Dear NCISS members,
Florida Private Investigators need our help
fighting restrictive GPS legislation.
We have a link set up in the NCISS Advocacy Hub so you can send a quick and easy letter directly to Florida Governor Rick Scott from the NCISS web site. When you click on NCISS Advocacy Hub you will see "Rick Scott GPS Veto Request."
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- Then click on "select this recipient" and the letter will populate with information asking Governor Scott to veto restrictive GPS legislation. All you have to do is sign your name, fill out your name, address, and email below and click "SUBMIT." Voila! The email will magically appear in Governor Scott's Email In-Box.
I just sent a letter myself and it is simple and fast. It will take you not more than a minute! This is the first time we have tried this for a state issue, so please let me know how it works for you.
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If you prefer to write the letter on your letterhead and submit it as an attachment from your own email, the same letter is below for your convenience. You can copy and paste it on your stationary.
The Honorable Rick Scott
Governor, State of Florida
The Capital
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Re: HB197
Dear Governor Scott:
Prior to adjourning, the Legislature passed CS/CS/HB-197, a bill which restricts the use of global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.
We have monitored this bill the entire session. Up until two weeks ago, our industry was supportive. Then, an amendment was included that specifically prohibits private investigators from utilizing this technology.
The private investigative industry is the only legitimate business entity that is specifically singled out, and not given an exception under this legislation. This is particularly confusing as 90% of licensed investigators are highly trained former law enforcement officers.
Further, the legislation specifically prohibits the use of GPS when a dissolution of marriage or petition for protection against domestic abuse has been filed. This is particularly alarming as these situations are specifically where such technology has proven to be invaluable in protecting women in divorce from potential financial ruin, and most importantly, from the ever increasing epidemic of domestic violence.
Prior to introducing this amendment, neither of the sponsors chose to consult members of the private investigative industry to learn what the unintended consequences of this legislation might be If they had competently researched the issues, they would have learned that this technology is used extensively to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, workplace violence, child abuse and parental abduction.
The main argument used to advance this legislation was that the use of GPS by predators presented a danger to potential victims I can assure you that while criminals intent on harming someone will not be deterred by the threat of being arrested on a 2nd degree misdemeanor, this legislation removes a valuable tool that provides protection to potential victims of domestic violence.
I respectfully request that you veto this bill. A new bill can be drafted that will accomplish the goal of protecting citizens while allowing licensed private investigators the continued legitimate use of this technology to protect those most susceptible to physical violence.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this matter in greater detail.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
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Regardless if you chose to send your letter through
the Advocacy Hub or on your own letterhead as an attachment, please do one or the other as quickly
as you can. DO NOT MAIL YOUR LETTER - -
IT WILL BE TOO LATE.
This bill is on Governor Scott's desk now.
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If we work together, we can make a difference!
Francie Koehler
Legislative Chair - Investigation
National Council of Investigation and Security Services
7501 Sparrows Point Boulevard
