COMMENTS AND DECISIONS FROM THE PI COMMISSION

The Private Investigators Commission meeting was held in Nashville on Friday, November 7, 2002. Carl Watson attended as a representative of TAI. Below is a brief summary of business conducted and matters discussed.

The first order of business was the introduction of Mr. Wayne Pugh, new staff attorney. Mr. Pugh assured the Commission that he intended to stay and promised to clear up the extensive backlog of unresolved complaints.

Several appeals were made on decisions made by the Commission. (1) Anthony Burton appealed a $250.00 civil penalty for missing CPE. The appeal was denied. (2) Billy Ray Courtney requested an extension to obtain his CPE for 2001. The Commission did not feel he made his case. The appeal was denied and he was fined $250.00.

A female investigator, who shall remain unnamed since the case is not yet resolved, appeared before the Commission regarding Material Misstatements on her applications for personal and company license. She stated she had NEVER been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. The criminal records check showed she was charged with 24 counts of issuing bad checks in 1987. Twenty-one were Nolle Prosequi; three were prosecuted. She stated that since that time she had applied with a gambling board for a job and was cleared so she felt that the convictions were not important and they had been expunged. She had not taken any action to have them expunged. The Commission voted 3-2, with the Chairman wanting to vote against her but it not being a tie vote he was not able to do so. She now has to pass the company exam, pay her fees and get her record expunged. It should be mid-January before she can begin working.

The law provides that if an applicant is found guilty of either a felony or misdemeanor, the Commission must decide if that conviction reflects unfavorably on the industry. This is a judgment call and they are privy to information that we are not, even sitting in the hearing unless it is a formal hearing. It seems to this writer that anybody convicted of a felony represents "poor judgment" on their part. We are going to work toward improvements in that area.

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REQUEST FOR HELP

The Private Investigators associations in Tennessee have been asked to help in the matter of unlicensed investigators. During the November 7, 2002 meeting of the PI Commission the new staff attorney was briefing us on the number of cases presently under investigation by the Commission. Presently there are 60 files on hand. Wayne Pugh, the new staff attorney, was trying to clear some of the old cases. (See article on the Commission meeting elsewhere.) One of the most common complaints they get is unlicensed activity. Commissioner Lax suggested and the Commission approved asking the two associations to assist in these cases. The staff will contact the association with a complaint in their area to give them what information they have and ask them to check on the investigator that is being complained on. We are not being asked to do any covert work or spend any money and we will not be reimbursed for any expenses. Since this type activity is taking money out of our pockets, we should be willing to help the Commission. Both Carl Watson, for TAI, Inc. and Gary Litton, for TPIA, Inc., agreed to bring this matter to the attention of the membership.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN…

Holiday greetings, from all of us on the State Board.

The Christmas season is a time of giving and getting, visiting old friends, making new ones and remembering happy times gone by. It is also a time of difficulty for many who are homeless, who are grieving for loved ones who have gone on and those who have loved ones in the military service. We may be at war by the time you read this but there is one truth that remains forever and that is that Jesus came into the world to bring peace to those who are willing to accept it. As I grow older I realize more and more that there is no peace apart from Him. At this time of year let each one thank God for the blessings we enjoy and strive to bring about a better world, beginning where we are.

Carl Watson, State Chairman

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ANNOUCEMENT

It is a real pleasure to report to you that Chip Cope has been appointed to a position on the Private Investigation Commission. He will assume that position at the February meeting in Nashville. Chip is straight down the road and believes in fulfilling the law as it is written, which is a trait that seems to have faded of late.

Carl Watson

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