PInow.com Weekly News Round-up

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This week, the PInow.com staff was eagerly following these industry news stories:

Texas Surveillance Bill

AUSTIN, TX - A new bill has been introduced in Texas that would require surveillance cameras in all state schools. Additionally, it also would require each employee of these schools to undergo drug and fingerprint tests, as well as background checks. The bill would create an ombudsman to handle complaints and to audit schools. Gov. Rick Perry is calling the proposed law "emergency legislation" to help it pass quickly. The Justice Department has admitted that 450 cases of neglect and abuse, and 53 deaths have occurred at the state schools.

California Background Checks May Become More Frequent

RIVERSIDE, CA - Sen. John J. Benoit has introduced legislation requiring staff and service providers who work with the elderly to pass background checks. The law would require all independent contractors in California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program to register their fingerprints and pass a background check before working with the elderly. The proposed law stems from recent cases of fraud. In those cases, some workers with the IHSS claimed funds for people who did not exist by using a fraudulent Social Services Number.

Social Networks and Background Snooping a Bad Mix, Experts Say

CHICAGO, IL - Many employers are running their own background checks on workers and potential employees using social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. While these sources provide plenty of information, attorneys warn that using such snooping methods can make employers vulnerable to legal problems. These can arise from invasion of privacy and discrimination claims. While it is not illegal for employers to visit the Facebook and MySpace web pages of employees or potential employees, any information that is gathered this way and used as the basis of a hiring decision, can bring about discrimination lawsuits. Experts agree that hiring PIs or PI firms experienced in background checks is a much safer way of screening workers.

PIs, Authorities On the Counterfeit Trail

MONROE, OH - Authorities are cooperating with PIs in Ohio to track down counterfeit products being sold at area flea markets. Recently, PIs from Bruce Kingsland & Associates helped track down counterfeiters at Treasure Aisles, leading to the arrest of Abdul Issa on charges of trademark counterfeiting. Police and PIs will likely be stepping up their efforts to crack down on counterfeit goods at Treasure Aisles and the Traders World flea market. Since last May, 23 arrests have been made at the two markets related to counterfeiting.

Canadian PIs Run a Successful Business

HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - Maria Sevitti and Tina Taylor own Core Investigations & Security Solutions. In a recent case, Sevitti went undercover at a factory to find drug dealing and stealing among employees. The job was dangerous, but allowed the employer to fire those workers who were pulling the company under. Sevitti and Taylor have owned their own company for two years and have 20 years of experience between them in the industry. Currently, they have 18 employees and have conducted more than 130 investigations.

Industry Events

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