

☐ Principal Member – State of Indiana Licensee (voting member) $100.00 ☐ Associate Member – Employee of Principal Member (non-voting member) $50.00 ☐ Affiliate Member – Out of State Principal Licensee (non-voting member) $100.00 ☐ Life Member – Available for one payment of $1000.00 ☐ NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION – Please complete entire application ☐ RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP – Please list your name, business name and any updated information

Fist Name Middle Name Last Name Date of Birth

Home Address:

***********************************************************************************************************

BUSINESS NAME:

BUSINESS ADDRESS:

YOUR TITLE: EMAIL: Mailing address if different : PHONE PHONE MAIN : CELL:

LICENSE NUMBER : STATE:

WEBSITE:

SPECIALTIES: Your signature here is your Agreement to Abide by the INspi Constitution and Bylaws.

Signature:

******************************************************************************************* Charge $______to my ☐ Visa ☐ Mastercard ☐ American Express ☐ Enclosed Check payable to INspi

Credit Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______CVV: ______

Billing Zip Code: ______Signature: ______

Mail application renewal form to: INspi, 50710 Princess Way #300, Granger, IN 46530 For additional information contact George Gergis, 574.292.5171 or email at [email protected]

Upcoming Events

• INspi - We are currently working on next INspi meeting with details to be announced soon. Coming soon…

• NCISS – Annual “Hit the Hill” April 29th – May 1st Registration information can be found at NCISS.org Professional Development • NALI - Annual Conference July 18th – July 19th The annual conference is being held in Philadelphia. Registration information can be found at NALI.com Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, • Have an event to share... learning, studying, sacrifice Send event information to INspi c/o George Gergis at [email protected] . and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. …Pele

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES WITH INspi

For information regarding advertising and sponsorships with INspi please contact George Gergis at 574.292.5171 or [email protected]

Indiana Society of Professional Investigators, Inc 50710 Princess Way, Suite 300 Granger, IN 46530 www,IndianaInvestigators.com

HOW DID WE GET HERE? rotated in and out at the next licensing cycle? It is true that many apply, and Private sector investigators come into the business from a variety of avenues. many even get licensed, but only a few are accepted by fellow investigators Gone are the days that had people from one sector of the world filling the as true professionals. Acceptance is not automatically granted, it is earned. I profession. The variety of individuals becoming private investigators only have seen over the years how investigators that don’t carry a commitment strengthens the profession and the capabilities of private sector agencies. to their craft or commit other transgressions are sanctioned by true Although many enter this little corner of the world, not all stay. For those of us investigators. They are set aside to play investigator, while the others earn a that have been working in the profession for decades, we know that over half living. This is a reality of our profession. of the individuals that are working as private investigators today will not be private investigators four years from now. An investigator doesn’t have a glamorous job nor is the profession occupied by trigger happy alcoholics like portraited in many shows and movies. The True investigators have a sixth sense that goes beyond technical expertise, true reality is that the investigator’s job is thankless with countless hours of investigators practice their craft as an artform. At times there is a struggle boring surveillance, routine interviews, diligent efforts to locate witnesses, between the craft and the business, therefore traditionally the business is frustrating attempts to control uncontrollable clients, endless hours of referred to as a “practice”. preparing detailed reports and juggling a business. An unlike most professions, investigators are not limited to an 8-hour shift; extra hours, The United State Department of Labor indicates that there are approximately missed holidays and missed family gatherings are usually the norm rather 35,000 licensed private investigators in the United States. How many will be than the expectation. Anyone, from almost any background can be an investigator for six months, making a career of it takes true commitment and dedication.

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