FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Serna & Associates--P974806 Serna & Associates · Professional Investigative and Dental Consulting Services
July 8, 1997 Mr. Robert Pitofsky Re: Support of Self-Regulation Dear Mr. Chairman: In response to the Commission's request for additional comments following the hearings held on June 10, 1997, I as a Texas licensed private investigator and owner of my own investigative company, am a regular user of public and non-public records (such as credit bureau headers). As such, I whole heartily support the proposition of self-regulation for our industry. The information we regularly access and use in our reports to clients has a beneficial use and need in our ever-expanding society. It is of utmost importance that a free flow of information be available to support commerce and our judicial system. Such a flow of information allows the public, who may not have such resources, to defend itself without looking to the government for assistance. Based on established ethics and standards, we are required to keep the information confidential and maintain a high degree of accuracy in our reports. 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. Required continuing education mandates within our industry (as in Texas) can further assist in complying with self-regulation. As a private investigator, with over 25 plus years of investigative experience, our industry must have the opportunity to self-regulate. As such, we welcome the government's efforts in helping to enforce the rules through our efforts and the industry's associations. In summation, I ask that you support self-regulation and work with the industry to successfully bring about polices and procedures that we can all live with in a free society. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully Submitted, Santos Serna, Jr. Cc:The Honorable Henry Bonilla, United States House of Representatives Licensed and Insured |