Page 5 - NCISS Your Advocate March 2019

From the Vice Presidents…

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– Andrea Orozco, 1 Vice President
Hit the Hill is almost upon us and I can’t stress enough how important it is to take part in this year’s
event. We are already seeing privacy bills around the country that NCISS has helped with, but
remember it starts on the Federal level. Although there are many of us that make time for Hit the Hill
every year there is no better representation than a constituent from a perspective state to speak
with your Senator or Representative. There is no better way to have a voice for your profession, your
career and those that follow us into this profession. Safeguarding the information available to us and tools we use for
our profession is imperative. Do YOU want to make a difference? Join us in Washington DC April 29-May 1st. I guarantee
you will not have a more rewarding experience.

For those of you that don’t know I along with many on our board pull double duty by also representing Colorado as the
President of our state association, PPIAC (Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado). There have been
several states around the country that have needed assistance from NCISS this year for legislation. Colorado has been
dealing with SB19-012 which is a “Hands Free Bill”. We’ve asked for language to be added in the bill which otherwise
prevents investigators from holding a device which would include video equipment, etc. while driving. Those of you that
conduct surveillance know how crucial it is for us to obtain documentation of an individual driving when there are
restrictions (obviously in a safe manner) or other video evidence if there is an impaired driver (think family law cases) or
corporate cases. Even devices such as two-way radios would be potentially outlawed if this bill passes without
amendments. For those of you that are involved in your state association they NEED to be involved in legislative efforts
not only in your state, but also on a Federal level by being an NCISS member. Encourage your colleagues to take an
active part by becoming a member of this association. Your membership dollars help us continue to protect our interests
and have a voice in Washington D.C.

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– Wes Bearden, 3 Vice President
Thank you for letting me serve as your Third Vice President and and new Legislative Chair -
Investigations. 2019 has brought a few unexpected victories that help us advance our profession as we
head to the Capitol. These included in Indiana, Utah and Texas, which I will cover in my Legislative
Report for this issue.

These battles are significant for us in that, with coordination from state and national resources, we signal that we are
stronger together than apart. During our upcoming “Hit the Hill” and Annual Meeting event, we will be discussing NCISS
role in assisting state associations in the future. This would include not only notifying them of potential legislation but,
possibly, creating a framework for information and strategy sharing. More and more, we are facing similar legislative
challenges and opportunities at our various state levels. These challenges are alike from one state to another. By
collaborating across state lines, we have a better chance at success.

As you are aware, our annual Hit-the-Hill event is upon us. We will be meeting with legislators on a myriad of issues. We
encourage you to get involved and be present at this Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event, and prepare to make plans
for the fall Mid-Term Meeting. See you then!