The ISPLA is Committed to Legislative ACTION for Private Investigators

“What distinguishes ISPLA from other associations is reflected in the last three words of our name: ‘…for Legislative Action.’  That’s all we do, and we do it well.” – Bruce Hulme, ISPLA Director of Government Affairs www.ISPLA.org

In fact, ISPLA is not really a traditional association at all. Why? ISPLA’s primary functions include reviewing proposed federal and state laws and regulations in order to identify critical issues; developing policy statements; preparing “white papers;” implementing action plans; serving as a resource to the profession, government and the media; providing testimony before hearings, boards and study groups; identifying third-party stakeholders with mutual interests and acting as their liaison to government; serving as an advocate for or against specific bills affecting investigative and security professionals; engaging state and federal lawmakers to influence legislation beneficial to the investigative and security professions; and creating and administering a federal political action committee.

ISPLA members have direct access to a daily live state- and federal- tracking system in real time, an un-moderated web blog (a forum for open, uncensored debate and discussion within the investigative and security professions), timely bulletins on proposed state and federal legislation and regulations, and opportunities for professional development on policy advocacy and training relevant to legislative and regulatory processes. On a daily basis, ISPLA state association members have access to new bills; some have taken advantage of ISPLA’s advocacy program, Educate to Legislate.

As you can see, legislation is all we do. Political times are too volatile to have important time and funding focused on other “typical” association related activities.

Other national associations such as NCISS, ASIS, NASCO, NAPBS, NAPPS, USAPI, ACFE, WAD, CII and INTELLENET offer a wide range of member services including conventions and trade shows, newsletters, email listservs, membership directories, referral services, and the presentation of awards. ISPLA’s mission, which is singularly focused full-time on lobbying and PAC activities, does not involve these other programs. ISPLA does not view these professional associations as “competing organizations,” but rather as potential allies and stakeholders working together for a common cause for the benefit of all investigative and security professionals.

People have asked us, “What is the difference between ISPLA and NCISS?” We are not naive to the fact that there is discussion about this among the professions. This is a good question and one that should be answered.

Legislation is but one aspect of the mission of NCISS and is run by a five- member legislative committee with the assistance of a part-time paid lobbyist.  NCISS does not allow for policy discussion among its members relative to legislation and provides no opportunity for its members to search current state and federal bills. Such information is controlled solely by its lobbyist and legislative chairman.

NCISS is under the mistaken impression that it is the only voice in Washinton thatrepresents private investigators and contract security companies.  This is a myth. ISPLA together with ASIS, NASCO, NAPBS and NAPPS are doing the same work, each with its own retained lobbyist, and each having different points of view and possessing special areas of expertise.  Industry opposition is led by dozens of privacy advocacy groups and labor unions. NCISS, with competing interests within its organization, does not have the resources to provide effective opposition alone.

To make your voice really count in Washington, consider joining Investigative & Security Professionals for Legislative Action. Annual dues from the date of joining are just $99. All of our funds raised are used exclusively for lobbying and addressing regulatory and legislative matters affecting the investigative and security profession. Presently, we are all volunteers and pay our own travel expenses.

However, we do need funds to maintain our legislative tracking system and handle mandatory regulatory and legal filings.  We appreciate the many ISPLA professional association members that have given us annual donations ranging from $100 to $5,000.  And, we certainly would like the support of every professional association!

In the two short years of our existence, the average contribution from ISPLA member investigative firm contributors towards our government affairs and PAC services has been $500. From contract security firm contributors, it has been $1,000.  We will also gratefully accept individual contributions in any amount.

To join or contribute to the work of ISPLA on line, please visit www.ISPLA.org. Donations may also be mailed to the address below.  Thank you.

Bruce Hulme
ISPLA Director of Government Affairs
Investigative & Security Professionals for Legislative Action
235 N. Pine Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933