FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Shimrak Investigations--P974806 Thomas D. Shimrak Barbara A. Shimrak >> C O N F I D E N T I A L << SHIMRAK INVESTIGATIONS Phone: (702) 647-1627 July 1, 1997 Secretary, Federal Trade Commission RE: Support of Self Regulation Dear Mr. Secretary: In response to the Commission request for additional comment following the hearings held June 10, 1997, I Thomas D. Shimrak as a licensed private investigator and as a licensed independent insurance adjuster am a regular user of public and non-public records (such as credit headers), and support the proposition of self regulation. The data that we regularly access and use in our reports to 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, who does not have the resources to manage all of the problems they faced with to defend itself without looking to government for help. Further, regulation would create additional barriers to us that today save lives, prevent fraud and bring families together. The industry must have the opportunity to self regulate and welcomes the government’s help in enforcing the rules, through our efforts and the industries’ associations. REMEMBER EVERY TIME YOU PASS A LAW THAT DENIES ACCESS TO INFORMATION YOU ARE PASSING A LAW THAT PROTECTS THE CRIMINALS. IT GIVES THEM A PLACE TO HIDE. HONEST PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. GUN CONTROL LAWS ARE NOT GOING TO STOP THE CRIMINALS FROM OBTAINING GUNS AND LAWS THAT RESTRICT ACCESS TO INFORMATION TO THE HONEST INVESTIGATOR ARE NOT GOING TO DENY ACCESS WHO WOULD OBTAIN THE INFORMATION ILLEGALLY, WHICH INCLUDES THE CRIMINAL ELEMENTS. Thanks for Your Support. Sincerely, Thomas D. ShimrakThomas D. Shimrak |