Page 16 - NCISS Your Advocate August 2019

First Time Hit the Hill Experience
Kelly Cory - Keystone Investigative Services (CA)
At the NCISS conference in Washington D.C. and Hit the Hill were an incredible experience! Honestly, I was skeptical
about going, intimidated actually, given that I have never been very political in my life. As I've heard through the years
about how legislation impacts our ability to work, and that we've seen an increase in sweeping privacy laws recently, I
felt it was important to get involved. Just like in a new investigation, you figure it out how to do it and make it happen.

First, everyone at NCISS were terrific! I received so much great encouragement and support so by the time I arrived in
D.C. I was ready to get out there and make a difference. Although it took some persistence to get appointments with
legislators, they do want to meet with you and eventually each one I set out to schedule worked out. I found it most
interesting that these aids, chief of staff, senior counsel and other members of the congress person's office had little
insight other than TV on what investigators do. That was a good door opener to ask them and first explain how we serve
a real purpose in society. That then allowed the conversation to flow naturally into the proposed bills and how the
wording could inadvertently exclude us. I felt that I had a good dialog with each one and by the end I was thanked for
explaining to them how these laws could jeopardize our industry and effect how we can protect society with our
services. I left feeling like they would certainly keep us in mind when these types of laws get proposed.

It’s easy to think that one person may not make a difference. But I saw first-hand how one or two people in a meeting
like that really CAN make a difference. Although this was one staff member in one office, I felt that it was the start of a
great ongoing dialog to educate these representatives on what we do and how they need to keep us in mind with
proposed laws. It’s obvious to me now that each and every investigator should take interest in this as it not only will
affect your individual business, but our industry as a whole seeing bills that could put us out of business.

The conference was also great. Very informative workshops and highly educated professionals teaching us the current
trends of our industry. I met so many great people, professional connections and friendships to will last a lifetime. What
a cool experience coming together with investigators from across the Country for a central cause-investigations.

The efforts at Hit the Hill this year were vital
Brandy L. Lord, At Large Director - Integrity Investigations (IN)
Several bills that could have a drastic effect on our profession are pending and more are expected, with a focus on data
privacy. While private investigators are not the target of the legislation, it could have unintended consequences. Having
knowledgeable professionals present to explain the importance of our access and the detrimental effects these bills
could have on the investigation industry was imperative. Shout out to those who were on the ground "Hitting the Hill".

I was concerned that only 20 states were represented this year. I cannot express how important it is to maintain a
relationship with your state reps and continue to educate them about professional investigators and security services.
Without voices, we may not have a profession. It is equally as important to maintain a healthy relationship with our
state associations. Looking forward to seeing you all this fall in Michigan!

Members from Around the Country at Hit the Hill
Andrea Orozco, NCISS President - Advanced Professional Investigations (CO)
This year was no different with investigators from around the country representing Arizona, California, Colorado,
Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Washington DC! There is no greater voice than a constituent from their
perspective state speaking with the Senators or Representatives in Washington DC. Was your state represented? Make
sure the heads of your state associations understand the importance of membership in NCISS and more important..
being involved.