FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Edward R. Kirby & Associates, Inc.--P974806

EDWARD R. KIRBY & ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS

1100 LAKE STREET
OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60301-1015
PHONE (708) 383-1826
FAX (708) 383-1850

STEVEN L KIRBY
PRESIDENT

Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Room H- 159
Sixth & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Re: Support of Self Regulation of
Private Investigation & Security Services

Dear Mr. Secretary:

In response to the FTC's request for additional comments following the hearings held on June 10, 1997, as a licensed private investigator in the State of Illinois and a regular user of public and non-public records, I would like to request your support of the proposition for self-regulation.

The data which we regularly access and use in our reports to clients is judiciously used by us for the benefit of our clients. It is important that a free flow of information be available to us in order for us to do the most good for both our business and individual clients. Regulation would create barriers which would seriously deter our efforts to uphold the law, keep the peace, and protect the rights of our clients.

Members of our industry are required by law and the test of the courts to keep certain information confidential and to maintain a high degree of accuracy in our reports. We have stated a willingness and desire to self-regulate, and privacy protection can be managed through our industry's commitment to discretion in our use and distribution of information. I ask that you support self-regulation and work with our industry to successfully bring about policies and procedures that we can all live with in a free society.

Very truly yours,

EDWARD R. KIRBY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Steven L. Kirby

Steven L. Kirby
President

SLK:ji

Certified International Investigators

EDWARD R. KIRBY & ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS

1100 LAKE STREET
OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60301-1015
PHONE (708) 383-1826
FAX (708) 383-1850

STEVEN L KIRBY
PRESIDENT

Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Room H- 159
Sixth & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Re: Support of Self Regulation of
Private Investigation & Security Services

Dear Mr. Secretary:

In response to the FTC's request for additional comments following the hearings held on June 10, 1997, as a licensed private investigator in the State of Illinois and a regular user of public and non-public records, I would like to request your support of the proposition for self-regulation.

The data which we regularly access and use in our reports to clients is judiciously used by us for the benefit of our clients. It is important that a free flow of information be available to us in order for us to do the most good for both our business and individual clients. Regulation would create barriers which would seriously deter our efforts to uphold the law, keep the peace, and protect the rights of our clients.

Members of our industry are required by law and the test of the courts to keep certain information confidential and to maintain a high degree of accuracy in our reports. We have stated a willingness and desire to self-regulate, and privacy protection can be managed through our industry's commitment to discretion in our use and distribution of information. I ask that you support self-regulation and work with our industry to successfully bring about policies and procedures that we can all live with in a free society.

Very truly yours,

EDWARD R. KIRBY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

James R.. Kirby

James R. Kirby
Vice President

JRK:ji

Certified International Investigators