NCISS Legislative mission

The National Council of Investigation and Security Services (“NCISS”) is the national professional association advocating for private investigators and security professionals in our nation’s capital. NCISS membership includes a range of professionals including private investigators, security guards, SIU investigators, legal investigators, surveillance and security experts, forensic investigators, and others. Investigative and Security professionals offer many services for individuals, attorneys, and businesses. These services include performing background checks for business and governmental entities; investigating internal theft and fraud; effectuating service of process; collecting evidence within criminal and civil legal proceedings; locating missing persons, children and assets; investigating matters pursuant to court appointments; investigating breaches of information and data security; and protecting and securing critical infrastructure, persons and property. NCISS’s legislative mission is to advocate the interests of private investigators and private security agencies in the United States Congress, State Legislatures and amongst all relevant regulatory administrative agencies.

NCISS LEGISLATIVE priorities

Open Government

NCISS believes in an open government. Only with open public records can we provide a transparent government. Such transparency is essential in a free society. NCISS advocates for a strong Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) and individual State Public Meetings and Information laws. The general free flow of information helps provide the public with information necessary for a healthy economy and fair due process in criminal and civil matters.

NCISS supports the passage of legislation which provides for the access and modernization of open government records. Whether in the legislative, judicial, or executive branch, access to public records is critical for investigative and security services.

Data Privacy

NCISS believes in fair and reasonable data privacy. Information is the backbone of the United States economy. Reasonable access is needed for safety, business efficiency, and for use in the judicial system. Access to this information by trained professionals is necessary.

NCISS believes in responsible access and use of personal information. As information professionals, NCISS members subscribe to the NCISS Code of Ethics [LINK HERE] which requires members to provide considerations to both their clients and third parties when accessing or using personally identifiable information. NCISS supports legislation that provides for reasonable access to public and non-public data to investigate, establish, exercise, prepare or defend legal claims or defenses.

Fair Labor Practices

NCISS membership is comprised of small, medium, and large business concerns. Such patchwork is necessary to meet the various needs of business, governmental agencies, and courts. NCISS believes in fair labor regulations which allow for both larger companies and sole proprietors to work together and service the needs of their client. NCISS supports common sense approaches to providing reasonable and fair labor regulations for a diverse our diverse profession and the economy as a whole.

State Licensure

State licensing of investigative and security professionals is paramount to maintain the integrity of the profession. NCISS supports the regulation of investigative and security professionals at the state level for the protection of the general public. NCISS is supportive of regulation which requires licensing, continuing education, and vetting of investigative and security professionals. Establishing a minimum standard in each state for licensure is necessary to ensure that only qualified, knowledgeable individuals are operating within the profession. In addition, NCISS believes that state and local laws should be regularly enforced against unlicensed operators or others in violation of state licensing statutes.